The nationwide search for the Most Outstanding Mason for 2011, a program honoring Filipino masons because of their great skills in building structures for the country, kicked off last Thursday in the Davao region.
Cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc. announced that it’s starting to accept nominations for the ‘galing Mason Award, following the launch of the third cycle search for Most Outstanding Mason held on Wednesday at The Marco Polo Davao.
Holcim has been spearheading the search every three years since 2006 as part of its program for masons of the country aimed at improving and professionalizing the masons’ craft.
The program is in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) and Association of Construction and Informal Workers (ACIW).
During the launch, Holcim and its partner agencies discussed the nomination and screening process of the awards with around 70 officials and representatives from private companies and organizations and government offices in the region.
The multi-sectoral stakeholders have also signed their commitment and support of the search.
According to Holcim, nominating groups may recommend deserving working masons who are at least 25 years old, and are holders of valid TESDA Certificate on Masonry. Nominees must have resided in their area for no less than a year.
The nomination paper along with Certificates of good moral character from at least two local organizations and other pertinent documents must be submitted to TESDA provincial office in their respective areas.
Nominations will be accepted until June 30 this year.
Holcim said nomination process will be undertaken first at the provincial level where the top two nominees from each province will be selected to compete at the regional level. The regional winners will vie in the national competition.
The ‘galing’ Mason Award will be given to deserving masons who will be chosen based on productivity, technical competence and professionalism.
The winner will take home P150,000 in cash, while the nominating group will receive P50,000 which will be used for a social project of its choice. The regional winners will also get a cash prize of P25,000 each.
Holcim Philippines’ sustainable development head Michael Cabalda recognizes the importance of masons, saying “masons play a critical role since they help build structures for our country’s development. [PIA 11]
“It is only fitting that we honor those who do their job well and at the same time are role models in their communities,” stated Cabalda who urged local organizations to participate in the nominations.
In the first cycle of the search in 2006, one Sergio Barliso from Cebu was proclaimed the most outstanding mason in the country, while Rodante Andres of Capiz was conferred the award in 2008 during the 2ndcycle.
According to Holcim, the ‘galing’ Mason Award is part of its flagship corporate social responsibility program in partnership with TESDA.
The partnership has developed a program for masons, which also includes nationwide training for masons such as on environment and work safety, proper work ethics and application of cement.
The other feature of the program is the ‘galing’ Mason Olympics where masons who undertook the training program will engage in skills competition.
