Month: February 2022

#BrigadangAyalaKaakay: Ayala Land President & CEO Bobby Dy led the distribution of food packs at Tutuban Mall to Kaakay beneficiaries from Tondo, Manila. “We are thankful to be part of this program to help our fellow Filipinos, especially those who now have to start over after losing their livelihood during the pandemic,” Dy noted.

MANILA – Rose Leyretana thought her 29 years at Tutuban Center had reached its end when Metro Manila was placed under strict community quarantine last March 2020. 

“Magmula nang magbukas ang Tutuban Center, doon na ako nagtatrabaho. Hindi ko lubos maisip na sa isang iglap, matatapos na ‘yong tatlong dekada kong kabuhayan,” she said. 

Leyretana, 52, is the most tenured sales lady at Anding’s Toys & Flowers, Inc. She has been with the business since its early days and is one of its most hardworking employees, according to owner Malou Yulit. And while it was heart-breaking to temporarily close her business, Yulit had no choice but to send her employees home. 

“Talagang ubos po ang savings naming mag-asawa. Iyong mister ko rin po ay nawalan ng hanap-buhay,” Leyretana said. “Kaya talagang naiyak ako sa saya noong tinawagan ako ni Boss Malou at sinabihan na magbubukas uli kami.” 

In the middle of the lockdown, Ayala Land launched the “Tutubuy,” an e-commerce platform dubbed online Divisoria, where shoppers can order products from tenants of Tutuban Center and have them delivered to their doorstep. 

According to Yulit, Tutubuy has boosted their sales, thus enabling them to rehire their former employees. “We are grateful for Tutubuy for giving us access to another platform of selling. This is what e-commerce is about — exposure, convenience, and availability. Ayala Land gave us that,” she said. 

“Ang laking pagpapasalamat namin sa Ayala dahil sa wakas, nakapagsimula uli kaming maghanapbuhay,” Leyretana added. “Safe na safe po mag-shopping dito sa Tutuban dahil istrikto sila sa health protocols.”   

#BrigadangAyalaKaakay 

On Monday, Ayala Land President & CEO Bobby Dy led the distribution of food packs at Tutuban Mall to Kaakay beneficiaries from Tondo, Manila. “We are thankful to be part of this program to help our fellow Filipinos, especially those who now have to start over after losing their livelihood during the pandemic,” Dy noted.

One of the recipients is Elena Rondario, a single mother of four, who also lost her job when the pandemic hit. 

“Napakahirap po para sa isang single mom na katulad ko,” Rondario said. “Hindi ko po alam kung saan kami pupulutin. Sagad na po ang budget para sa renta pa lang.” 

When she lost her job, she sidelined as a volunteer in her barangay. “Para lang po may pambili ng bigas,” she quipped, adding that she really had a hard time making ends meet with the little honoraria she received from her barangay. 

Luckily, she was able to work again at the Tutuban night market when the mall reopened. She also became a beneficiary of #BrigadangAyalaKaakay, a 12-week food distribution program where 10,000 urban poor families receive a weekly supply of rice, fresh vegetables, canned goods, and bread that will cover four square meals for a family of five. 

“Tamang-tama po ang timing ng Kaakay dahil parang nagsisimula uli kami,” Rondario said. “Sa tulong ng mga pagkain na ibinibigay ng Kaakay, unti-unti ko nang nahahabol ‘yong mga utang ko sa renta, kuryente, at tubig.” 

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For more information:

YLA ALCANTARA
Head, Brand and Reputation Management
Ayala Corporation
e-mail – publicaffairs@ayala.com

CEL AMORES
Head, Corporate Communications
Ayala Foundation
e-mail – amores.cr@ayalafoundation.org

MANILA – Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala was inducted Honorary Fellow by the Institute of Corporate Directors on Wednesday for his “lifelong commitment to promoting the highest standards of governance among Philippine corporations.”

“JAZA has shown the light to all the governance principles with their associated best practices demanded by the imperative of attaining the aspirations of Filipinos under Dream Philippines by 2040. We are gathered here this morning to say: we wish to be guided by such light, and by the lifelong example Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala has been giving us,” said Dr. Jesus Estanislao, ICD Founder and Chairman Emeritus.

The Honorary Fellow is the highest conferment that the ICD gives. It is bestowed by the ICD Board to distinguished personalities, in recognition of their significant contributions to corporate governance advocacy. 

