Author: administrator

MANILA – As the country continues to grapple with COVID-19, AC Health takes a valuable lesson from its 187-year-old parent Ayala Corporation: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.  

Armed with a P10 billion investment, AC Health has gone a long way in addressing the fundamental gaps in accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare. With its President & CEO, Paolo Borromeo, at its helm, AC Health has built an ecosystem that caters to the various healthcare needs of Filipinos.   

“As part of Ayala’s commitment to investing in social infrastructure and human capital, AC Health’s vision is to build, invest, and connect various businesses into an integrated and seamless ecosystem of services across three key pillars of healthcare: drugstores, clinics, hospitals, and digital health,” Borromeo said.   

AC Health’s portfolio comprises Generika, a chain of 700 drugstores that offer quality and affordable generic medicines; Healthway Philippines, the country’s largest clinic network; QualiMed Health Network, which operates mall-based multi-specialty clinics, stand-alone ambulatory or day surgery centers, and full-service hospitals; and HealthNow, an all-in-one healthcare app that offers telemedicine consultations, online medicine ordering and delivery, and clinic and diagnostic testing booking. AC Health also has a health technology arm, Vigos, as well as medicine importation and distribution arms, IE Medica and MedEthix.   

Addressing the pandemic: 2,000 confirmed cases admitted; 300K vax doses administered  

When the pandemic struck the Philippines, AC Health embodied Ayala’s commitment to nation-building by leading the group’s COVID-19 response initiatives. It has rallied its business units to work closely with the DOH, IATF, and local governments in implementing protocols across the Ayala Group and spearheading key milestones, from setting up mega-isolation facilities, testing labs to securing vaccines for employees and other stakeholders.   

To help expand the country’s COVID wards, AC Health converted QualiMed’s network into COVID-19 referral hospitals, which have admitted nearly 2,000 confirmed cases as of August 10, 2021. AC Health also helped secure 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the Ayala Group via tripartite agreements with the government. It has administered over 300,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine since the first batch arrived in the Philippines late February. It has set up 24 vaccination sites across the country to inoculate members of priority groups across LGUs, the Ayala Group, and partner companies.  

“AC Health will remain committed to supporting the country’s vaccination efforts and will continue to strengthen our partnerships with our LGUs and private sector partners, in order to vaccinate at the requisite scale and speed and to help achieve our nation’s goal of achieving herd immunity at year-end. We are proud to leverage the full strength of our network, with Healthway and QualiMed leading site operations and vaccine administration, and HealthNow functioning as our vaccine management platform to meet our goal of administering 1 million doses within 2021,” Borromeo said.   

Looking beyond COVID: Building the country’s first dedicated cancer specialty hospital  

According to Borromeo, as AC Health continues to invest in improving healthcare in the Philippines, it will not put all its eggs in one basket. Instead, it will strike a balance between battling COVID-19 and addressing other health issues unrelated to the pandemic.   

Last month, AC Health officially broke ground for the construction of Healthway Cancer Care Center, the Philippines’ first dedicated specialty cancer hospital. The 100-bed facility, which is expected to be completed in July 2023, will offer a complete range of cancer services from screening, diagnosis, treatment to post-cancer care.   

The Healthway Cancer Care Center will be equipped with 20 chemotherapy chairs, 4 operating theaters, and state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, optimized for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The Ayala Group has invested over P2 billion for this facility and has partnered with Varian-CTSI, a leading oncology service provider, to develop and operate it.  

Beyond the cancer hospital, AC Health aims to leverage its integrated healthcare network to expand its oncology services. A hub-and-spoke model, involving its integrated clinic and hospital network, allows AC Health to drive access to affordable cancer care for patients across the country. As such, Healthway and QualiMed will serve as “spokes” of the model and extensions of the cancer hospital “hub.” This provides patients more avenues to seek consultation and have easier access to cancer screening and detection. The vision of this model is to provide impact and solutions to the many Filipinos in need of cancer services.  

“The eventual growth of the healthcare industry will be largely dependent on its ability to regain patient trust and confidence to continue looking after non-COVID healthcare issues. AC Health remains in a unique position to ride on these key trends with our expanded ecosystem of end-to-end services and platforms for all patients and customers,” Borromeo said.  

For more information

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

JANELLE MICAELA S. PANGANIBAN
Strategy and External Affairs Specialist 
AC Health
e-mail: panganiban.jms@achealth.com.ph

1H21 vs 1H20 Highlights

• Ayala Corporation reported a net income of ₱10.4 billion in the first semester, expanding 31 percent from the low base of the previous year when the metropolis was under a higher quarantine status. The improved results of its business units supported Ayala’s earnings:

• Ayala Land registered a net income growth of 34 percent to ₱6 billion showing significant improvements in performance compared to the first half of 2020 during the onset of the pandemic. 
• BPI’s net income went up one percent to ₱11.8 billion due to lower loan loss provisions. 
• Globe recorded a net income growth of 13 percent to ₱13 billion on higher gross service revenues as well as the positive impact of the CREATE law.
• AC Energy Corporation (ACEN) posted a net income growth of five percent to ₱2.7 billion as power demand returned to pre-pandemic levels and additional renewables capacity were added. This was partially tempered by high spot electricity purchases during a thermal outage and the absence of non-recurring gains during the period.  
• Manila Water’s net income improved 10 percent to ₱2.7 billion, mainly due to the absence of provisions and adjustments made in the same period last year.

• In accordance with accounting standards, Ayala’s investment in Manila Water was reclassified from a subsidiary to an Investment in Associates beginning June 3, 2021, following loss of control. This reflects Ayala’s reduced economic interest in the company from 51.4 percent to 38.6 percent following the completion of Trident Water’s acquisition of a majority stake in Manila Water.

