Seven senior high school graduates from Ormoc City officially joined First Balfour, marking a new chapter in their journey from students to skilled workers. Five Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) finishers from Genaro B. Lureñana National High School and two Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) finishers from Valencia National High School were hired as welding and electrician helpers, respectively, for the Drilling Operations Program (DOP) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Tongonan Projects.
L-R: SMAW graduates turned welders Christian Magallanes, Nathaniel Calo, Jorey Lapinid, Jehreco Perez, and Remart Perez
These young talents are the latest beneficiaries of Project K12, First Balfour’s flagship education initiative supporting the technical-vocational curriculum of public schools in its host communities. Since its launch in 2016, Project K12 has evolved from a single-site program in Parañaque City to a multi-location effort that now includes SMAW and EIM training in Leyte. Last year, we were able to onboard five (5) graduates from Valencia National High School.
At its core, Project K12 is a values-driven program rooted in the belief that technical education can unlock real-world opportunities for Filipino youth. The initiative has since grown to empower over 400 senior high school students through access to tools, immersive internships, and opportunities that enhance their employability. By bridging classroom learning with industry experience, Project K12 continues to champion inclusive growth and career readiness across its partner communities.
L-R: Electrician helpers Jhon Margill Campos and Justine Villafuerte
Through immersive internships, the students gained hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals. The SMAW trainees honed their welding skills in active construction environments, while the EIM finishers applied their electrical knowledge in energy infrastructure settings. This real-world exposure helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.
Empowering the Next Generation
“We are very pleased with the first batch of graduates from SMAW and the second batch from EIM. Aside from providing them with work immersion, equipment, and tools, we were also able to provide them with employment opportunities within the company. Moving forward, we hope to continue supporting the next batches and assisting more youth in their educational journey,” said HR Employee Engagement Lead Anchel Cruz, who oversees Project K12.
A SMAW graduate expressed his eagerness to learn, saying, “Daghan unta mi matun-an, ug unta naa mutudlo sa amoa (We hope to learn a lot, and that someone will guide us along the way).”
One of the Project HR Leads in Leyte, Butch Amigos, who was involved in the onboarding and immersion process, shared, “We always remind our hires coming from the K-12 program that this is just the beginning. By equipping them with the right skills and mindset, we are opening doors for their growth and long-term success within the company.”
Investing in People and Communities
The onboarding was facilitated by First Balfour’s HR and project teams, who welcomed the graduates into their new roles. Over the next three months, they will undergo performance evaluations to assess their skills, work ethic, and potential for long-term employment.
With each new batch of hires, Project K12 continues to showcase First Balfour’s commitment to inclusive growth. By providing students with mentorship and hands-on training, the company is creating meaningful pathways for young graduates to build sustainable careers in the construction industry.
