Author: Sharon Mutuc

Ayala supports global call to align sustainability disclosures

Posted on by Sharon Mutuc

MANILA — Ayala Corporation joins 64 companies, investor groups, and professional accounting firms around the world in endorsing a joint statement that calls for a global baseline for reporting sustainability-related information.

Developed jointly by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), 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.

“At Ayala, we have always adhered to the highest level of transparency. Hence, we express our strong support to the call for a globally compatible set of sustainability reporting standards as well as a coordination mechanism that allows stakeholders to understand the value these standards bring in driving growth for the greater good,” said Albert de Larrazabal, Ayala Corporation’s Chief Finance Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Sustainability Officer.

Ayala Corporation is the first and only WBCSD member-conglomerate in the Philippines. 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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Ayala’s Logistics arm completes acquisition of AIR21 Group

Posted on by Sharon Mutuc

(L-R) Nona Torres, AC Logistics Chief Commercial Officer; Rene Almendras, AC Logistics President and CEO; Alberto Lina, AIR21 Holdings Inc. Chairman; Atty. Mannie Alcantara, Legal Counsel of AIR21 Holdings Inc. 

August 30, 2022, MANILA – Ayala Corporation’s fully owned subsidiary, AC Logistics Holdings Corporation (AC Logistics), and Mr. Alberto D. Lina (ADL) reached financial close for the acquisition by AC Logistics of a 60% interest in AIR21 Holdings, Inc. (AHI). AHI has controlling interests in eight operating companies that include Airfreight 2100 Inc., Air 2100 Inc., U-Freight Philippines Inc., U-Ocean Inc., Cargohaus Inc., LGC Logistics Inc., Waste & Resources Management Inc., and Integrated Waste Management Inc. (AIR21 Group).

In November 2021, AC Logistics and ADL signed the Investment Agreement which governed the terms of the acquisition, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions precedent. On August 30, 2022, the parties concluded the transaction by signing the closing documents.

Ayala’s logistics journey started in 2018 when it launched Entrego Fulfillment Solutions, Inc. Since then, it has expanded from last mile delivery to domestic freight forwarding, contract logistics, and warehouse operations. This initial foray in logistics led Ayala Corporation to further expand its presence in the logistics sector. The acquisition of AHI provides the Ayala Group with a more robust capability to provide logistics services across the entire supply chain, including door-to-door express delivery, multiple types of warehouse operations, management, and digitization, international and domestic freight forwarding, and waste management services.

“AC Logistics is a realization of Ayala’s commitment to create shared value with our stakeholders. I have full confidence that the vision we created together with Mr. Lina will come to life through our teams’ shared experiences and unique expertise.” said Rene Almendras, President and CEO of AC Logistics.

The addition of the AIR21 Group to the AC Logistics portfolio, together with Entrego, creates synergies that can potentially generate greater operational efficiency and more efficient asset utilization. The combination of their respective capabilities puts the Ayala Group in a better position to provide technology driven end-to-end logistics services that can help address some of the challenges related to pharma and healthcare aides access, food preservation, and proper waste management.

Backed by AIR21 Group’s decades of comprehensive experience in logistics and Ayala’s proven leadership and management expertise, AC Logistics takes a strong stance in providing customers with effective and sustainable end-to-end logistics services across the value chain.

“From our decades of service excellence in the logistics industry, the Lina Group has nurtured a family of talented and resilient experts who are committed to deliver delight to our loyal customers. We are extremely excited to partner with the AC Logistics team to grow to greater heights in the future,” said Alberto D. Lina, Chairman of AIR21 Holdings Inc.

AC Logistics was supported by its advisors BPI Capital Corporation, Villaraza & Angangco (V&A Law), and KPMG; AIR21 Group was supported by its advisor Fortman Cline Capital Markets Limited (FCCM).

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For more information:

RHYS BUCCAT Brand and Reputation Management Ayala Corporation e-mail – publicaffairs@ayala.com

NASH SUDARIO Associate, Corporate Communications & Sustainability AC Logistics e-mail – sudario.jnt@acinfra.com.ph

Healthway Cancer Care Center and Siemens Healthineers partner to revolutionize cancer care in the Philippines

Posted on by Sharon Mutuc

[Left to right] Leaders from AC Health and Healthway Cancer Care Center Chief Finance Officer Ruby P. Chiong, Healthway Cancer Care Center Chief Operating Officer Jenara Rosanna F. Ong, AC Health President Paolo F. Borromeo, Siemens Healthineers President and Managing Director Juan Miguel P. Tan, Siemens Healthineers Philippines Finance Director Rosella Paula M. Villafuerte, Siemens Healthineers Head of Enterprise Services for Southeast Asia Chris Poray, and Siemens Healthineers Vice President & Head of Diagnostic Imaging Oliver Armnester Perez were present during the signing of the partnership.

