WTT participants enjoy a morning cup of taho before the festivities beginOn Aug. 31, 2024, nearly 500 participants from various subsidiaries of the Lopez Group gathered at the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, to take part in the 18th anniversary of Walk the Talk (WTT), an event led by the Lopez Group HR Council and Lopez Lifelong Wellness.

This marked FPIP’s first time hosting the event in five years, once again partnering with First Balfour, welcoming a record-breaking attendance—the highest since WTT was revived post-pandemic.

The day began at 6 a.m. with the rhythmic beat of drums, welcoming participants as they gradually arrived at Consuelo Park Pavilion—surely, a lively and energizing start to the day. Morning treats of taho, coffee and other light snacks were available in different food stations in the pavilion to cater to and to ensure the participants were fueled for the activities ahead.

By 7 a.m., everyone had gathered inside the 1,000- square-meter tent, where booths lined the venue, showcasing a wide array of health and wellness products and offering special discounts to participants. Featured brands included Unilab, Human Nature, Anytime Fitness and PagIBIG alongside other vendors like UniOil, ER Creative and AllDay Supermarket.

Shortly after, emcees JC Nueno from FPIP and Bea Quidilig from First Balfour officially kicked off the event, inviting everyone to participate in a fun and invigorating morning exercise routine.

Shared responsibility

Since its inception, WTT has consistently emphasized the importance of welfare. This 18th year is no exception, serving as a reminder of the Lopez Credo’s concern for employee welfare and wellness, which stands as one of the seven core Lopez Values alongside a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit, business excellence, unity, nationalism, social justice and integrity.

Beyond the seven core values, FPIP and First Balfour uphold the guiding principles of their parent company, First Philippine Holdings Corporation. Aligned with their commitment to regeneration and decarbonization, hosts FPIP and First Balfour encouraged participants to bring plastic wastes for recycling. This initiative resulted in the collection of 39.4 kilograms of plastic, marking a meaningful step forward in their mission.

Officially opening the ceremonies were First Balfour’s president and chief operating officer, Anthony Fernandez, who warmly acknowledged everyone attending and appreciated their participation, and FPIP’s chief commercial officer Joval Pantangco Jr., who underlined that beyond wellness and unity, WTT serves as a reminder of the shared aspirations and mission that unite the Lopez Group and its subsidiaries.

The walk

The 5.3-kilometer walk took the participants through the heart of FPIP, starting at the Consuelo Park Pavilion. Then as they ventured into Consuelo Park, FPIP’s first eco-park, they were greeted by a vibrant tapestry of lush flora—a perfect blend of nature and wellness.

Upon exiting the serene confines of the park, the group was led along FPIP’s main thoroughfares where they encountered the impressive manufacturing facilities of global industry leaders such as Brother Industries (Philippines) Inc., Philippine Manufacturing Co. of Murata Inc. and Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. They were also treated to a glimpse of Dyson’s new research and development facility, which is still undergoing construction.

However, the true highlight of the tour is FPIP’s solar-powered bridge. The bridge became a natural stopping point where friends and families paused to marvel at its architectural beauty, capture memories in photographs and appreciate the scenic view of the San Juan River below.

Giving life

Just as they witnessed life flourishing in Consuelo Park and throughout the estate, they also contributed to its growth.

The designated site for the tree-planting activity was located right next to Dyson’s up-and-coming facility, symbolizing the intersection of new growth in both nature and industry.

In a remarkable display of unity and environmental stewardship, a diverse array of tree saplings, including dau, narra and kalantas, were distributed for planting at FPIP. The initiative brought together a vibrant mix of participants—from children to adults—culminating in the successful planting of 290 trees.

Afterward, the group made their way to the buko station, where they enjoyed freshly cut buko for a quick and cooling treat. They then returned to the Consuelo Park Pavilion for a hearty brunch complemented by a refreshing drink sponsored by B’lue. The meal was followed by a lively raffle draw featuring prizes such as treat baskets, pastries from FPIP’s own locator-partner, Fuwa Fuwa, Travelon kits and Kursi stools from the Office of the Lopez Group chairman, and mini-fridges from ER Creative Group, among many others.

WTT underscored its dual purpose: to champion the welfare and wellness of our employees and their families while advancing our commitment to regeneration and decarbonization. We not only celebrated our dedication to holistic well-being but also embraced our role in environmental stewardship. While each company that attended upholds and executes its own mission, it is through this shared experience that we see a unified tradition dedicated to honoring and embodying the values ingrained in all of us by the Lopez Group.

FPIP CCO Jose Valentin Pantangco Jr. and First Balfour president and COO Anthony Fernandez warmly welcome participants to the 18th WTT anniversary event

Emcees JC Nueno, FPIP project manager, and Bea Quidilig, First Balfour HR supervisor, officially kick off the event

WTT participants stroll through the main streets of FPIP

Raffle winners proudly take home mini-fridges and First Kursi stools

FPIP executives take a refreshing break with buko drinks (l-r): Anna Karina Gerochi (VP-Human Resources), Manuel Lizardo Jr. (VP- Corporate Planning and Sustainability), Yutaro Kuryu (SVP-Industrial Business), Alexander Roque (SVP-Construction Management and Tech Planning 1.0+), Victor Montinola (VP-Strategic Land Acquisition and Management), Alberto Cailao (Head-Commercial Properties) and Jose Valentin Pantangco Jr. (CCO)

WTT participants gather to plant a variety of tree saplings in FPIP

Fitness instructor Joany Catingco leads WTT participants through an energizing morning warm-up routine

(Story/Photos by:Maria Carmelia Galapon)