• AC Industrials narrowed its net losses from ₱1.8 billion in the previous year to ₱592 million due to better results across its subsidiaries, including IMI and AC Motors.

• Meanwhile, Ayala’s core net income, which isolates the effect of various provisions, remeasurement losses, the CREATE law as well as divestment gains booked in 2019, decreased eight percent to ₱13.3 billion in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year. This is equivalent to 90 percent of Ayala’s pre-pandemic level. 
• On a topline basis, Ayala’s diversified portfolio supported its performance in the first semester. Its revenues grew 24 percent to ₱122 billion from the same period last year. Ayala Land, Globe, and AC Industrials exhibited topline improvement amid the current business climate:

• Ayala Land’s revenues were up 19 percent to ₱49 billion propelled by continued construction progress and higher bookings from property development while commercial leasing operations were weighed down by renewed restrictions.
• Globe’s topline increased four percent to ₱75.5 billion on the back of continued demand for mobile and home broadband data amid the pandemic. 
• AC Energy Corporation’s revenues expanded 35 percent to ₱13.4 billion as power demand returned to pre-pandemic levels and additional renewables capacity were added.
• AC Industrials’ revenues soared 32 percent to ₱40.7 billion as manufacturing plants in IMI ramped up alongside loosening quarantine restrictions from the height of the health crisis in last year as well as demand recovery across its various businesses.   
• Meanwhile, BPI continued to navigate through the challenges of the pandemic as its revenues declined seven percent to ₱48.1 billion from muted loan demand which was tempered by the strength of BPI’s diversified businesses. 

“Our first semester results show recovery in the business environment compared to last year. However, increasing infections from the Delta variant present new challenges”, Ayala President and CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala said. “As a business group operating in diversified industries, we will continue to do our part in helping revitalize the economy through continued investments and supporting the country’s pandemic response and vaccination program,” Mr. Zobel added. 

2Q21 vs 1Q21 Highlights

• Ayala’s core net income declined 15 percent to ₱6.1 billion in the second quarter from the first quarter of the year as the better performance of Ayala Land and Globe were outweighed by weaker results of BPI and AC Energy and higher losses of AC Industrials and AC Ventures.
• Meanwhile, Ayala’s reported net income decreased seven percent to ₱5 billion. 

Real Estate 

• Ayala Land’s consolidated revenues and net income increased 19 percent to ₱49 billion and 34 percent to ₱6 billion, respectively in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period last year, showing significant improvements in performance compared to the same period last year during the onset of the pandemic.  
• Property development revenues saw a growth of 37 percent to ₱34.1 billion on the back of continued construction progress and higher bookings. 

• Residential revenues surged 47 percent to ₱30.1 billion. 
• Office for sale revenues jumped 43 percent to ₱2.1 billion.
• Commercial and industrial lots declined 32 percent to ₱2 billion.

• Residential sales reservations grew 26 percent to ₱48.2 billion as local demand remained strong throughout the period.

• Second quarter sales reservations improved 45 percent to ₱19.7 billion from the same period last year despite the reimposition of an enhanced community quarantine at the end of March until April.  

• Commercial leasing revenues dipped 26 percent to ₱9.5 billion as operations of malls, hotels, and resorts were weighed down by renewed restrictions.

• Shopping center leasing revenues went down 43 percent to ₱3.4 billion. 
• Office leasing income slightly improved to ₱4.8 billion with host of BPO and HQ tenants providing support to office leasing operations. 
• Hotels and resorts rental revenues dropped 42 percent to ₱1.2 billion.

• Capital expenditures reached ₱32.1 billion in the first half of the year. 
• Ayala Land launched eight projects worth ₱25.3 billion in the second quarter alone, bringing the total projects launched in the first half to 14 at ₱44.3 billion. These include: Ayala Land Premier’s Anvaya Cove S3 in Morong, Bataan; ALVEO’s Bayview Heights in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental; Avida’s Averdeen Estates Phase 1 and Southdale Settings both in Nuvali, Laguna, Makati Southpoint Tower 2, and Astrea Tower 2 in Quezon City; and Amaia’s Steps The Junction Place Clara and Skies Cubao Tower 2 both in Quezon City. The company has budgeted ₱100 billion-worth of launches in 2021. 

Banking

• BPI posted a net income of ₱11.8 billion in the first half of 2021, one percent higher in the same period last year due to lower loan loss provisions recognized. 

• The bank’s second quarter net income was its highest since the start of the pandemic, reaching ₱6.8 billion in the period, up 29 percent year-on-year and up 36 percent quarter-on-quarter.

• Total revenues decreased seven percent to ₱48.1 billion due to lower net interest income and non-interest income.

• Net interest income dipped seven percent to ₱33.9 billion because of a 24-basis point contraction in net interest margin, which ended at 3.32 percent. 
• Non-interest income likewise declined seven percent to ₱14.3 billion due to lower trading income despite fees and commissions showing a 37 percent growth. 

• Total loans declined four percent to ₱1.4 trillion because of softer demand in corporate, SME, and auto loans.

• CASA ratio stood at 83.2 percent.
• Loan-to-deposit ratio was 80.8 percent. 

• The bank recognized ₱6.5 billion in provisions in the first half, 56 percent lower than the same period last year. NPL ratio stood at 2.94 percent and NPL coverage ratio reached 120.3 percent.
• BPI affirmed its strategic imperatives which focus on five key initiatives underpinned by its passion for its customers:

• It aims to be the undisputed leader in digital banking as it leverages its early investments in digitalizing its systems to deliver products and services that will enhance customer experience and deepen their relationship with the Bank.  
• As clients adopt digitalization, the bank will rationalize its branches through re-location, consolidation or co-location.  The remaining branches will undergo physical transformation and will be segmented depending on the client preferences in the area.
• BPI aims funding leadership by becoming the main operating bank of its corporate clients, capitalizing on its robust transaction platforms and optimizing funding cost.  
• The bank will continue to reposition its loan book by increasing exposure to SME and consumer loans. 
• As part of its thrust for Sustainable Banking, BPI launched its Sustainability Agenda and made significant commitments:  become the most financially inclusive bank through BPI Direct BanKo, no additional commitments to finance greenfield coal power generation projects and support the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures.