Manila – On August 24, 2022, the Philippines’ first dedicated specialty cancer hospital, Healthway Cancer Care Center (HCCC), an AC Health company, formally entered into a value partnership with Siemens Healthineers, the leading provider in healthcare systems.

The 100-bed cancer facility within the ARCA South development is gearing towards its opening in mid-2023 with the construction of the building underway. Once completed, it will be the first comprehensive cancer specialty hospital in the country, where end-to-end oncology services can be availed by patients. This partnership with Siemens Healthineers, through providing technical expertise and technologies in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, further strengthens the cancer hospital’s vision of providing quality, accessible and affordable cancer services to a broader base of Filipinos.

“We recognize that cancer-specific technologies play a vital role in detection, intervention, and monitoring, and can transform the quality of cancer care received by patients. Siemens Healthineers have always delivered patient-centered solutions to its clients, which in turn, result to better patient outcomes and experiences. Redefining the oncology landscape through better patient care is a common vision between AC Health and Siemens Healthineers, and we are proud to partner with them in realizing this vision,” said AC Health President & CEO Paolo Borromeo.

“Cancer has been a relentless threat to the lives of many. Our partnership with AC Health and Zodiac Health Ventures strengthens our purpose as we fight the world’s most threatening diseases through comprehensive cancer care. As AC Health builds the first cancer specialty hospital in the country with the Healthway Cancer Care Center, we can provide patients better quality of life through breakthrough innovations as we support healthcare professionals in delivering precision and high-quality care,” said Juan Miguel P. Tan, President and Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers Philippines.

Present in the signing were AC Health President and Chief Executive Officer Paolo F. Borromeo, Healthway Cancer Care Center Chief Operating Officer Jenara Rosanna F. Ong, Healthway Cancer Care Center Chief Finance Officer Ruby P. Chiong, Siemens Healthineers Philippines Finance Director, Rosella Paula M. Villafuerte, Siemens Healthineers Head of Enterprise Services for Southeast Asia Chris Poray, Siemens Healthineers Vice President & Head of Diagnostic Imaging Oliver Armnester Perez, and Siemens Healthineers President and Managing Director Juan Miguel P. Tan.

“Healthway Cancer Care Center (HCCC) aims to be the go-to facility service provider for all cancer patients.  And since each patient has a unique medical need, with our collaboration with Siemens Healthineers, we will be able to deliver the premium level of care to our patients. Accurate and timely diagnosis needed for the treatment of their condition is critical to the patient’s treatment journey and this is a point of focus in our patient care pathway,” said HCCC President and CEO Jaime E. Ysmael.

With valuable partnerships, mutual collaboration, and an expert team of cancer specialists, Healthway Cancer Care Center hopes to address this critical public health problem and provide accessible and affordable cancer care to Filipinos. 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. 

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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 drugstores, 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

WeAreAyala Business Club Iloilo commits to do more for the greater good

Posted on by Sharon Mutuc
Dinagyang Dancers of the Ilonggo Artists Festival Association wowed the Ayala employees with their outstanding cultural performance. AC Executives, from left: Ayala Corporation (AC) Senior Managing Director and Public Affairs Group Head Rene Almendras, AC Industrial Technology Holdings, Inc. Group President and CEO Art Tan, BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco, AC President and CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Globe Chief Commercial Officer Issa Guevarra-Cabreira, AC Strategic Adviser to Corporate Resources Group and Human Resources Group Francisco Romero Milan, AC Head of Security and Crisis Management General Emmanuel Bautista, and AC Health President and CEO Paolo Borromeo.

ILOILO CITY — The Ayala group continues to launch WeAreAyala Business Club (WAABC) chapters across key cities in the country, with an aim to re-energize business units, establish synergy and communication, and fellowship among Ayala group employees, and boost engagement with local communities.

