Author: Sharon Mutuc

MANILA — Among Philippine conglomerates, Ayala Corporation received the highest rating from UK-based Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the world’s largest, most comprehensive dataset on environmental action.    

This year, Ayala received a B rating, higher than the Asia regional average of C. Based on the CDP report, Ayala received very high scores in the areas of governance, opportunity disclosure, and risk management processes.

Ayala Land also maintained its A- rating, besting other real estate companies in the Philippines. Globe maintained its B rating as well. Meanwhile, both BPI and ACEN received scores at par with the Asia regional average, with BPI besting other Philippine banks.

“We’re very happy with the scores Ayala and its business units received from the CDP. These scores play an important role in keeping our companies on track when it comes to climate action,” said Albert de Larrazabal, Ayala Corporation’s Chief Financial, Sustainability, and Risk Management Officer. “These not only prove our strong commitment to protecting the environment but also our strong adherence to the highest standards of disclosure.”  

In 2021, Ayala became the first Philippine company to commit to a net zero target 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.

Founded in 2000, CDP was the first platform to leverage investor pressure to influence corporate disclosure on environmental impact. The insights that CDP holds empower investors, companies, cities, and national and regional governments to make the right choices today to build a thriving economy that works for people and planet in the long term.

According to CDP, a record-breaking 18,700+ companies representing half of global market capitalization disclosed through CDP in 2022 – 42% more than last year, and over 233% more than when the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015.

Over 680 investors with over US$130 trillion in assets requested companies disclose through CDP on climate change, water security, and forests.

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MANILA –  Just a week away from Christmas Eve, #BrigadangAyala distributed noche buena packages to 6,000 families in various provinces in the country.   

Over 500 employee–volunteers from the WeAreAyala Business Club (WAABC) went to 15 locations in 6 provinces to bring noche buena packs that contained P1,000 worth of grocery items that could feed a family of five. The beneficiaries were selected from vulnerable communities in Pampanga, Cebu, Negros, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.   

“This is the third Christmas since the pandemic started, so we in the Ayala community wanted to do something, and decided to make Christmas extra special for some of our kababayans. Ngayong Pasko, sagot namin ang noche buena ng 6,000 na pamilya,” said Rene Almendras, Ayala Corporation’s Group Head of Public Affairs. 

“As we bring #BrigadangAyala to the areas we serve, we want our employees to be more involved and share in the joy of giving, dahil mas masarap mag-celebrate ng Pasko kapag nakakapagbigay tayo ng ngiti at pag-asa sa ating kapwa Filipino,” he added.         

The noche buena packs were distributed by various WAABC chapters, comprising employees from the different Ayala group business units. In the areas they are present, WAABC chapters drive the pillars of business synergy, community engagement, external relations, and culture building.  

In December 2021, #BrigadangAyala implemented a 12-week food distribution program for 10,000 families in select locations across Metro Manila. These families were provided a weekly supply of rice, vegetables, and fruits, among others, so they did not have to worry how to feed their families.  Target beneficiaries consisted of families whose breadwinners lost their livelihood during the pandemic. 

In times of calamity and natural disasters, #BrigadangAyala is a partner that helps provide assistance to affected communities. Last August when the 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit; in September, when communities were affected by super typhoon Karding; and in December when typhoon Odette devastated many areas, #BrigadangAyala was there to provide assistance through different ways and channels.      

#BrigadangAyala serves as the banner under which social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives across the Ayala group of companies is implemented. The initiatives covered under #BrigadangAyala range from disaster relief and response, assistance for public education, championing of social enterprises, and public health advocacy, among others.   

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MANILA — A total of 32 Philippine publicly listed companies (PLCs) were recognized during the recently held 2021 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) awards.

A quarter of the Philippine awardees — or eight of the 32 Philippine PLCs recognized — are part of the Ayala Group of Companies, namely, Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, Inc., ACEN Corporation, Integrated Micro-electronics, Inc., Ayala Land Logistics Holdings Corporation, and Cebu Holdings Inc.

