L-R: Pierre Albert San Diego, STT GDC Philippines head of design and construction; Jose Valentin Pantangco Jr., First Balfour deputy chief operating officer; Carlo Malana, STT GDC Philippines president and CEO; Rizza Maniego-Eala, STT GDC Philippines chairman of the board; Brad Davey, Leighton Asia managing director; and Dan Pointon, STT GDC Philippines chief technology officerFirst Balfour and its joint venture partner Leighton Asia secured a multibillion-peso contract from ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Philippines (STT GDC Philippines) to build the Philippines’ largest data center, a hyperscale data center in Quezon City called STT Fairview. The JV secured the contract in September and a ceremonial signing event took place between representatives from STT GDC Philippines and the First Balfour-Leighton Asia Joint Venture (FBLJV) at The Globe Tower on Nov. 13.

The awarded contract, which covers general construction works including civil, structural, architectural and MEPF works, is for the project’s first phase scheduled for completion by early 2025. The hyperscale data center forms part of STT GDC Philippines’ expansion strategy, adding a significant 124- megawatt capacity to its portfolio.

For this groundbreaking project, First Balfour will once again partner with international contractor Leighton Asia whose strong track record in the Asia Pacific region brought forth a number of data center projects in countries like Indonesia and Hong Kong.

First Balfour deputy chief operating officer Jose Valentin Pantangco Jr. highlighted that, “by joining forces and combining First Balfour’s over five decades of local engineering and construction experience with Leighton Asia’s global capabilities, we are set to deliver a world-class infrastructure that meets international safety and quality standards while ensuring rapid execution.”

STT GDC Philippines, which already operates seven data centers in the Philippines, is a joint venture between Globe, Ayala Corporation and Singapore-based ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. Working with FBLJV for STT Fairview are MaceTPM (project management), Black & White Engineering (design) and RLB (QS/tendering).

(Story/Photos by: Dolly Pasia-Ramos)