Following WAABC Cebu’s launch in April, the Ayala group launched the WAABC Iloilo chapter at the Iloilo Convention Center last May 2022. The City of Love has had its fair share of community initiatives with Ayala since 2016. From the Book Donation with Groliers and the Bantay Bata Medical Mission to the more recent BuyAni Project and ABC Brigada Eskwela, Iloilo truly is a “special place for Ayala,” as Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corporation President and CEO, said.

“This is one of the most impressive cities I’ve seen in the country, and I commit that we will do more,” Zobel said.

About 250 employees from 16 business units in the Ayala group in Iloilo attended the WeAreAyala town hall, giving them a chance to engage with and get to know each other towards better collaboration on future projects.

In the evening, the group’s most valued clients and partners were welcomed with a cocktail event to show the group’s appreciation for their long-standing relationship and support. The Ayala executives took time to talk to each client, ensuring that they will continue to be served well and that potential business opportunities will be explored.

It was a day full of activities that highlighted each employee’s contribution and how their roles fit into the organization, helping forge stronger bonds, build new friendships, and start insightful discourses among attendees.

Liezyl Villanueva, Globe Telecom Retail Area Head for Panay Island and newly inducted WAABC Iloilo Board Member who has been with the Ayala group for 25 years, shared how the event served as an opportunity to synergize with internal and external business partners.

“Across the group, we talk a lot about how we can better serve our customers through cross-functional and inter-Ayala Group collaboration. Most of the time, their customers are also ours and it’s a joy to see that we are not only able to offer products and services but also programs that involve sustainability, volunteerism, and sports. This way, our approach becomes holistic, making our customers our top priority.”

“Since WAABC has the network, I am pretty sure, in the future, if I need help, most of WAABC would just be one call away. I know I can count on them,” shared Fatima Joy Reyes, Ayala Property Management Corporation Area Head for Western Visayas and newly inducted WAABC Board Member.

The success of the WAABC Iloilo launch involves cultivating a shared vision, mutual respect, and a commitment to doing what it takes to fulfill its bigger mission: #AyalaForTheGreaterGood.

It also speaks to the Ayala Group’s contributions to Iloilo: it redeveloped the Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo, a popular beach destination back in the 1970s, and built the Atria Park District, a township which has condominiums, shopping centers, and hotels.

At the end of the year, WAABC Iloilo plans to do more for and with the city by infusing more investments and undertaking health and environment programs such as tree planting and medical missions.

“As we move forward, Ayala will continue along the path of meaningful and tangible impact to all our stakeholders in the investments that we make, the projects that we implement or the social impact initiatives that we participate in,” said Fernando Zobel de Ayala. “I am excited to see what all of us can achieve together as we enter this new era for WAABC across the country… Let’s work together to do more in this great city and province.”

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For more information:

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

#AtletangAyala: Olympian Jasmine Alkhaldi hopes to make waves at world championships in Budapest

Posted on by Sharon Mutuc
Jasmine Alkhaldi bagged a bronze and a silver medal from the recently held SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam. 


“The #AtletangAyala program gave me the support and the boost of confidence that I needed, knowing that there is a program that will support me and also root for me, not only before or during the Games, but also even after.”

MANILA — Fresh from her SEA Games success in Hanoi, Vietnam, #AtletangAyala and Olympian Jasmine Alkhaldi will once again plunge into action at the 19th FINA World Championships in Budapest, Hungary on June 18 to July 3.

According to Alkhaldi, she commenced training for the world meet as soon as she arrived from Hanoi. “The World Championships is important to me because it is part of my pathway towards hopefully making it to the Olympics in 2024,” she said.

The 29-year-old swimmer, who also represented the Philippines in the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2016 Rio Olympics, bagged a silver and a bronze medal in women’s 4x100m medley relay and women’s 100m butterfly, respectively, from the recent SEA Games.

During the Games, Alkhaldi also earned a “B” Standard Entry Time (women’s 50m freestyle) in a FINA qualifying event, enabling her to clinch a spot with Miranda Renner and Jonathan Cook. “I have been working on carrying my physical performance from the recently concluded SEA Games toward my performances at Worlds. I have not stopped my training since I have returned from Hanoi to best prepare myself,” she said.  

Alkhaldi is one of eight national athletes that compose the pioneering batch of #AtletangAyala. Each athlete underwent a rigorous screening process that lasted for a month.

“Swimming at the recently concluded SEA Games, as a national athlete and an #AtletangAyala, was truly an honor,” she said. “The #AtletangAyala program gave me the support and the boost of confidence that I needed, knowing that there is a program that will support me and also root for me, not only before or during the Games, but also even after.”  