Ayala Land, Inc. and Globe Telecom, Inc. received the additional distinction of being part of the top 20 ASEAN PLCs and the top 3 Philippine PLCs.  

According to Atty. Emilio B. Aquino, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, ACGS seeks to recognize the valuable efforts of the top performing publicly listed companies across the ASEAN region in improving and raising the standard in corporate governance.

“The ACGS is an assessment conducted every two years. It follows a rigorous methodology designed to score and capture the corporate governance practices of the participating countries’ publicly listed companies,” he said.

“The publicly listed companies who made it to the list of awardees are the creme of the crop and the corporate governance pride of the ASEAN region.”

Last February, the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the Philippines’ Domestic Ranking Body for the ACGS initiative, inducted Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala as an Honorary Fellow his “lifelong commitment to promoting the highest standards of governance among Philippine corporations.”

“We are grateful to the ACGS awards for acknowledging the efforts that we have put in to improve and align our governance practices with regional and global standards,” Zobel said. “Ayala remains committed to the highest standards of corporate governance and continues to uphold these standards across our business units.”

The ACGS is an initiative of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum towards ASEAN integration and is based on international corporate governance recommended practices. A total of 234 companies from across ASEAN were awarded this year.

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MANILA — Ayala Corporation is the only Philippine-based company under the conglomerate category to be included in the inaugural Steward Leadership 25 (SL25), an annual listing of 25 APAC-based organizations that showcased “notable efforts to create a collective better future for stakeholders, society, future generations, and the environment.”

SL25 cited the critical role played by Ayala Corporation in helping the Philippines withstand the impact of the pandemic. Ayala has deployed over P24 billion for its holistic COVID response, covering employee and customer support packages, construction and capacitation of public health facilities, and addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable groups.

“Throughout our 188-year history, our portfolio has evolved, but what remained constant is our commitment to align the corporation to the developing needs of the Philippine customer, community, and country,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Head of Business Development and Digital Innovation of Ayala Corporation.

“It is through this commitment — in creating shared value for all stakeholders — where we see the corporation increase its value to many people over time, including our employees, the communities that we serve, our partners, and our investors and shareholders,” he added.

Ayala and 24 other organizations were honored at the Steward Leadership Summit held in Singapore on Wednesday. These 25 were selected from 95 submissions across the Asia-Pacific region. These organizations were chosen for their steward leadership strategy and actions in creating sustainable economic value, and all 25 organizations hold equal merit.

“It is really heartening to see the efforts and persistence of so many organizations striving to create lasting positive change in the environment and community. In honoring these 25 inspirational initiatives, our eventual goal is for steward leadership excellence to be the norm instead of the exception, where every firm is committed to establishing a win-win-win outcome for employees, shareholders, and society at large,” said Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre.

SL25 is presented by Stewardship Asia Centre, INSEAD Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society, Willis Towers Watson, and The Straits Times.

MANILA — Businesses that innovate, inspire, and involve will take the centerstage this November, as Ayala Enterprise Circle (AEC) recognizes Ayala-powered local enterprises in the first-ever AEC IncrediBiz Awards.    

The AEC IncrediBiz Awards is open to Ayala Enterprise Circle members and businesses working with any Ayala group company–from digital solutions by Globe Telecom to banking by BPI to real estate and malls by Ayala Land.

According to Ayala Group Club COO and General Manager Timothy Reyes, the AEC IncrediBiz Awards seeks to recognize incredible stories of SMEs that have grown and excelled by working with the Ayala group.    

“With the launch of the AEC IncrediBiz Awards, we will celebrate remarkable entrepreneurs and their stories, initiatives and experiences championing growth, grit, digitalization, and corporate social responsibility. We invite all businesses to submit their applications for any of our award categories and grab this opportunity to be seen, recognized and celebrated,” Reyes said.

The AEC IncrediBiz Awards has three categories: Inspire, Innovate, and Involve. Inspire will feature businesses with inspiring stories showcasing success and resilience. It will highlight companies that showcased Best in Growth (revenue, branches, and product & services) and Best in Grit (overcoming challenges). Innovate will feature businesses that stay ahead of the game by being the Best in Digital Transformation and Best in Business Breakthrough. Finally, Involve will feature businesses that put social responsibility at their core.