Telco

• Globe’s net income increased 13 percent to ₱13 billion in the first half as the decline in non-operating charges and upside from the implementation of the CREATE law fully covered for the increase in depreciation expenses. 
• Excluding the impact of non-recurring charges, foreign exchange, and mark-to-market charges, Globe’s core net income grew 19 percent to ₱13.2 billion.
• Total service revenues grew four percent to ₱75.5 billion driven by data revenues led by home broadband. Total data revenues accounted for 79 percent of total service revenues, a growth of 300 basis points from the same period last year.
• Growth in data was present in all segments, most evident in the upward momentum of Globe’s mobile data and home broadband categories.

• Mobile data revenues increased seven percent to ₱38.6 billion.
• Mobile data traffic grew 59 percent to 1,761 petabytes.  
• Home broadband revenues soared 16 percent to an all-time high of ₱14.5 billion. 
• Home broadband subscriber base grew 47 percent to over 4.2 million customers. 
• Corporate data expanded eight percent to ₱6.3 billion.

• EBITDA dipped three percent to ₱37.4 billion due to higher costs and expenses attributed to more spending to support its aggressive network expansion and improve customer digital lifestyle experience.

• Operating expenses including subsidy grew 12 percent to ₱38.1 billion.
• EBITDA margin consequently contracted by 300 basis points to 50 percent.  

• Capital expenditures more than doubled to₱43.3 billion, representing 57 percent of gross service revenues and 116 percent of EBITDA. Moreover, 88 percent of the investment went to data-related requirements for network expansion and network modernization from 3G to 4G LTE/5G as well as fiber technology. 
• As a result of continuous modernization of its network to make 5G and fiber technology available to more customers nationwide, Globe has made strides in improving its overall network data infrastructure:

• New cell towers ramped up to 641, an improvement of 71 percent 
• Upgraded mobile sites reached 8,175 or a 47 percent growth   
• On the fixed line front, it has surpassed the 600,000 FTTH lines delivered in 2020

Power

• AC Energy Corporation posted a net income growth of five percent to ₱2.7 billion. Revenue expanded by 35 percent to ₱13.4 billion as power demand returned to pre-pandemic levels and additional renewables capacity were added. However, the strong revenue growth was partially offset by high spot electricity purchases during a thermal outage. The absence of non-recurring gains during the period also tempered income growth.
• Meanwhile, AC Energy group’s legacy coal plants (GN Power Kauswagan and AA Thermal, both of which are outside of ACEN) registered a 28 percent decline in equity in earnings to ₱1.9 billion in the first half of 2021, mainly due to a loss on derivative (related to project loan) and higher business taxes.
• Given the reduced ownership in ACEN and decline in legacy coal plant earnings, AC Energy group registered a net income decline of 21 percent to ₱3.5 billion in the first half of 2021.
• ACEN commenced the operations of two solar plants in the Philippines and two solar plants in India in the second quarter. Philippines: 63MW Gigasol Palauig in Zambales (April) and 120MW Gigasol Alaminos in Laguna (June). India: 70MWdc Paryapt Solar in Gujarat (April) and 140MWdc Sitara Solar in Rajasthan (May).
• In May, ACEN completed the listing of 1.58 billion primary shares from its follow-on offering, which raised ₱10.3 billion. Regulators then approved the company’s increase in authorized capital stock, which enabled the infusion of parent ACEIC’s international platform into ACEN via an asset-for-share swap. These strategic initiatives, alongside the recently concluded ₱5.4-billion stock rights offering in January, and the ₱11.9-billion private placement to Arran in March, enable ACEN’s transformation as Ayala’s main energy platform. With the infusion of international assets, the power company now has more than 2,500 MW in attributable capacity, of which 2,070 MW, or 80 percent, comes from renewable sources. AC Energy intends to achieve 5,000 MW of renewable capacity by 2025, toward its vision to become the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia. 

Industrial Technologies

• AC Industrials narrowed its net loss to ₱592 million in the first semester from ₱1.8 billion a year ago as IMI benefited from better utilization and recovering markets, while AC Motors saw stronger demand following looser quarantine measures. 
• From a net loss in same period last year, IMI recorded a net income of US$915,000 (₱46.1 million) amid the continuing global chip shortage and challenged supply chains.
• Meanwhile, AC Motors’ revenues grew 42 percent to ₱8.1 billion in the first semester as the Philippine automotive market continues to recover. Both automotive and motorcycle businesses grew, buoyed by new models launched across the portfolio.

Balance Sheet Highlights 

• Parent level cash stood at ₱16.9 billion.
• Parent net debt stood at ₱119.1 billion.
• Parent net debt-to-equity ratio stood at 94 percent.
• Consolidated net debt-to-equity stood at 66 percent.
• Loan-to-value ratio, the ratio of its parent net debt (excluding the fixed-for-life perpetuals which have no maturity) to the total value of its assets, was at 9.8 percent.
• In May, Ayala Corporation completed the first tranche of its ₱30 billion Debt Securities Program with an aggregate principal amount of ₱10 billion consisting of a base offer of ₱6 billion and an oversubscription option of an additional ₱4 billion. The first tranche consists of 3.0260% Series A Bonds due 2024 and 3.7874% Series B Bonds due 2026. The bonds were issued and listed at the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corporation on May 28, 2021.
• Ayala is taking advantage of attractive levels in the equities market to invest in value-accretive opportunities such as its exercise of a share buyback and block purchase of Ayala Land shares.