As part of her #AtletangAyala benefits, Alkhaldi was hired by Ayala Center for Excellence in Sports (ACES) as a program associate, where she will receive full-time salary for part-time work. Alkhaldi will also have free access to the world-class training facilities of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, which features a FINA-standard Olympic size swimming pool. 

“The structure and program set forth only inspires me to do better as an athlete with all these tools and resources outside of sport given to me. I definitely am encouraged to train harder to hopefully make the Ayala community and the whole country proud,” she said.    

Ayala believes that sports can inspire and bring together a nation. Hence, through ACES, Ayala hopes to enable Filipino athletes achieve their full potential. #AyalaForTheGreaterGood   

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For more information:

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

QualiMed Hospital – Iloilo bares plans for its In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Center and Integrated Practice Unit (IPU)

Posted on by Sharon Mutuc

The Iloilo Fertility and Reproductive Care Center is one of the newest integrated practice units (IPUs) being established across the QualiMed Health Network. Already operational in QualiMed surgery center and hospitals are the Wound and Ostomy Care centers; Acute Stroke units; Vision and Laser centers; Skin and Aesthetic centers; Lifestyle and Wellness centers; Women’s Health and Breast centers; Diabetic, Geriatric, and Hypertension centers; and Post-COVID Wellness and Rehabilitation centers, among others.
Leaders from the Ayala, AC Health, and Healthway Groups, headed by Fernando Zobel de Ayala (President and CEO, Ayala Corporation); Paolo F. Borromeo (President and CEO, AC Health); Jaime E. Ysmael (President and CEO, Healthway Philippines, Inc.); and Dr. Nathaniel H. Chan (Chief Operating Officer, QualiMed Iloilo) toured QualiMed Hospital – Iloilo for the first stop of the MDXperience Roadshow. Together with the Ayala Group leaders were Dr. Manuel Francisco T. Roxas (Vice Chairman, Medical Advisory Council Healthway Cancer Care Center); Margaret A. Bengzon (Group COO, QualiMed Health Network); Dr. Gina Nazareth (VP for Medical Affairs, QualiMed Health Network); Dr. Henry P. Tupas (Director, Panay Medical Ventures, Inc.); and Dr. James Woo (Medical Director, QualiMed Iloilo).  The event is part of the HPI MDXperience Program providing doctor-engagement initiatives to all Healthway Group facilities.

Fresh from being recognized and awarded with the COVID Management Initiative of the Year Award from Healthcare Asia, AC Health continues to put together the vital pieces to realize its vision and commitment of bringing accessible and affordable healthcare for all Filipinos.

AC Health, a subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, through its QualiMed Hospital – Iloilo facility recently shared its plans for its In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Center and Integrated Practice Unit (IPU). Citing estimates that 1 in 10 Filipinos is affected by infertility and that 10% of those with infertility concerns will undergo IVF treatment as premise, Dr. Henry Tupas, Director and President of the Iloilo Fertility and Reproductive Care Center (IFER) presented key developments on the Iloilo Fertility & Reproductive Care Center Phase 2 Expansion Project which is the first and only Fertility and IVF Center in Western Visayas.

In accordance with the concept of a patient-centered integrated practice unit (IPU), the services to be offered at the Iloilo Fertility and Reproductive Care Center (IFER) is organized around the patient’s primary problem of infertility and providing the full cycle of care for the patient’s medical condition. According to Dr. Tupas, “It will offer assisted reproductive technology, cryopreservation and genetic testing with our very own, fertility doctor, Dr. Rey Castillo leading the way and with the guidance of QualiMed – Iloilo COO Dr. Nathaniel Chan, and QualiMed – Iloilo Medical Director Dr. James Woo.”


The presentation on the IVF IPU was made during the recent MDXperience Roadshow that kicked off last May 26 at QualiMed Hospital in Atria Park, Iloilo City. The event was also attended by Ayala Corporation President and CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala, AC Health President and CEO Paolo Borromeo, Healthway Philippines Inc. President and CEO Jaime E. Ysmael, QualiMed Health Network Group COO Margaret Bengzon, Healthway Cancer Care Center Vice Chairman for Medical Advisory Dr. Manuel Francisco Roxas, AC Health Consultant Dr. Manuel Dayrit, QualiMed – Iloilo COO Dr. Nathaniel Chan, and QualiMed – Iloilo Medical Director Dr. James Woo.