Winners in each category will receive cash prizes and access to an exclusive awarding ceremony happening on November 22, 2022. Deadline of entry submissions will be on October 21, 2022.

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For more information, visit www.ayalaenterprisecircle.com. 

MANILA – Months before Kia Philippines’ first full-electric vehicle lands at local dealerships, the Ayala Group of Companies is rolling out an EV ecosystem to enable an EV-ready future for Filipinos.

During the preview of Kia’s first full electric vehicle, the EV6, at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show, Kia Philippines President Manny Aligada said that the Ayala group will be rolling out EV charging stations in the coming weeks. Over 20 EV charging stations, according to Ayala Land, will be placed in seven cities across Luzon.

“Sustainability is a future not just for Kia as the Ayala group has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” he added. “This is a guideline Kia believes in and is a focal point in our business. Sustainability is our move to protect the greatest source of inspiration, nature.”

The Kia EV6 was named 2022 European Car of the Year and was a recipient of the 2022 Red Dot Design Awards as well as the 2022 iF Design Awards. It combines the best technologies of battery-electric vehicles—long range, zero emission, and ultra-fast charging—with Kia’s distinctive styling and an innovative EV platform.  It can travel more than 500 kilometers on a single charge (based on EPA rating) and can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 7.3 seconds. Sales of the Kia EV6 will begin in early 2023.

Kia Philippines is part of the AC Motors Group, Ayala’s vehicle distribution arm under AC Industrials.

Global ecosystem of EV enablers

As early as December 2021, Ayala’s electronics manufacturing arm Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI), together with its partners TGOOD LINCHR, GREENSTRuM, and Global Electric Transport Philippines, already installed integrated EV charging stations and transportation systems at Ayala Malls The 30th in Pasig City and Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati City.

These integrated EV systems feature fast chargers from TGOOD LINCHR, the world’s largest EV charging infrastructure provider and one of IMI’s valued partners in the new energy market. IMI Chengdu builds the electronics and assembles the power supply system of the chargers, while GREENSTRuM oversees their local distribution, as well as their maintenance and support.

“While we have already been contributing to the global EV ecosystem for some years, we are all the more proud to be at the forefront of this major technological disruption here in the Philippines,” said Arthur R. Tan, Group CEO of Ayala-led AC Industrials, IMI’s parent company.

Tan added that the Ayala group holds several capabilities that can enable the auto industry’s move towards electric vehicles—from renewable power generation, manufacturing and operation of chargers, to vehicle distribution and retail. “In the EV shift, the vehicle itself is just one part of the ecosystem – an EV cannot run without power supply or charging infrastructure. These, among many other components of the EV ecosystem, are what we have been working hard to address long before we brought Kia’s first full-electric vehicle into the country.”

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For information

Rhys Buccat

Brand and Reputation Management

Ayala Corporation

publicaffairs@ayala.com

MANILA – AC Health’s vision of building the country’s first comprehensive cancer specialty hospital is coming to life. Last week, officials of AC Health and their partners led the topping off ceremony of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital in South Union Drive, Arca South, Taguig City. 

“A year ago, we were gathered on this same site to break ground for our shared vision of providing quality oncology care to more Filipinos. Today, we mark another milestone with this topping off ceremony, as we near this goal,” said Paolo Borromeo, AC Health President & CEO.

“This is a result of the collective hard work of everyone who has been working on the hospital – our Medical Advisory Council, our partners in Siemens Healthineers and Varian-CTSI, and our Healthway Cancer Care Hospital core team. We are excited to see the plans for the hospital come to fruition and are incredibly thankful for the tremendous support we are receiving from more and more medical practitioners, patients, and communities,” he added.

According to Borromeo, the first major cancer equipment will be delivered to the site by the end of the year.

Last August, AC Health entered into a value partnership with Siemens Healthineers, the leading provider in healthcare systems. This partnership, which will provide the 100-bed cancer hospital with technical expertise and technologies in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, further strengthens the hospital’s vision of providing quality, accessible and affordable cancer services to a broader base of Filipinos.