• Ayala purchased a sizeable block of its own shares in May valued at ₱5.8 billion. Combined with its past buyback exercises, Ayala has accumulated shares equivalent to 1.7 percent of its total outstanding shares at an average purchase price of ₱691 per share.
• Ayala recently purchased blocks of Ayala Land shares at an average price of ₱36.34 per share. These transactions increased Ayala’s stake in Ayala Land from 44.5 percent to 46.4 percent as of July 2021.

CAMP AGUINALDO, QUEZON CITY – The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Ayala Group of Companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen a long-standing partnership and bolster support to soldiers through the Saludo Sa Serbisyo program on Thursday, July 29.  

AFP Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana signed the MOU on behalf of the AFP, while Ayala Corporation President & CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala represented the Ayala Group.  

“The Saludo Sa Serbisyo program developed by the Ayala Corporation will be in full swing until 2026 and is a program that will absolutely aid in boosting the morale and in improving the lives of the men and women of the Armed Forces,” said General Sobejana.  

Saludo Sa Serbisyo is a needs-based program that gives uniformed personnel expanded access to the group’s products and services, enabling them to pick the best support they need in every key milestone of their lives.   

“The AFP and Ayala go a long way back. In 1939, Col. Joseph McMicking, a great pilot and our great grandfather, awarded the first McMicking Wings to the then Second Lieutenant Renato L. Barretto, a pilot cadet at the Philippine Air Force Flying School,” Zobel said.  

“Over the years and amidst several leadership transitions, our partnership strengthened; our friendship flourished. Both Ayala and AFP have demonstrated how impactful our actions can be—when we work in unity,” he added.  

The program provides offers on housing and vehicles, and it hosts a venue for financial education and livelihood training as well as health and wellness caravans. It also hopes to provide employment opportunities in various business units across the Ayala Group to AFP retirees and their qualified dependents.  

Earlier on the same day, a Ribbon Cutting was conducted to formally open the AFP-Ayala Corporation Caravan at the GHQ Canopy. It was attended by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, J1 Major General Adriano S Perez Jr.; and General Emmanuel T Bautista (Ret), former AFP chief of staff and now a consultant at Ayala Corporation.  

The caravan featured Housing Assistance from Ayala Land and Health and Wellness Caravan courtesy of AC Health – Healthway, Generika, and MDC Medical Team. Several financial and investment opportunities were also offered by BPI, while AC Motors offered preferred rates on vehicles under the company’s umbrella of brands: Honda, Kia, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Maxus, and KTM.

Apart from “Saludo Sa Serbisyo,” Ayala Group also expresses its support to servicemen through its strong support to Hero Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides educational assistance to children of Filipino soldiers killed in action or totally incapacitated while in the line of duty.  

Ayala Corporation and Ayala Land each give a donation of P2.5 million yearly. The educational stipend from the foundation helps orphaned students pay for school-related expenses. With the help of the private sector, Hero Foundation has supported and served a total of 2,702 orphan scholars since 1988.  

The group also holds the annual Ayala Young Leaders Congress, where top youth and student leaders from across various sectors, religions, and provinces of the Philippines join a series of dialogues with business leaders and government officials. A total of 89 AYLC alumni come from the Philippine Military Academy and currently serve in different branches of service of the AFP.  

“As we continue our partnership moving forward, we remain committed to further ramp up our projects with the AFP and strengthen the bonds of friendship that we have nurtured over the years. We certainly look forward to having more joint initiatives with you in the near future,” Zobel noted. 

General Sobejana expressed his gratitude to the Ayala Corporation for their benevolence and generosity as both parties strive to provide cohesive, needs-based, and sustainable program for the troops and their dependents.

“Thank you for not forgetting our soldiers, who work tirelessly and put their lives on the line to protect the land and serve the Filipino people. You all have our utmost respect and admiration,” the AFP Chief said. 

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For more information:

YLA ALCANTARA
Head, Brand and Reputation Management
e-mail – alcantara.ypg@ayala.com

MANILA – Beyond boosting the private sector’s pandemic response, Ayala’s healthcare arm AC Health lives up to its goal of providing quality healthcare for all as it officially breaks ground for the construction of Healthway Cancer Care Center, the Philippines’ first dedicated specialty cancer hospital, on Thursday.  

Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano, Department of Health Secretary Francisco T Duque III, and Ayala Corporation President and CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala led the facility’s ceremonial groundbreaking at the FTI Complex in Taguig City. 

With cancer being the second leading cause of death in the Philippines, the 100-bed Healthway Cancer Care Center is Ayala Group’s response to the Cancer Control Act (RA 11215), which gives the private sector the green light to create cancer specialty hospitals and clinics. In 2020 alone, over 150,000 cancer cases were recorded in the country. In the same year, 90,000 Filipinos succumbed to the dreaded disease.  

Once completed in July 2023, Healthway Cancer Care Center will be the first comprehensive, dedicated cancer hospital in the country, offering a complete range of cancer services from screening, diagnosis, treatment to post-cancer care. AC Health has partnered with Varian-CTSI, which provides clinical services and solutions to over 100 hospitals, clinics, and physician groups worldwide, in ensuring delivery of affordable yet high standards of cancer care in the country.  

“Cancer is a critical public health problem with an enormous impact on patients, the families, and the healthcare system at large. There is an urgent need to develop sustainable solutions. We need to increase awareness of the disease through patient education, improve the timeliness of diagnosis through rigorous screening programs, and minimize out-of-pocket cancer expenses through affordable cancer care,” said Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of the Board of AC Health. 