Ayala Corporation President and CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala also took the opportunity to reaffirm the Ayala group’s commitment to investing in healthcare, “At Ayala, nation-building has always been at our core and the pandemic has only reinforced our long-standing commitment towards improving lives and promoting development and growth for the country, which of course includes accessible and quality healthcare. The pandemic underpinned the importance of investing in healthcare and we at Ayala promise to continue doing so.”

AC Health President Paolo Borromeo for his part reiterated the Group’s commitment to healthcare, “We have a genuine desire to address gaps in the healthcare sector. Our belief is that healthcare is a fundamental human right. Creating an integrated healthcare ecosystem that will provide accessible and affordable healthcare for all Filipinos is the bold vision of AC Health.”

Emphasizing the importance of proactive and meaningful doctor engagement in the entire organization, Healthway Philippines Inc. President and CEO Jaime E. Ysmael in turn conveyed, “A key element of success to realize our vision to be among the major players in the hospital and clinics space is our Stakeholder Engagement or Stakeholder for Life Program. This program focuses on our three main stakeholders – you, our doctors, our patients, and our employees. As our partners in delivering quality care, our doctors play a critical role. Hence, we value very much the relationship and would like to continue to strengthen it. Our doctor engagement program supports the three main areas of a doctor’s needs, which are to be able to practice, learn and teach.”

During this time of constant change and transition, AC Health is committed towards improving lives and promoting development and growth for the Filipino people, which includes accessible and quality healthcare. Doctors play a crucial part on making this possible as they work together with their leadership team to achieve this goal.

Other QualiMed facilities that offer Integrated Practice Units are:

QualiMed – Tanauan, Batangas (GI/Gastro Center, and Acute Stroke Unit)

QualiMed Hospital – San Jose del Monte, Bulacan (Diabetes Center, Hypertension Center, Geriatric Center, AesthetiQ Center, Breast and Women’s Health Center, and Eye Center)

QualiMed Hospital – Sta. Rosa, Laguna (Aesthetic Center, Lifestyle and Wellness Center, Wound and Ostomy Care Center, and Neuroscience Center)

QualiMed Surgery Center – Manila (Women’s Health and Breast Center, Palliative Care Clinic, Wound & Ostomy Care Center, and Pain Management Clinic).

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QualiMed is a comprehensive network of full-service hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, and a stand-alone day surgery center. QualiMed Health Network is part of Healthway Philippines Inc. and of the AC Health Group.

For further inquiries, you may reach us through:
Telephone: +63287080000
Email: contact.us@qualimed.com.ph
Website: http://www.qualimed.com.ph

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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:
Nicole Tajanlangit
Corporate Strategy & Development
E-mail: ztajanlangit.ncb@achealth.com.ph

Ayala units democratize upskilling through e-learning

Posted on by Sharon Mutuc

Ayala Corporation President and CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Ayala Group HR chiefs met with Coursera team led by Managing Director (APAC) Raghav Gupta to discuss how the two groups can promote upskilling by providing accessible and on-demand courses via e-learning platforms like Coursera.
 
Through its partnership with Coursera, Ayala Corporation seeks to improve employees’ digital and human skills through curated, function-focused, and industry-specific learning programs available on the e-learning platform.

MANILA — To maintain the competitiveness and future-readiness of their workforce, Ayala units make upskilling more accessible by strengthening their engagement with one of the world’s largest online learning platforms, Coursera.

In a discussion with Coursera executives, Ayala Corporation’s Strategic Human Resources Advisor and Ayala group’s HR Council Head Francisco Romero Milan expressed the group’s commitment to future-proofing its workforce by investing in lifelong learning. 

“Human resources units across the Ayala group have committed to promoting continuous learning and development among employees by partnering with various online and offline course providers,” Milan said.

“We are grateful to platforms like Coursera for helping us upskill our employees,” he added. “Coursera provides us access to an array of training and development programs developed by top universities and companies. All these can be accessed online, on demand, and on the go.”       

“Coursera for Business aims to help companies drive transformative skill development to power business growth and resilience, and manage the shift to remote work,” said Raghav Gupta, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Coursera. “We’re honored to support Ayala Corporation in their endeavor to accelerate their digital transformation journey. Their group-wide learning programs aim to build a workforce of continuous learners who chart their own learning paths, and are equipped to achieve personal growth and deliver professional impact.”

