First Balfour was recently recognized at the 2026 Construction Safety Awards for Safe Man-Hours by the Safety Organization of the Philippines, Inc. (SOPI), earning 17 awards across its projects, allied businesses, and head office.
From Perfect Safety Records to Distinction and Merit recognitions, these awards span a wide range of projects including geothermal complex, transmission lines, maintenance works, and major developments in the energy, water, and building sectors, collectively representing millions of safe man-hours delivered across the organization.
But while the recognition is significant, for First Balfour, the awards are not the highlight—they are the result.
L-R: Engr. Rogelio Fornal (SOPI Board of Trustee), John Patrick Vecino (T1 Rentals OSH Supervisor), Dexter Sebido (Burgos Overhead Transmission Line Maintenance OSH Assistant), Frefil Mark Benemerito (Negros Projects OSH Supervisor), Emil Estrabo (Corporate OSH Head), Bonifacio Jole Jole (Taguig 500kV Transmission Line Project OSH Manager), Paquito Kong Jr. (Corporate OSH Lead), Engr. Michael D. Arguelles (SOPI Board of Trustee).
Strong performance across projects
Across its operations, First Balfour earned multiple recognitions in the 2026 SOPI Construction Safety Awards, including:
- Distinction Award
Leyte Geothermal Complex – over 9.2 million safe man-hours - Perfect Safety Record Awards across key projects, including:
Geothermal Complex (Leyte, Kidapawan, and Davao de Oro)
Transmission Line projects
Building and Water Projects - Other major recognitions
Hyperscale Data Center – over 7.0 million safe man-hours (Distinction)
Head Office – over 3.0 million safe man-hours (Merit)
T1 Rentals –over 5.0 million safe man-hours (Honor)
T1 Transport – over 2.0 million safe man-hours (Merit)
These recognitions reflect First Balfour’s ability to maintain high safety standards across a wide range of projects from energy and transmission to industrial and maintenance works.
What the awards represent
To better understand what goes behind these milestones, we sat down with Emil Estrabo, Head of the OSH Department, on what it really takes to keep people safe every day.
“These awards are a meaningful reminder that what we do every day matters,” shared Emil Estrabo, Head of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department. “For the OSH team, it reflects the effort, consistency, and commitment we put into keeping everyone safe on site. It’s not always easy, but this shows that the work is making a real impact.”
He also emphasized the role of leadership across projects in making safety work on the ground: “A big part of our success in safety comes from our project managers. Their support is critical not just in setting expectations, but in making sure safety is consistently practiced on the ground. When project managers lead by example, it creates an environment where safety becomes part of how the team works every day, not just a requirement.”
For the company, the recognition reinforces something deeper—that safety is not just part of the process, but part of how work gets done.
The work behind every milestone
Behind each award is a level of discipline that often goes unseen.
“What people don’t usually see is the day-to-day work behind it,” Estrabo shared. “Safety milestones don’t just happen.. They’re built through constant planning, regular site checks, and ongoing conversations with workers.”
Toolbox talks in action. Aligning teams on safety practices before the work begins.
“Sometimes it means repeating reminders, correcting small habits, and making sure everyone understands why safety matters. At the end of the day, it’s really about looking out for one another.”
Working across different environments
Maintaining this level of safety across projects is not without its challenges.
With teams operating in different environments (each with its own risks, conditions, and pressures), alignment becomes critical.
“One of the biggest challenges is working with different kinds of people in different environments,” Estrabo explained. “Each project has its own setup, and people bring different experiences and mindsets when it comes to safety.”
Despite these differences, First Balfour continues to build a shared understanding across teams through regular engagement and leading by example.
Part of a larger industry effort
First Balfour was recognized alongside other companies. Sta. Clara International Corporation was among the organizations recognized, earning multiple awards across its infrastructure, energy, and construction projects—spanning categories such as Perfect Safety Record, Merit, Honor, and Commendation. Notable companies recognized include DATEM Incorporated, and MIESCOR Builders Inc., among others, many of which also earned multiple awards across their respective projects.
The breadth of awardees reflects a shared commitment across the industry to strengthening safety practices and protecting workers in increasingly complex environments.
Safety first. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays an important role in our safety practices.
What comes next
For First Balfour, the focus moving forward is not just to maintain these standards, but to continuously improve them.
“The goal is to make safety a responsibility that everyone owns—not just something managed by a team,” Estrabo shared.
By becoming more proactive in identifying risks and reinforcing safe behaviors, the company aims to further strengthen its safety culture across all projects.
Because beyond the awards and milestones, the goal remains the same: ensuring that everyone goes home safe, every day.