“We are optimistic that the enactment of the NICCA law and various cancer care initiatives of the DOH will help reduce the burden of the disease. Now more than ever, there is a need to provide better avenues for cancer patients to seek consultation and treatment. We are delighted that AC Health will be establishing the first specialized hospital for cancer in the Philippines,” DOH Sec. Francisco Duque III added. 

With the addition of Healthway Cancer Care Center, AC Health expands its healthcare portfolio alongside Healthway Clinics, Qualimed Hospitals, Generika Drugstores, IE Medica and MedEthix, and the HealthNow mobile app. 

#BrigadangAyala donates flu vaccines to the City of Taguig 

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Ayala Corporation, together with AC Health, turned over 1,000 doses of flu vaccine to Taguig City. The flu vaccine will serve to protect Taguig’s constituents against the infectious disease and its possible complications as the country focuses on beating COVID-19. 

“With the donation of the flu vaccines through the #BrigadangAyala, we are optimistic that we will be able to lessen the burden of influenza, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We target to administer these vaccines for our priority beneficiaries namely, the Philippine National Police, Traffic Management Office, Barangay Health Workers, Bureau of Fire Protection and other frontliners,” said Mayor Lino Cayetano.  

“The Taguig City Government has always been an advocate in promoting healthcare for their constituents and many Filipinos in need. Their various programs, from cancer care initiatives to vaccination efforts, are a testament to their commitment to provide quality and accessible health services. The Ayala Group is delighted to support the City of Taguig in its efforts to protect the health of its constituents,” added AC Health President & CEO Paolo Borromeo. 

Aside from the donation of flu vaccines, AC Health has worked closely with the City of Taguig to augment their COVID-19 vaccination efforts for their constituents across the A1-A5 priority groups.  

At the onset of the pandemic, AC Health has been leading the Ayala Group’s COVID-19 response initiatives. It has worked closely with the DOH, IATF, and local governments to implement protocols across the group and spearhead key milestones, from setting up mega-isolation facilities and testing labs to securing vaccines for employees and other stakeholders. 

As of July 13, 2021, AC Health has already administered more than 193,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to priority groups across LGUs, the Ayala Group, and partner companies. 

#BrigadangAyala is Ayala Group’s united contribution to serving people and communities nationwide. It is Ayala Group’s integrated response to its almost two century-old commitment to national development by doing various social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives—ranging from disaster relief and response, assistance for public education, championing of social enterprises, and public health advocacy, among others.  

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For more information:

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

CHACHI MORENO, M.D.
Strategy and External Affairs Manager
Zodiac Health Ventures, Inc
e-mail: moreno.fmm@achealth.com.ph

MANILA — Does helping communities in the wake of a typhoon end with distributing relief goods? 

The Ayala Group, through #BrigadangAyala, believes in sustaining efforts that will assist communities on their way to recovery. This is why through Ayala Foundation and AC Energy, #BrigadangAyala is initiating a livelihood training program for two communities in Cagayan province, as a way to help families find new and sustained sources of income, especially when disaster strikes. 

Powered by a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Ayala Foundation and AC Energy are starting a disaster resiliency program through livelihood. The program will provide training for a total of 300 mothers or heads of families affected by Typhoon Ulysses (international name Vamco), which slammed Luzon in November last year.  

An initial 50 mothers from the towns of Lal-lo and Buguey, Cagayan, will be trained in cookery and baking and pastry skills. The remaining 250 participants will go through the training during the remainder of the year. The training will be under the Mobile Training Program of TESDA, and will also cover the towns of Amulung, Solana, Enrile, Baggao, and Alcala. 

“Inaasahan ko na magkaroon ako ng sariling bakeshop para makatulong sa pamilya ko. Thank you kasi sa mga ganitong programa malaking tulong ito para sa amin, tapos lalo na ngayon pandemic, hindi mo alam kung saan, hirap naman kasi mag-apply kung saan saan so mas okay na yung magkaroon ka ng sarili mong business para mabuhay,” said Narlyn Dazo, one of the beneficiaries from Lal-lo.  

“Masaya tsaka excited ako kasi gusto ko talagang ituloy yung negosyo ko kasi maraming pamilya na umaasa sa akin. Inaasahan ko na madadagdagan yung kaalaman ko tungkol sa negosyo,” added Judith Domingo, another beneficiary from Lal-lo.  

Sec. Isidro Lapeña, Director General of TESDA said, “TESDA is truly grateful to the entire Ayala Group of companies as we work together to provide the needed assistance to calamity-affected communities and help them rebuild their lives through employment and livelihood opportunities.”

Considered one of the more destructive typhoons to hit the country in recent years, Ulysses slammed many parts of the country, particularly northern Luzon. Still reeling from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and a string of previous typhoons, many communities in Luzon, particularly the Cagayan Valley region, had to face massive flooding and loss of property and livelihood. Based on estimates, Typhoon Ulysses resulted in damages amounting to roughly PhP20.3 billion. 

“This partnership with AC Energy and TESDA for a disaster resilience program in Cagayan is in keeping with our efforts to align with the needs of stakeholders, focusing on interventions that make the most impact in the lives of people,” said Ruel Maranan, President of Ayala Foundation. “As Ayala Foundation celebrates its 60th anniversary, we affirm our faith in the Filipino as we all stand resilient in the face of challenges.” 

“It is our privilege to serve the communities of Cagayan, together with Ayala Foundation, TESDA, and the rest of the Ayala Group,” said Eric Francia, President and CEO of AC Energy. “Initiatives such as these show that helping communities become self-sustaining and resilient in the face of disasters is also good for business, community development, and our shared goal of building the nation.” 