Through its partnership with Coursera, Ayala Corporation seeks to improve employees’ digital and human skills through curated, function-focused, and industry-specific learning programs available on the e-learning platform.

Ayala Land also taps Coursera to further enhance employees’ finance, marketing, sales, project management, and customer service excellence skills, which are a must-have in the real estate industry. 

Meanwhile, BPI promotes upskilling on digital transformation, data analysis, information system, cybersecurity, and digital channels for banking through Coursera. By far, BPI employees have taken a total of 81,298 lessons and spent 61,000 learning hours on Coursera.

In 2021, 99% of BPI employees completed at least five training days among the 200 mandatory, functional, and leadership training modules.

Finally, Ayala’s digital solution platform Globe leverages Coursera for its Data Science Program which focuses on data analytics and cloud security, among others. Globe’s Data Science Program has yielded 1,400 completed lessons to-date. The company also enables critical IT talents by giving them access to Coursera’s certification preparatory courses to help them to successfully obtain key IT certifications.

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For more information:

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

AC Health, largest private administrator of COVID-19 vax in PH, bags major award from Healthcare Asia

Posted on by Sharon Mutuc
Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and AC Health President & CEO Paolo Borromeo with medical frontliners in one of AC Health’s 30 COVIDShield vaccination sites. 

MANILA — Healthcare Asia Awards has given the COVID Management Initiative of the Year (Philippines) award to Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) for the latter’s integrated ecosystem approach in responding to COVID-19.

In a feature published on the leading healthcare magazine, AC Health was hailed for helping strengthen the Philippines’ COVID-19 response by leveraging its unique ecosystem to address the gaps and fulfill its mandate of providing quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare to Filipinos.

“To effectively manage the spread of the virus, AC Health launched a multipronged approach, establishing a strong presence across all patient touch points and providing end-to-end services to Filipinos,” the article reads.

Healthcare Asia Awards aims to honor hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers that have “risen above the challenges and made a remarkable impact to their patients most especially amidst the massive disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

AC Health President & CEO Paolo Borromeo, meanwhile, thanked Healthcare Asia for recognizing the company’s holistic approach to COVID management. “Thank you to Healthcare Asia for this amazing recognition. This is a testament to the dedication and commitment of all our frontliners at AC Health, and it fuels our commitment to improve healthcare for all Filipinos.”  

Borromeo added, “This recognition would not have been possible without the trust and support of our partners from the national government, the DOH, IATF and various local government units. While the pandemic did expose gaps in our healthcare system, it also uncovered opportunities for stronger collaborations between private and public sectors to build and scale up solutions faster and more effectively. We look forward to this continued partnership with the government.”

In the early months of the pandemic, AC Health led a consortium to invest in and scale up national RT-PCR testing capacities, which included 7 BSL-2 laboratories across the country, equivalent to an additional capacity for 5,500 RT-PCR tests per day.

As the pandemic continued, demand for inpatient COVID care rose and hospitals were overwhelmed. AC Health’s Healthway clinics continued operations to triage and service non-COVID related concerns and thus decongest hospitals. AC Health also converted its four QualiMed hospitals into COVID-19 referral facilities. More than half of QualiMed’s beds were dedicated to COVID cases, including ICUs.

AC Health also augmented the existing team of medical professionals with more staffing to help manage the increased demand. In addition, its pharma businesses, Generika and IE Medica/MedEthix, also continued to ensure adequate supply of medicines.

MedEthix was also the first to bring in Molnupiravir, an oral antiviral treatment for mild cases of COVID-19, into the country under a Compassionate Special Permit. This was then made available to patients across the network via Healthway, QualiMed, and the HealthNow super app.

With the arrival of COVID vaccines in 2021, AC Health launched COVIDShield, enabling it to administer over 770,000 doses of COVID vaccines (as of May 2022) for its partners within and outside of the Ayala group across 30+ sites nationwide.

AC Health is currently building the Philippines’ first dedicated cancer specialty hospital, which is expected to be completed by 2023. The 100-bed Healthway Cancer Care Center will offer a complete range of services from screening, diagnosis, treatment to post-cancer care. This facility 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.    

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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 further inquiries, contact:

Nicole Tajanlangit
Strategy and External Affairs
E-mail: ztajanlangit.ncb@achealth.com.ph

Ayala Center For Excellence in Sports names 8 pioneering ‘Atletang Ayala’

Posted on by Sharon Mutuc
Ayala group welcomes pioneering 8 #AtletangAyala who will be representing Philippines in the upcoming SEA Games in Hanoi.
 
