Editor’s note: Since 2020, First Balfour has been celebrating National Women’s Month by sharing the inspiring stories of the women of First Balfour through our #WomenWednesdays series. This year, we continue the tradition with a four-part feature highlighting their leadership, resilience, and impact.
Continuing this year’s series is Human Resources (HR) Operations Lead Engr. Abigail “Abi” Lavapie. With an impressive 19-year journey across multiple departments at First Balfour, she brings a wealth of experience and insights that shape the organization.
What’s a typical work day like for you? I start my day early, waking up at 4:30 AM to leave for work by 5:15 AM from Marikina. A typical day involves coordinating with my team, attending meetings, and completing my deliverables. After wrapping up my tasks for the day, I start my two-hour drive back home. I have managed to endure this long commute over the years because, ultimately, I love what I do. I find fulfillment in serving and supporting our employees.
Abi is featured in First Balfour’s latest corporate film, Building Tomorrow: 55 Years of Engineering with Purpose, produced in celebration of its 55th anniversary
What excites and motivates you about work? Many people may not know that before becoming an HR practitioner, I spent a few years with the Strategic Business Planning team. As an introvert, stepping into this HR role has given me the opportunity to connect with many people. More than that, my work allows me to make a meaningful impact across the organization—from executives to laborers. As the company continues to grow, I’m constantly exploring ways to simplify processes and improve efficiency for everyone.
Abi (rightmost) with her CompBen and R&R teams (from left) Rachel Evangelista, Michelle Calma, Lovelle Gunda, Joy Grande, Roel Manipon, Marc Mendoza, and Denise Tirthdas
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a woman in your career? For me, it’s less of a lesson and more of a mindset I always strive to uphold—creating a positive atmosphere and bringing good energy into every room. Frustration and stress are inevitable, but we have the power to choose how we carry ourselves and interact with others.
Since we spend most of our waking hours at work, the last thing we need is unnecessary stress. Instead, we should aim to make it a lighter and a more supportive space for everyone. At the heart of it, it’s about fostering a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and empowered.
What vision do you have for women at First Balfour? It’s incredibly rewarding to see more and more women stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men. Despite the stereotype of being gentle or soft, we are strong-willed individuals who create opportunities, break barriers, and make things happen—not just for ourselves, but for our families as well.
I want to see more women break glass ceilings without losing their identity as women. I hope that the women of First Balfour will never have to choose between building a successful career and nurturing their children and family.
Abi earned her degree in Civil Engineering from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and later became a licensed engineer. Initially, she was hesitant to pursue the field, believing it to be a “guy’s course.” However, her father challenged that notion, pointing to her Sunday School teacher—also an engineer—as proof that the profession is not bound by gender. Inspired by this, Abi embraced the challenge. “Looking back, I see how everything fell into place. My degree led me to a construction company, where my bosses helped me discover a career path in HR. That path eventually opened even bigger opportunities for me, possibly extending beyond the construction industry.”
Abi with her son Zed Liam, husband Mark, and their daughter Yaz Aneska
Abi and her husband Mark with First Balfour friends, bosses, and colleagues at their renewal of vows
Outside the office, Abi is an active church leader, overseeing a network of groups while developing programs and events to foster connections and spiritual growth. She also enjoys planning and coordinating events. One of the recent projects she enjoyed most was organizing her and her husband’s renewal of vows, celebrating more than 20 years of marriage.
