First Balfour wins a contract to build the largest multifunctional retail and office facility inside First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) called FPIP Plaza. The three-level, mixed-used commercial hub project will have a community mall, leasable office spaces, convenience stores, and other retail establishments. Construction officially began through a groundbreaking ceremony held onsite last 10 September 2024.
(L-R): First Balfour President Anthony Fernandez, FPIP CPG Business Development Senior Manager May Abalos, FPIP Chief Commercial Officer Joval Pantangco, VP for Corporate Planning and Sustainability Jun Lizardo, Cong. Ray Florence Reyes, Cong. Ma. Theresa Collantes, former Santo Tomas Vice Mayor Abet Marasigan, FPIP SVP Alex Roque, FPIP CPG Head Cholo Cailao, AIDEA President Jojo Tolentino, and FPIP CPG Business Development Officer Krisha Bautista
In his opening message, FPIP Chief Commercial Officer and First Balfour Deputy Chief Operating Officer Jose Valentin A. Pantangco, Jr. shared that the park is home to over 70,000 workers from 150 locators. He emphasized the importance of fostering a vibrant community within the area, noting that the development of the new mall is a key step toward achieving that goal.
“It took time to get this project started, but today marks a significant milestone,” Pantangco said, expressing his vision for the new facility to become a hub where people can easily walk, gather, and connect. He envisions the space as one where workers and residents can handle daily conveniences, participate in events, and celebrate together. “The idea is to create a sense of community,” he added.
Hosted by the FPIP Commercial Properties Group, the groundbreaking was graced by FPIP and First Balfour executives as well as members of the Batangas local government. Among them were Batangas 3rd District Representative Cong. Ma. Theresa Collantes, Rep. Ray Reyes, Santo Tomas Mayor Arth Marasigan represented by former Vice Mayor Abet Marasigan, and other city council members.