Ayala has two out of five honorary fellows in ICD. Zobel is joined by Antonino Aquino, former president and CEO of Ayala Land. Aquino is a Director of ALI since April 2009 and Manila Water Company since 1998. The other three ICD honorary fellows are Amb. Jose L. Cuisia Jr., Dr. Cesar Saldaña, and former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr.

In his remarks, Zobel vowed to continue implementing and promoting the highest standard of governance across the Ayala group. Now more than ever, Zobel added, private companies play a huge role in building a more equitable and truly progressive capitalist system for the greater good.  

“I believe that corporate directors and the boards are in the forefront of this campaign for an improved system. Corporate directors have tremendous power to reshape the capitalist system through their companies. And I believe that we currently have a golden opportunity here in the Philippines to accelerate this movement,” he said.

Zobel cited the success of Ayala Land in expanding its product lines from mainly luxury offerings to more diverse residential portfolio, more accessible commercial spaces, and more sustainable mixed-use and tourism districts.  

“Our younger companies are already embracing this thinking. ACEN is leading the shift towards a fully renewable portfolio, while conserving and supporting the surrounding communities in its facilities. AC Health continues to be a vital part of the COVID-19 campaign, and also in the advocacy to make healthcare accessible for all. The IFC’s recent investment in Ayala’s first social bond – which is centered around healthcare – is a testament that perhaps we are on the right track in integrating social outcomes and creating value,” he said.

Last year, Ayala committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, aligning its business strategy with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. Ayala is the first Philippine company to make such a commitment.

Ayala is also the only Filipino company-member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, an international coalition of businesses aiming to create a world where “more than 9 billion people are able to live well within planetary boundaries, by 2050.”

Meanwhile, last year, Zobel was appointed as part of the board of Singapore-based firm Temasek Holdings Ltd. – a global investment company owned by the Singaporean government. He also joined the Council for Inclusive Capitalism with the Vatican, a global nonprofit coalition of business and public sector leaders working to build a “more trusted, fair, responsible, dynamic, and sustainable economic system that addresses the needs of people and planet.”

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For more information

YLA ALCANTARA
Head, Brand and Reputation Management
Ayala Corporation
e-mail – publicaffairs@ayala.com

MANILA – For almost two decades now, 60-year-old Mary Magaling of Mandaluyong has relied on her sari-sari store to provide for her family. But just like other small business owners, she found herself on the brink of bankruptcy when the pandemic struck.

“Konting-konti nalang po, talagang magsasara na dapat ako,” Magaling said. “Sobrang hirap po ng sitwasyon ngayon dahil walang panggastos ang mga tao.”

Magaling said she often finds herself longing for the days when things were normal–most people were employed, and businesses were flourishing. Back then, her store was able to support the schooling of her three nieces who were living with her. And, for many years, she has been the constant go-to person of her suki when budget runs short, and they could only afford tingi-tingi (small quantities of goods).

“Ngayon po, kailangan ko nang humingi ng tulong sa aking mga kamag-anak sa probinsya,” she said. “Ayoko rin namang mag-sara dahil marami na akong suki na may trust sa akin, at sa akin din palaging pumupunta kapag may kailangan sila.”  

Thankfully, apart from selling basic sari-sari store goods, she found another income stream from selling mobile prepaid load. “Malaking tulong po ang Globe dahil kahit papano, nakakabenta po ako ng load sa mga nag-o-online classes kapag may pasok,” she said.

“Marami rin nagpapa-load sa akin para may pantawag sa mga pamilya nila na nasa ibang lugar,” she added. “Mabuti nalang mas marami nang nakakapag-Internet ngayong pandemic. Hindi gaano nahihirapan ‘yong mga nawalay sa pamilya.”  

Supporting the community through #BrigadangAyalaKaakay

Last February 21, Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu and his team visited #BrigadangAyalaKaakay beneficiaries at San Roque Parish in Mandaluyong. Kaakay is a 12-week food distribution program that provides rice, fresh vegetables, canned goods, and bread to 10,000 families across Metro Manila.      

“Being on-ground with our customers and listening to their stories give us more insights on the everyday challenges they are facing especially during these times.  The Kaakay program brings initial relief and assistance, progressing into a livelihood program which we hope will provide long lasting assistance to uplift their lives,” Cu said.

“We’re very happy to be given this opportunity to assist more communities.  Apart from the food supplies of Kaakay, Globe’s products and services have been a big help to the community, from children who are learning from home to senior citizens who find strength in constantly connecting with their families online,” he added.      

