The system, powered by Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), integrates all aspects of project management into a single platform, making First Balfour the first Philippine construction company to harness ACC’s AI-driven cost management and analytics dashboards.
Digital leap in construction efficiency
Rey G. Villar, First Balfour’s managing director for construction operations, said the platform dramatically reduces the time needed to consolidate project data.
“In the past, it took days or even weeks to gather project information. Now, with this platform, everyone can be online in just minutes,” Villar noted.
He added that the CMS highlights the company’s push to drive excellence, advance innovation, and shape the future of construction.
Partnership for innovation
The company announced the system’s adoption on Sept. 16, 2025, following its agreement with CIM Technologies Inc., the authorized Philippine distributor of ACC.
“This launch represents our first major step in adopting cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance project management and operational efficiency,” said Anthony L. Fernandez, First Balfour vice chairman and chief executive officer.
John F. Peralta, CMS project champion, emphasized that the system will unify everything from tender and scheduling to cost tracking and document management. “It will not only improve coordination but also significantly boost productivity across all our projects,” Peralta said.
Building on Project UNLAD
The CMS is an offshoot of Project UNLAD (Unleashing Next-Level Automation and Digitalization), First Balfour’s 2024 initiative to accelerate digital transformation.
“Project UNLAD was the beginning of a bigger digital journey,” Fernandez remarked.
Autodesk’s construction account executive Dennis Lim said the collaboration will deliver tangible outcomes: “We’ll be seeing improved coordination across disciplines, data-driven cost control, higher quality and safety outcomes, and a future-ready foundation with open integrations.”
A legacy of major projects
Since its founding in 1969, First Balfour has been a key player in Philippine infrastructure development. Its projects include the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, the North Luzon Expressway, the Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension, and water system upgrades for Manila Water Co..
As a subsidiary of Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings Corporation, the firm now looks to solidify its leadership by fusing decades of construction expertise with next-generation digital tools. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