The Ayala Group was among the first private groups to mobilize relief operations in Cagayan. With Ayala Foundation taking the lead, the Ayala Group provided emergency relief support for 1,800 families or 9,000 individuals in Cagayan. This support came in the form of food packs, installation of Libreng Tawag and WiFi stations in evacuation sites, and delivery of essential medicines to the Provincial Health Office. In a show of synergy, Ayala Foundation, AC Energy, Globe Telecom, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Generika, and the Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative came together for the relief operations. 

The group also provided support for learners and teachers in Cagayan, who are currently adapting to the new normal of education. Public school students and teachers from the towns of Lal-lo and Buguey received transistor radios, face masks, and Globe Home Prepaid WiFi kits. 

#BrigadangAyala is Ayala Group’s united contribution to serving people and communities nationwide. It is Ayala Group’s integrated response to its almost two century-old commitment to national development by doing various social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives—ranging from disaster relief and response, assistance for public education, championing of social enterprises, and public health advocacy, among others. 

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For more information:

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

IRENE MARANAN
Head – Corporate Communications and Sustainability
AC Energy
e-mail – maranan.is@acenergy.com.ph

CELERINA AMORES
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
Ayala Foundation, Inc.
e-mail – amores.cr@ayalafoundation.org

July 15, 2021 – BPI Foundation, the social development arm of BPI, formalized today its partnership with Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) to further enhance its BPI Sinag program by providing market access for social enterprises (SEs).

Now on its 7^th year BPI Sinag, a comprehensive development program aimed at nurturing and stimulating growth to the budding SE sector, inked a strategic partnership with Ayala Land and joined the group-wide #BrigadangAyala initiatives for greater impact.

“Through ALI’s Alagang AyalaLand program, our Sinag SEs can avail of free leasable space for three months to one year in any Ayala Malls nationwide, subject to certain minimum conditions,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo. “This mutually beneficial partnership will surely spark business opportunities for both parties as the SEs attract new markets to the Ayala Malls.”

The top 10 winners of this year’s BPI Sinag Spark business challenge will win cash grants of up to P300,000, experience MBA-like virtual training sessions, and receive free leasable space in Ayala Malls, inclusive of the maintenance fees for common areas for a maximum of 10 square meters for the first three months.

According to the Social Enterprise Landscape in ASEAN 2018 report by the USAID, there are estimated to be over 160,000 SEs in the country, most of them cooperatives. Many social enterprises in the Philippines help their beneficiaries by providing employment within their communities. Outside Metro Manila opportunities are relatively untapped and starting to attract new generation SEs.

However, even before COVID-19, the SE sector has already been trying to overcome several obstacles like lack of access to finance, a lack of effective impact measurement mechanisms, and low public awareness.

“Most SEs are part of the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector, which is considered one of the main drivers of economic development in many countries, including the Philippines,” said BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco. “With the ongoing pandemic, our commitment to help this very important sector recover and survive remains intact. Supporting the growth of MSMEs is key in building a financially inclusive and sustainable Philippines.”

“This partnership with BPI is perfectly aligned with Alagang AyalaLand. While the BPI Sinag project would identify and nurture budding social enterprises, we in Ayala Land will provide the spaces in our malls lease-free to the most promising of these enterprises,” said Ayala Land Inc. President and CEO Bobby Dy. “This reflects our commitment and synergy in the Ayala Group, especially when our hope is to provide opportunities for our fellow Filipinos.”

“We recognize the importance of providing a vibrant environment for social enterprises to flourish and make further impacts on society,” added Department of Trade and Industry Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona. “While a legal framework for social enterprises is yet to be institutionalized, DTI commits to provide interventions in sustaining the MSME development including our social enterprises so as to generate more employment and to give better lives to millions of Filipinos.”

Over the years, BPI Sinag has supported over 180 SEs from various industries, including healthcare, food and beverage, education, energy, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing, among others.

“Aside from the network and learning opportunities, we have awarded almost P20M worth of cash grants to our Sinag SEs aimed to boost their enterprise and further uplift the lives of the communities they serve and operate in,” Cammayo added. “This year, we will inject another P2M in cash into the ecosystem, provide the SEs access to invaluable mentoring sessions, MBA-like crash courses and premium marketplaces.”

The application period is extended to July 23, 2021 to enable more SEs to join. Interested applicants may check the complete eligibility requirements via https://bpifoundation.org/page/bpi-sinag/.

#BrigadangAyala is Ayala Group’s united contribution to serving people and communities nationwide. It is Ayala Group’s integrated response to its almost two century-old commitment to national development by doing various social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives—ranging from disaster relief and response, assistance for public education, championing of social enterprises, and public health advocacy, among others.

For more information:

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

ARCHIE NICASIO
Head, Stakeholder Relations Management
Bank of the Philippine Islands
e-mail – aenicasio.bpi@gmail.com

In appreciation for medical frontliners, Globe and its partners support Ayala Group’s #BrigadangAyala by providing WiFi kits, entertainment packages, grocery, medical supplies, insurance vouchers, and cash support to three public hospitals.

UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH), National Children’s Hospital (NCH), and Tondo Medical Center (TMC) will each receive 50 Globe MyFi devices with free 9 GB valid for 7 days for its medical frontliners. In addition, the hospitals will receive a cash donation of P500,000.00 from Ayala Corporation through Ayala Foundation, plus funds raised through Globe Rewards and GCash.

The hospitals will also receive smart TVs with Globe Home Prepaid WiFi with 10 GB data valid for 7 days to be installed in COVID and cancer wards and other patient areas such as the Emergency Room and Out-Patient Department.

