First Balfour was named the Overall Winner of the prestigious Mother Nature Award during the 46th Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) National Annual Convention and General Assembly held on May 20–22, 2026, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The recognition highlights the company’s commitment to embedding sustainability into its projects, operations, and long-term business strategy.
First Balfour’s Angeline Abibuag and Jasmin Jill Dumasig accept the PCAPI Mother Nature Award at the 46th National Annual Convention in Puerto Princesa. Joining them on stage are (L-R) Chairman Awards Committee Engr. Gretchen Fontejon-Enarle, Regional Director of Environmental Management Bureau – MIMAROPA Joe Amil Salino, PCAPI President Luzviminda Angeles, and Convention Chairman Engr. Fernando Ramos.
Organized by the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) in partnership with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this year’s convention carried the theme “Supercharging Innovative Strategies with Equitable and Nature-Based Solutions for a Brighter Future.” The event gathered environmental leaders, policymakers, industry practitioners, and sustainability advocates from across the country to share innovative approaches that promote environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Representing First Balfour at the convention were Negros Island Geothermal Complex Project OSH Lead Frefil Mark C. Benemerito, Corporate Sustainability Officer Angeline D. Abibuag, Corporate Environmental Supervisor Jasmin Jill T. Dumasig, and NIGBU Projects Project Manager Antonieto Opelario Jr.
The company’s recognition followed a rigorous evaluation process that began in March 2026. Entries were reviewed through document submissions, presentations, and panel interviews where organizations were assessed on environmental performance, leadership, governance, transparency, measurable results, and sustainability impact. During the judging process, Jasmin Jill T. Dumasig presented First Balfour’s environmental initiatives and responded to questions from a panel of environmental experts and industry leaders.
The Environmental Sustainability Awards recognize organizations and individuals that demonstrate outstanding commitment to environmental protection, pollution prevention, waste minimization, and sustainable development. Among the six award categories presented during the convention, the Mother Nature Award is regarded as one of the highest distinctions for organizations that exemplify environmental leadership and sustainability excellence.
First Balfour emerged as the Overall Winner of the Mother Nature Award, placing ahead of other distinguished organizations from various industries. According to feedback shared by the awards committee, the company stood out for presenting a comprehensive sustainability approach supported by measurable results and key performance indicators. Rather than focusing on a single initiative, First Balfour demonstrated environmental programs covering air emissions, carbon reduction, water stewardship, biodiversity protection, environmental governance, and continuous improvement across its operations. Judges also noted the company’s ability to support its sustainability claims with concrete data and documented performance improvements.
“Choosing First Balfour as the overall winner among eight strong candidates came down to their comprehensive approach,” shared Engr. Gretchen Fontejon-Enarle, MSc., Chairman of the PCAPI Awards Committee.
“While many companies focus on just one area like waste or water management, First Balfour stood out by addressing all aspects of sustainability, including air quality, carbon reduction, and ecosystem protection. What really set them apart for our panel of judges was their evolution from basic regulatory compliance to a data-driven sustainability model. Instead of just showing photos, they backed up their claims with concrete numbers and clear performance improvements.”
In addition to the company’s organizational achievement, First Balfour’s entry was recognized as a finalist under the Environmental Sustainability Success Story Awards. The featured success story, The Reef Dome: A Marine Habitat Restoration, was spearheaded by the Negros Island Geothermal Complex Project Team, led by Project OSH Lead Frefil Mark C. Benemerito and Project Manager Antonieto Opelario Jr. Developed in partnership with BPI Bayan, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) program of BPI Bank in Dumaguete, Negros, this five-year initiative utilizes marine-grade concrete domes across Dumaguete City’s Marine Protected Areas to combat climate change and restore vibrant marine ecosystems.
Further solidifying its long-term alliance with the organization, First Balfour also received an award for Lifetime Membership, underscoring its enduring dedication to PCAPI’s mission of environmental sustainability.
A highlight of the convention was the awarding ceremony, where First Balfour was formally recognized as the Mother Nature Award Overall Winner, and Corporate Sustainability Officer Angeline D. Abibuag was individually honored with the Outstanding Managing Head Award. Accepting the awards, Abibuag expressed gratitude to the PCAPI Awards Committee and acknowledged the collective efforts of the teams and individuals who have championed environmental and sustainability initiatives throughout the organization.
She shared that the recognition came as an inspiration for the company to continue advancing its sustainability journey.
“Honestly, we did not expect this recognition, especially as we are only at the beginning of our decarbonization journey. But we will take this as a source of inspiration—to push further, to do more, and to contribute meaningfully to the protection of our planet.”
Abibuag concluded her message with a reminder that sustainability extends beyond regulatory compliance.
“At the end of the day, caring for Mother Earth is not just about compliance—it is about leaving a legacy, ensuring that future generations can live comfortably and sustainably on this planet we call home.”
For First Balfour, the award serves as motivation to continue pursuing innovative and impactful sustainability programs. Vicente “Macky” De Lima, Vice President and Head of Strategic Business Planning and Sustainability, emphasized that collaboration is key to this journey, sharing, “We are thankful to the PCAPI-National Chapter for the awards. They are an inspiration to us in First Balfour as we endeavor in our sustainability journey. There is much to be done and we look forward to learning more from the PCAPI and other alliances we have.” Driven by this commitment, the company continues to advance its decarbonization and environmental stewardship efforts, creating long-term value to help build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
