First Balfour has reached a significant milestone as a TESDA recognized training partner (RTP), successfully producing its first batch of graduates under the Construction Supervisors Training Program (CSTP). Nine First Balfour employees have officially completed the Construction Site Supervision Level IV (CSS) course under the CSTP, one of the programs offered by the Philippine Constructors Association Foundation (PCAF). The graduates, now equipped with advanced site supervision skills, are set to receive TESDA Level IV certification—an internationally recognized credential that enhances their expertise in the construction industry
The ceremony is attended by PCA Executive Director Barry Paulino (middle row, fourth from left), PCA Program Manager Earl Segales (second row, leftmost) as well as TESDA Partnership and Linkages Office Executive Director Joy Songsong (not in photo).
The program completers from First Balfour are Ariel Alonso (Diagon South Field Engineer), Crizaldo Ampoyas (LGBU Field Supervisor), Mark Anthony Araneta (Bacman DOP 3 Construction Manager), John Arvi Arreza (LGBU Field Supervisor), Florante Imperio (LGBU DOP 2 Construction Manager), Jayson Jebulan (Tanawon CA Field Supervisor), Cesar Lupig (LGBU DOP 2 Construction Manager), Lavender Han Nastor (LGBU Field Supervisor), and Crez Sanglitan (LGBU DOP 2 Field Supervisor). They are joined by 10 other learners nominated by their respective PCA-affiliated companies.
The CSTP curriculum covers a comprehensive range of competencies essential for construction site supervision. Participants are trained in core construction supervision principles, project planning and organization, conflict resolution, and effective leadership. The program also emphasizes evaluating team performance and ensuring compliance with quality, environmental, safety, and health (QESH) standards, as well as company policies.
HR Learning and Development Lead Megan Zarzadiaz shares that the enrollees had to complete 192 hours of training spread across 16 weeks. “They began attending synchronous online classes starting mid-November 2024. There were also asynchronous activities which means they completed requirements and portfolios in their own free time.”
The CSTP, which was established through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between PCA and TESDA in 2018, is designed to produce qualified, job-ready construction supervisors. It is open to current and/or potential leadmen and foremen, project supervisors, project engineers, and field architects. The program has an Assured Programme Status from the UK’s Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), ensuring compliance with global competency standards. This recognition aligns the program with UK Technical-Vocational Education (UKTVET), making the certification internationally valid.
To date, 1,105 individuals have graduated from the CSTP across various TESDA RTPs.
PCAF, the training arm of the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA), continuously develops educational programs tailored to the evolving needs of the construction sector. Leading this effort is PCAF President and First Balfour’s own Chief Executive Officer Anthony L. Fernandez (ALF). “We have had about over 40 graduation ceremonies, starting even before the pandemic. I’m particularly proud of this [graduation] as this is the first [training partnership] opportunity that First Balfour has done with the PCA Foundation,” shares ALF during the graduation held online last March 28. The ceremony is viewable online on PCA’s official Facebook page.
As First Balfour continues to invest in its people and promote lifelong learning, this landmark graduation serves as an inspiration for future cohorts and a testament to the company’s commitment to building a globally-competitive construction workforce.