“As a conglomerate, one of Ayala’s core strengths is its diversity, which has been quite evident in the group’s holistic response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said John Philip Orbeta, Ayala Corporation’s Chief Human Resources Officer. “Through Brigadang Ayala, we are once again banking on our diversity to make an impact to the lives of the communities we serve.”

Globe Business customers have also contributed to this worthy advocacy by providing gift packs to the medical frontliners. Meanwhile, Generika provided 500 immunity booster packages for PGH frontliners. Century Pacific Food Inc. shared 500 nutrient-rich food packages for NCH staff and patients. PureGo provided 500 PureGo discount vouchers worth P200 to TMC employees. GCash likewise provided GInsure package with Covid and Dengue coverage for 3 months for 500 frontliners of TMC.

When the pandemic started, Globe supported PGH Medical Foundation Inc. and nine (9) other hospital beneficiaries through Globe Rewards by raising P41M through the help of its customers. Fundraising for PGH has continued to date. Globe Rewards provided a digital avenue for concerned Filipinos to quickly donate funds to these hospitals. PGH alone has received over P22 million worth of essential COVID and pediatric cancer supplies since 2020.

“This contribution is Globe’s way of saying thank you for their continued service and sacrifice. We know that these connectivity devices will help them in sharing their struggles and triumphs with their families and make it easier for them to take care of their patients,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.

“We are always forging ahead to provide solutions that will not only help our frontliners in their daily battles but also help the majority of Filipinos adapt and thrive in our new reality. Globe will continue to scale its digital solutions and connectivity efforts to get our country back on track,” he added.

#BrigadangAyala is Ayala Group’s united contribution to serving people and communities nationwide. It is Ayala Group’s integrated response to its almost two century-old commitment to national development by doing various social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives—ranging from disaster relief and response, assistance for public education, championing of social enterprises, and public health advocacy, among others.

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For more information:

Yla Alcantara
Head, Brand and Reputation Management
Ayala Corporation
e-mail – alcantara.ypg@ayala.com

Yoly C. Crisanto
SVP, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom, Inc.
e-mail – gtcorpcomm@globe.com.ph

MANILA, July 8 – Ayala’s healthcare arm, AC Health, has administered over 125,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine since the first batch arrived in the Philippines late February. To date, the group has worked to inoculate members of priority groups across LGUs, the Ayala Group, and partner companies.

“AC Health will remain committed to supporting the country’s vaccination efforts and will continue to strengthen our partnerships with our LGUs and private sector partners, in order to vaccinate at the requisite scale and speed and to help achieve our nation’s goal of achieving herd immunity at year-end. We are proud to leverage the full strength of our network, with Healthway and QualiMed leading site operations and vaccine administration, and HealthNow functioning as our vaccine management platform to meet our goal of administering 1 million doses within 2021,” said Paolo Borromeo, AC Health President and CEO.

In June, AC Health began inoculating Ayala Group employees through partnerships with the LGUs of Makati, Parañaque, Quezon City, Taguig, and Sta. Rosa, who provided government-procured vaccines to the group’s economic frontliner (A4) population in June. This week, AC Health also launched its vaccination program to employees with Moderna vaccines, the first tranche of the 1 million doses Ayala secured via tripartite agreements with the government.

AC Health has also partnered with LGUs to augment their vaccination for constituents across A1-A5 priority groups. In line with the Ayala Group’s commitment to the Ingat Angat initiative, AC Health committed to deploy its Healthway and QualiMed teams and have made available vaccination sites across the Greater Metro Manila Area. Some of which include supporting Makati’s COVID-19 vaccination drive thru site, Taguig’s PNP vaccination day, and Sta. Rosa’s ceremonial vaccination for healthcare workers, among others.

This month, AC Health will launch its COVIDShield program, serving hundreds of companies, including large multinationals, other conglomerates, BPOs, manufacturing firms, and other private sector partners who have entrusted the group for their own vaccinations. The program which has combined the extensive resources of QualiMed, Healthway, and HealthNow to offer an end-to-end COVID-19 vaccination program, and complements public sector efforts to vaccinate majority of Filipinos by the end of the year.

“The success of our fight against COVID-19 will not rest on one player alone, but will depend on the collective efforts across the public and private sectors. As we strengthen our partnerships, we greatly encourage our employees and our fellow Filipinos to be vaccinated for their protection, as well as for the protection of their families, colleagues, and communities. In doing so, we will help drive our country’s economic recovery safely and responsibly,” he added.

At the onset, AC Health has been leading the Ayala Group’s COVID-19 response initiatives. It has worked closely with the DOH, IATF, and local governments to implement protocols across the group and spearhead key milestones, from setting up mega-isolation facilities, testing labs to securing vaccines for employees and other stakeholders.

#BrigadangAyala is Ayala Group’s united contribution to serving people and communities nationwide. It is Ayala Group’s integrated response to its almost two century-old commitment to national development by doing various social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives— ranging from disaster relief and response, assistance for public education, championing of social enterprises, and public health advocacy, among others.

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For more information:

Yla Alcantara
Head, Brand and Reputation Management
Ayala Corporation
e-mail – alcantara.ypg@ayala.com

Janelle Panganiban
Strategy and External Affairs Specialist
Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc.
e-mail – panganiban.jms@achealth.com.ph

MANILA, July 9, 2021 – Ayala Group’s public infrastructure arm, AC Infra, allows communities to help themselves to thrive despite the challenges of the pandemic by addressing their immediate needs through #BrigadangAyala.   

AC Infra integrates and complements the efforts of its road-toll business, Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), and Entrego, it’s logistics arm to address the most pressing needs of partner communities – access to food, healthcare, and education. 

Giving Hope to the Forgotten  

Since 2017, Ayala companies have been helping residents of Brgy Poblacion in Muntinlupa.

