Underlining a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, the First Balfour Leyte Project Management Team (PMT) recently participated in “Out in the Wild,” a biodiversity monitoring program led by the BINHI team. First launched in 2025, the program held its latest session from 8–9 May 2026, at the TGP Site in Tongonan, Kananga, Leyte.
This initiative aligns closely with the United Nations International Day for Biological Diversity, 22 May 2026, celebrated under the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact.”
The program provided First Balfour participants with firsthand exposure to the vital conservation initiatives being implemented in the project site. Activities were centered around Station 1 PAD 407 and Station 2 in the MN2 area, key sites for the critical biannual biodiversity monitoring First Gen Renewables Geothermal (formerly Energy Development Corporation) conducts to ensure the health of the local ecosystem.
First Balfour Participants for “Out in the Wild”
Small Steps, Big Impact in the Field
The foundation for the field activities was laid during Earth Month. On 24 April 2026, First Balfour Leyte invited BINHI Forester Ronelmar Aguilar to conduct a seminar to educate the employees on the unique flora and wildlife within the First Gen Renewables Geothermal site. This educational campaign was vital to enhancing employee awareness and ensuring the team thoroughly understood the conservation protocols established by the client and the BINHI team.
BINHI Forester Ronelmar Aguilar’s seminar on the unique flora and wildlife within the First Gen Renewables Geothermal site
Following the seminar, the on-site program in May transitioned participants into active conservation allies. Field experts trained the group in biodiversity monitoring methodologies, demonstrating how to safely survey various species using ground nets for terrestrial fauna and mist nets for high-flying birds and bats.
Field Expert conducts Biodiversity monitoring methodologies training
Beyond technical fieldwork, the workshop emphasized the ethical handling of wildlife. Participants learned strict protocols designed to minimize animal stress while gathering key ecological data on Leyte’s native species. The program concluded with the safe release of the wildlife back into their natural habitats, reinforcing core conservation principles: observe, document, and leave no trace.
First Balfour participants celebrate the successful conclusion of the “Out in the Wild” activity
Spearheaded by Leyte Project Manager Jerwin Benosa and Pollution Control Officer (PCO) Marie Rose Dizor, First Balfour’s participation in “Out in the Wild” directly reflects the company‘s core mission and sustainability programs. Miss Dizor added, “By collaborating with our clients to address environmental challenges, we are transforming small steps into a bigger impact. Through these efforts like tree planting, waste segregation, biodiversity conservation, wildlife awareness, and recycling campaigns, we inspire our employees to adopt sustainable practices right here on the project site.”
First Balfour’s participation highlights the essence of “Acting Locally for Global Impact.” It reinforces the principle that global environmental preservation is built on local action, whether through wildlife awareness, tree planting, waste segregation, or recycling campaigns. These initiatives demonstrate that sustainable progress relies on the collective impact of everyday practices. By integrating environmental responsibility into its core operations, First Balfour not only contributes to immediate ecological preservation but also helps build a resilient foundation for future generations. Moving forward, the company remains committed to expanding these efforts, proving that local dedication is key to achieving a sustainable global future.