Meanwhile, Globe Executive Vice President for Channel Management Bernard Llamzon said he is proud of the resilience Globe partners like sari-sari store owner Mary Magaling has displayed throughout the two years our country has been adjusting to the global pandemic.

Llamzon said, “The story of Nanay Mary shows how Globe gives opportunities to sari-sari store owners to expand their offerings and earn extra during the pandemic, when the demand for prepaid load has grown.”

“Across the country, Globe and our sari-sari store partners make sure that Globe products and services are within everyone’s reach,” he added.

From being a load retailer, Magaling plans to expand her Globe business and become an ECPay partner mechant. “Magandang opportunity iyong ECPay lalo na marami ang naghahanap ng paraan para makapag-bayad ng bills at magpadala ng pera sa mga kamag-anak nila sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa,” she said. 

Electronic Commerce Payments Inc. (ECPay) is the leading electronic payment service provider in the Philippines. It offers a unique all-in-one platform with a wide array of services, ranging from bill payment, top-up load, electronic pins, cash-ins, and money transfers.    

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Globe, lalo na iyong mga representatives nila na bumibista sa aking tindahan. Palagi silang nandiyan tuwing kailangan ko ng tulong sa loading business ko. Mababait sila, madaling kausap, at maaasahan. Ramdam ko na may malasakit sila sa akin,” Magaling said.

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For more information:

YLA ALCANTARA
Head, Brand and Reputation Management
Ayala Corporation
e-mail – publicaffairs@ayala.com

CEL AMORES
Head, Corporate Communications
Ayala Foundation
e-mail – amores.cr@ayalafoundation.org

MANILA—Officials of Ayala group and International Finance Corporation (IFC) expressed their commitment to help boost the country’s healthcare sector through a 10-year social bond amounting to $100 million, earmarked for the sustainable and resilient growth as well as capacity building of AC Health.

A closing ceremony for the social bond was held on Monday at Ayala Corporation’s headquarters in Makati. In his remarks, Ayala Corporation President & CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala said the goals of the investment are aligned with the Ayala group’s sustainability agenda, particularly its contribution to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 3—Good Health and Well-Being.

“This private placement by the IFC is a crucial component of Ayala’s largest sustainability agenda. This will add value to Ayala and AC Health’s mission to expand access to healthcare through digital technology as well as physical assets, including primary and multispecialty clinics, and a dedicated cancer hospital that is currently under construction,” Zobel said.

Jean-Marc Arbogast, IFC country manager for the Philippines, meanwhile said the private placement fits IFC’s goals in the country, which includes strengthening human capital through healthcare.

“Ayala and IFC have a long history of partnership. We go back more than two decades, from what we’ve done for the water sector, the energy sector through ACEN’s green bond, and now healthcare,” Arbogast said.  

“When IFC invests in companies, it comes with a set of standards that we want our clients to follow, and Ayala has shown leadership in that spectrum. We value your leadership in the country in terms of the sustainability agenda. We’re very happy at IFC to support you in that agenda,” he added.

The Social Bond Program by IFC aligns with the Social Bond Principles and Social Loans Principles published by the International Capital Market Association. Sustainalytics was engaged to provide a second-party opinion on the framework.

This $100 million social bond, which is first of its kind earmarked for healthcare-related purposes in the Philippines, will be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by AC.

AC Health President & CEO Paolo Borromeo, meanwhile, emphasized that the social bond will stimulate Ayala’s longstanding commitment towards improving lives and promoting sustainable development and growth for the country, which includes accessible, quality, and affordable healthcare.

“The pandemic exposed the massive underinvestment in healthcare in the country. But AC Health and the Ayala group have been committed to work hand in hand with the government and other private sector players to help address these gaps,” Borromeo said.

“The issuance of this social bond comes at an opportune time as it will help support AC Health’s endeavors in scaling up our services as we enter into the next phase of the pandemic,” he added.  

In 2018, Ayala group deepened its commitment to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the Filipino by being more deliberate and purposive in identifying areas where it can contribute substantially and help solve global issues. Ayala identified 11 Sustainable Development Goals that are at the heart of its businesses—including good health and well-being for AC Health—with the goal of bridging the Filipino to the year 2030.

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For more information:

YLA ALCANTARA
Head, Brand and Reputation Management
Ayala Corporation
e-mail – publicaffairs@ayala.com