Management training program lead coordinator Hana Acobo, HR systems and analytics lead Denise Tirthdas, employee engagement supervisor Bea Quidilig, learning and development lead Meg Zarzadiaz and organizational development lead Ronna AnasariasAfter being recognized as the first and only Filipino construction company to achieve an Investors in People (IIP) Platinum accreditation, First Balfour gained further recognition at the IIP Philippines Awards 2024.

The event, held at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, on Sept. 13, 2024, featured 19 companies competing across various categories including Learning and Development, Community Employee of the Year, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Wellbeing, and Social Responsibility.

First Balfour’s Learning and Development entry focused on its catalyst leaders driving organizational growth and earned a runner-up spot alongside Ayala Foundation. TaskUs Philippines won the category, with Cardinal Santos Medical Center and Watsons also participating.

Bibi Aquino, head of talent management at First Balfour, emphasized the importance of developing leaders internally.

“We recognize that to reach an inflection point, we need catalyst leaders to power First Balfour’s growth—developing a stronger succession pipeline by growing catalyst leaders from within and extending leadership throughout all levels,” she said.

“Push for Platinum” lead Ronna Anasarias echoed this as she expressed optimism for another recognition at the upcoming IIP International Awards, where First Balfour was identified as one of the top 20 IIP Platinumaccredited employers outside the UK. The results of its nomination for Overseas Employer of the Year will be announced in London next month.

Launched in 2023, the IIP Philippines Awards recognize organizations, both IIP and non-IIP accredited, that exemplify people-first leadership in the country.

(Story By Dolly Pasia-Ramos)