First Balfour completes 1st run as TESDA training partner, grads earn certification

First Balfour has reached a significant milestone as a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-recognized training partner or RTP, successfully producing its first batch of graduates under the Construction Supervisors Training Program (CSTP).

Nine First Balfour employees officially completed the Construction Site Supervision Level IV course under the CSTP, one of the programs offered by the Philippine Constructors Association Foundation (PCAF).

The graduates are set to receive TESDA Level IV certification—an internationally recognized credential that enhances their expertise in the construction industry.

The program completers from First Balfour are Ariel Alonso (Diagon South field engineer), Crizaldo Ampoyas (LGBU field supervisor), Mark Anthony Araneta (Bacman DOP 3 construction manager), John Arvi Arreza (LGBU field supervisor), Florante Imperio (LGBU DOP 2 construction manager), Jayson Jebulan (Tanawon CA field supervisor), Cesar Lupig (LGBU DOP 2 construction manager), Lavender Han Nastor (LGBU field supervisor), and Crez Sanglitan (LGBU DOP 2 field supervisor).

HR learning and development lead Megan Zarzadiaz said the enrollees had to complete 192 hours of training spread across 16 weeks.

“They began attending synchronous online classes starting mid-November 2024. There were also asynchronous activities which means they completed requirements and portfolios in their own free time,” she noted.

The CSTP is designed to produce qualified, job-ready construction supervisors. It has an Assured Programme Status from the UK’s Institute of Leadership and Management, ensuring compliance with global competency standards. This recognition aligns the program with UK TechnicalVocational Education or UKTVET, making the certification internationally valid.

The PCAF continuously develops educational programs tailored to the evolving needs of the construction sector. Leading this effort is PCAF president and First Balfour chief executive officer Anthony Fernandez.

“We have had about over 40 graduation ceremonies, starting even before the pandemic. I’m particularly proud of this [graduation] as this is the first [training partnership] opportunity that First Balfour has done with the PCA Foundation,” Fernandez said during the graduation held online on March 28.

This landmark graduation serves as an inspiration for future cohorts and a testament to First Balfour’s commitment to building a globally competitive construction workforce.