The Healthway Cancer Care Hospital is part of Ayala Corporation’s P10 billion healthcare investment. It will offer a complete range of cancer services from screening, diagnosis, treatment to post-cancer care. It will be equipped with chemotherapy chairs, operating theaters, and state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, optimized for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Strategically located in Taguig City, the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital is expected to be completed by mid-2023.

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AC Health

Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation, and serves as the portfolio company for healthcare businesses. Its vision is to build an ecosystem that links every patient to a seamless healthcare experience. Its portfolio includes Generika Drugstore, the pioneer in generic retail pharmacies, IE Medica and MedEthix, major pharmaceutical importer and distributor, Healthway, a network of primary care, multi-specialty, and corporate clinics, and QualiMed, a comprehensive network of full-service hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, and a stand-alone day surgery center. AC Health has also invested in health technology solutions, most recently, HealthNow, a healthcare aggregator app that offers online consultations, medicine delivery, and clinic and diagnostic booking.

For information:

Selena Tricia Reyes

Email: zhvi_selenatricia.reyes@healthway.com.ph

MANILA — Ayala Corporation’s Board of Directors on Tuesday appointed Mr. Cezar “Bong” Consing as the company’s President & CEO, following his appointment as interim chief in August 15.  

Consing, one of Asia’s most respected figures in the banking sector, has over 30 years of experience in international finance. He started his career in Ayala as a management trainee in BPI, where he eventually became the youngest Assistant Vice-President in the bank’s history. He then worked with J.P. Morgan & Co. in Hong Kong and Singapore from 1985 to 2004 and headed the firm’s investment banking business in Asia Pacific from 1997 to 2004. He became a Partner at the Rohatyn Group from 2004 to 2013 and headed its Hong Kong office and its private investing business in Asia and was a board director of its real estate and energy and infrastructure private equity investing subsidiaries.  

In 2013, Consing was appointed President & CEO of BPI – a position he held until his retirement in 2021. Currently, Consing is also a director of Ayala Corporation, BPI, Globe, and ACEN, hence his deep understanding of the Ayala ecosystem.   

Mr. Consing received an A.B. Economics degree (Accelerated Program), magna cum laude, from De La Salle University in 1979. He obtained an M.A. in Applied Economics from the University of Michigan in 1980.  

Meanwhile, legal luminary Mrs. Mercedita S. Nolledo has been elected to Ayala Corporation’s Board as a non-executive director to serve the unexpired term of Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who was appointed Special Advisor to the Board. Previously, Nolledo served as Board Director of Ayala and BPI from 2004 to 2010 and 1991 to 2021, respectively. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Ayala Foundation, Inc., BPI Foundation, Inc., Advisory Board of Ayala Land, Inc., and the BPI Advisory Council.   

Nolledo started her career in Ayala as an investment analyst in 1965. At age 31, she became the highest-ranking female executive in the Ayala Group of Companies as Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Finance Division of CCP Securities.  She eventually became a senior managing director, a senior counsel, and a corporate secretary at Ayala Corporation.   

With Nolledo’s appointment, Ayala Corporation has surpassed its diversity target of having female directors comprise 30% of its Board of Directors by 2025. Currently, female directors – Nolledo, former Singtel Group CEO Chua Sock Koong, and former Sun Life Financial (Philippines) CEO Rizalina Mantaring – represent 42.86% of Ayala Corporation’s seven-seat Board.     

Nolledo received a B.S. in Business Administration major in Accounting (Class Valedictorian and Magna Cum Laude) degree from the University of the Philippines in 1960 and placed second at the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Board Examination administered in the same year.  In 1965, she obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree (Class Valedictorian and Cum Laude) also from the University of the Philippines, where she also placed second at the Bar Examination held in the same year.   

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For information

Rhys Buccat Brand and Reputation Management

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MANILA – As the Philippines evolved into the fastest growing eCommerce market in ASEAN, Ayala-backed omnichannel solutions provider etaily thrives in an industry projected to be worth USD 300 billion by 2025. 

