The Lopez Group’s engineering and construction arm recently earned two distinctions from the Malaysian Industrial Safety and Health Association (MiSHA), marking its first international recognition for occupational safety and environmental performance.
Why it matters
Infrastructure firms are under growing pressure to meet stricter environmental, social and governance (ESG) benchmarks while maintaining strong workplace safety records.
International validation strengthens First Balfour’s credibility as it competes for large-scale public and private projects.
First Balfour received the Diamond Award on OSH Principle of Prevention and the Gold Excellence Award on Environmental Management at the MiSHA Asia Excellence Awards held on Jan. 23, 2026, in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Both awards represent company milestones, as they mark the first time its occupational safety and health (OSH) programs and environmental practices have been recognized on the international stage.
“Earning the MiSHA Asia Excellence Awards is an affirmation at the global stage of the company’s long-standing commitment to world-class occupational safety, health, and environmental practices,” said Rey Villar, First Balfour managing director for construction operations.
“This achievement is a testament to how we put the safety and health of our people, and sustainability in our operations at the very top of our priorities,” Villar added. “It inspires us to further continue driving excellence and sharing our best practices with our partners and stakeholders."
By the numbers
Before granting the Diamond Award, MiSHA assessors evaluated First Balfour across multiple areas, including risk management, control measures, OSH management systems, leadership and compliance, personnel development, and evaluation processes.
The Gold Excellence Award on Environmental Management recognizes organizations that demonstrate strong environmental stewardship and sustainable operational practices.
“For us at First Balfour, receiving the award highlights our commitment to sustainability and continuous efforts to improve environmental performance across our operations,” Villar likewise stressed.
The bigger picture
Founded in Malaysia, MiSHA is a non-governmental organization focused on advancing occupational safety and health across Asia through best practices and internationally aligned prevention principles.
A subsidiary of Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings Corp., First Balfour has played a role in major infrastructure projects nationwide since 1969, including the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, North Luzon Expressway, and the Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension.
The recognition underscores how Philippine builders are increasingly aligning operations with global safety and sustainability standards — a factor that could shape future project bids and partnerships. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