Informal settlers, comprising mostly of families of prison inmates or People Deprived of Liberty (PDL), line the stretch of MCX. One of the settlers, Melanie Balansag, has been taking on various jobs and selling kakanin for the last 15 years as her family awaits the release of her husband, a PDL.    

In partnership with the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS), MCX has been supporting scholarships and other education-related initiatives in Brgy. Poblacion and the New Bilibid Prison community. Melanie’s daughter is among the beneficiaries. 

“Napakalaking tulong po para sa amin ang ibinabahagi ng programa upang makamit ng aking anak ang kanyang pangarap,” Melanie said. “Mahirap man ang sitwasyun ngayun ngunit ako bilang ina ay patuloy na gumagabay at sumosuporta sa aking anak upang hindi masayang ang pagkakataon nya na maging scholar ng PJPS at MCX/Ayala.”  

Since 2017, MCX has contributed over P1.2 million for scholarships and other education-related initiatives of Brgy. Poblacion and the New Bilibid Prison community.   

Empowering the Youth Leaders  

Another meaningful partnership was built between Brgy. Poblacion’s Southville 3 Youth Council lockdown (SV3YC) and MCX during the height of the lockdown. SV3YC has been very passionate in reaching out to struggling families especially during the pandemic.

With MCX and AC Infra pledging support, youth leaders from Brgy. Poblacion quickly got to work and spearheaded the drive that provided 200 mothers with milk and vitamins for their kids and 400 Tricycle and Drivers’ Association members with food packages. 

On July 7, some AC Infra, MCX, and Entrego employees teamed up to set up a community pantry-inspired project with the local government of Brgy. Poblacion.

Volunteers from MCX, Entrego, and Brgy. Poblacion work together to distribute food packs to Muntinlupa residents who are struggling the most during the pandemic – no work no pay workers, PWDs, senior citizens

“Bilang mga Youth Leader mas nagkakaroon po kami ng pag-asa dahil ang mga organisasyong gaya ng MCX ay patuloy na nagtitiwala at kasama namin humahakbang para sa pagbangon mula sa pandemya,” said Kenneth Mugar, Southville 3 Youth Council President. 

MCX has allocated over P1.9 million since 2017 to support the communities around it. “At MCX, we don’t only work for efficient toll operations, we also strive to improve the lives of the communities surrounding our toll road, that includes Brgy. Poblacion and the Bureau of Corrections. I am personally very happy to see the next generation of leaders enthusiastically working with us to accomplish the same goal – to improve the lives of our partner communities. We are very thankful for the support that the LGUs (Barangay Poblacion and Muntinlupa City) have been giving us since MCX started operations,” said Joseph Canlas, MCX Senior Operations Manager. Volunteers from MCX, Entrego, and Brgy. Poblacion works together to distribute food packs to Muntinlupa residents who are struggling the most during the pandemic – no work no pay workers, PWDs, senior citizensMCX has allocated over P1.9 million since 2017 to support the communities around it. “At MCX, we don’t only work for efficient toll operations, we also strive to improve the lives of the communities surrounding our toll road, that includes Brgy. Poblacion and the Bureau of Corrections. I am personally very happy to see the next generation of leaders enthusiastically working with us to accomplish the same goal – to improve the lives of our partner communities. We are very thankful for the support that the LGUs (Barangay Poblacion and Muntinlupa City) have been giving us since MCX started operations,” said Joseph Canlas, MCX Senior Operations Manager.

Community Pantry for Riders    

Meanwhile, AC Infra’s logistics arm Entrego has also launched Kalingang Ka-Entrego, a community pantry-inspired initiative where riders can freely take the food supply they need for the day.  

Wilson Balingbing, a single parent and pioneering rider of Entrego, is one of the beneficiaries of Kalingang Ka-Entrego. “Nakakapagod ang maging rider ngayong may pandemic. Pero hindi na bale dahil worth it naman ang appreciation na natatanggap ko kay Entrego simula noon hanggang ngayon,” he said.  

Another proud Entrego rider is Norman Caspillo, whose earnings as a delivery partner enable him to send his child to a private school and build a home for his family. “Dahil sa Entrego, napaaral ko po ang aking anak sa private school…nakabili po ako ng lote na mapatayuan ng bahay…dahil sa Entrego, nagbago ang buhay ko.”  

On July 8, Kalingang Ka-Entrego will start deploying food items to its 5 hubs in NCR and Rizal, providing around 500 riders and warehouse workers with their basic necessities. The program aims to expand beyond food provisions and plans to donate pre-loved gadgets to children of select riders so they can continue learning online.  

Through the Ayala Vaccine and Immunization Program (AVIP), Entrego riders and warehouse workers are set to be vaccinated against COVID-19 this year. “In Entrego, we consider our riders and our warehouse workers as our economic frontliners. We are very grateful for the work they put in, day in and day out, all throughout the country. Our commitment is to create opportunities to support them the best way we could, during the pandemic and even beyond,” said Rene Almendras, Entrego Chairman

#BrigadangAyala is Ayala Group’s united contribution to serving people and communities nationwide. It is Ayala Group’s integrated response to its almost two century-old commitment to national development by doing various social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives—ranging from disaster relief and response, assistance for public education, championing of social enterprises, and public health advocacy, among others. 

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Yla Alcantara
Head, Brand and Reputation Management
Ayala Corporation
e-mail – alcantara.ypg@ayala.com

Joseph Quesada
Director for Sustainability, CSR, and PR
AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. (AC Infra)
e-mail – quesada.jam@acinfra.com.ph

Nash Sudario
Sr. Corporate Communications & Sustainability Staff
AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. (AC Infra)
e-mail – sudario.jnt@acinfra.com.ph