Out of 650 small companies and startups evaluated by Forbes Asia, etaily is among the 100 organizations that address “real-world challenges with fresh thinking and innovative products and services.” Forbes Asia evaluated each company based on the positive impact on the region or industry, track record of strong revenue growth or ability to attract funding, and promising business models or markets. 

Founded in 2020 by a powerhouse team of digital experts, etaily is a one-stop digital solutions provider that makes omnichannel e-commerce easy, fast, and flexible in an increasingly competitive market. It works on mobile application and online store development, customer analytics, inventory management, and warehousing and fulfillment solutions for online transactions. 

“Being featured in Forbes Asia’s 100 to Watch is an incredible feat that wouldn’t be possible without the etaily team. This recognition embodies one of our core values – One Team. It is a testament to each member’s hard work and will push us further to continue our goal to build and enable both local and global brands in the eCommerce landscape,” said etaily Chief Executive Officer Alexander Friedhoff. 

According to the Philippines’ e-commerce roadmap, the e-commerce sector could contribute P1.2 trillion to the economy. Friedhoff said etaily will continue strengthening its presence in the Philippines and other parts of the ASEAN region.   

“We are proud to share that we produced excellent outcomes with our partner brands this year. We’ve launched Southeast Asia’s 1st instant commerce marketplace with Ayala, deployed the Philippines’ 1st hyperlocal multi-warehousing solution, and continuously helped our partner brands become category leaders during monthly sales campaigns of the top eCommerce platforms. We’re excited to enable and grow with them further,” Friedhoff said. 

Ayala Corporation, together with Ayala Malls, acquired a 15 percent stake in etaily in 2021, as part of the Ayala group’s strategy to gear up tech businesses for scale and profitability. This year, etaily reported its revenue growth has increased eightfold. 

“We congratulate the etaily team for the milestones they have achieved. We’re very happy to see that they are continuously expanding their presence in the region,” said Albert de Larrazabal, Ayala Corporation’s Chief Finance Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Sustainability Officer. “We’re grateful for the chance to support high-potential startups that do not only add value to our portfolio but also share our purpose of doing things for the greater good.” 

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MANILA — Ayala Corporation and its core businesses Ayala Land, Globe, and BPI continue to exhibit strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, as assessed by London-based FTSE4GOOD Index Series.

Created by the global index and data provider FTSE Russell, the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong ESG practices. The FTSE4Good indexes are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

Ayala Corporation has been a constituent of the FTSE4GOOD Index Series since 2016. Globe and Ayala Land have been in the list for seven consecutive years, while BPI was named constituent since 2020.

FTSE Russell evaluations are based on performance in areas such as Corporate Governance, Health & Safety, Anti-Corruption and Climate Change. The criteria are developed using an extensive market consultation process and are approved by an independent committee of experts. A broad range of stakeholders, including NGOs, governmental bodies, consultants, academics, the investment community and the corporate sector, help shape the criteria.

Ayala Corporation’s Chief Finance Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Sustainability Officer Albert de Larrazabal said the group’s consistent inclusion in FTSE4Good Index Series shows Ayala’s strong adherence to globally recognized ESG standards.

“We are quite honored to be consistently included in the FTSE4GOOD Index Series, which supports investors who wish to encourage positive change in corporate behavior and align their portfolios with their values,” Larrazabal said.

“Ayala’s holistic view of ESG practices is instilled in our companies. When you invest in Ayala, you are investing for the greater good—and you are assured of long-term value for your investment,” he added.

Ayala Corporation is among the 65 companies, investor groups, and professional accounting firms that endorsed a joint statement calling for a global baseline for reporting sustainability-related information.

This call to action seeks to provide a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability disclosures needed by capital markets, including investors who allocate capital internationally, companies who operate and raise capital across national borders, and the accounting profession that serves all consumers of corporate reporting.

Ayala and its core business units are signatories to the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and are currently working to implement the 11 recommended disclosures in the pillars of governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics & targets.      

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Rhys Buccat  Brand and Reputation Management Ayala Corporation