(L-R) Ayala Corp. Public Affairs Group Head Jose Rene Almendras, Ayala Corp. Corporate Resources Group Head and Chief Human Resources Officer Francisco Romero Milan, Ayala Corp. Business Development and Innovation Head Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Xiandi Chua (Swimming), Prince Alejo (Karate), Jasmine Alkhaldi (Swimming), Ayala Corp. Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, ACEN Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Risk Officer John Philip Orbeta, Ayala Land President & CEO Bernard Vincent Dy

MANILA — Ayala Center For Excellence in Sports (ACES) on Saturday names eight national athletes selected for its pilot program Atletang Ayala.

Launched last March, ACES is part of Ayala’s commitment to nation-building by providing holistic support to the country’s emerging athletic Olympic bets. Ayala believes that sports can inspire and bring together a nation. Hence, through ACES, Ayala finds a way to help the next generation of Filipino athletes achieve their full potential.

“Many of our athletes are already well on the way to becoming internationally competitive in this way. We would like to help support them, by building long-term relationships that will help them become the best they can be in both their athletic and post-athletic careers,” said Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of Ayala Corporation.

“We believe that this posture of investing in the long-term development of the individual, as both an athlete and as a person, is an effective and sustainable way to build success in Philippine national sports,” he added

The pioneering roster of Atletang Ayala includes:

o Jasmine Alkhadi (29) – Two-time Olympic swimmer and SEAG gold medalist – Double major degree holder in Marketing & Management (Hawaii)

o Andrea Robles (25) – First Filipino Gold Medalist at the Indoor Archery World Series – Dean’s Lister in Management (Ateneo de Manila University)

o Prince Alejo (21) – Youngest nationally ranked karateka – Studying Mechanical Engineering (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

o Pia Bidaure (24) – World-ranked archer and SEAG medalist – Studying Civil Engineering (Siliman University)

o Xiandi Chua (21) – Nationally-ranked swimmer and SEAG silver medalist and – Dean’s Lister in Business Entrepreneurship (De La Salle University)

o Nat Perez (26) – Philippines’ top foil fencer – Aspiring entrepreneur

o Abby Bidaure (20) – World-ranked national archer and – Studying Psychology (University of St. La Salle – Bacolod)

o Noel Jose (25) – World-ranked fencer – Cum Laude graduate in BS Physical Education (University of Santo Tomas)

Each Atletang Ayala underwent a rigorous screening process that lasted for a month. “We wanted to make sure that athletes in the program were as accomplished and committed to their professional careers as to their athletic careers. We were amazed to find many applicants exhibited precisely those levels of commitment, in each of those areas. The 8 selected are, in our view, the best partners, professionally and athletically,” said Jan Bengzon, ACES Program Director.

Under the Atletang Ayala program, participating Ayala Group companies will offer full-salaried employment opportunities at part-time hours to the selected national athletes while they train for the 2022 Asian Games and the 2024 Olympics.

Athletes selected for the program will also be given free access to the world-class training facilities of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) in Cavite, which features a 400m track oval built in accordance with the standards of the International Association of Athletics Federations, a FINA-standard Olympic size swimming pool, and an indoor training facility equipped with a sports science laboratory.

AVSH facilities can accommodate training for track/athletics, aquatics, cycling, triathlon, football, rugby, and frisbee.

Further, ACES has partnered with De La Salle University to offer free enrollment in a selection of courses. This benefit will enable athletes to matriculate in DLSU’s world-class programs, eventually earning degrees that will support their career development.

Each Atletang Ayala will be offered a yearly contract that provides for the above benefits and can be renewed annually until the 2024 Olympics, contingent on the attainment of clear performance measures.

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For more information:

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

Ex-PH finance chief, Singtel CEO join Ayala board

Posted on by Sharon Mutuc
ACEN, Ayala’s listed renewable energy platform, powers up the country’s first hybrid solar and storage project in its 120 MW solar farm in Alaminos, Laguna.
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 conglomerate to make such bold commitment to address climate change.   

MANILA, Philippines, April 29, 2022 – Ayala Corporation welcomes former Philippines finance secretary Cesar V. Purisima and former Singtel Group CEO Chua Sock Koong to its board of directors following their election at the company’s annual stockholders meeting on Friday.

Purisima and Chua take the seats of outgoing directors Keiichi Matsunaga and Antonio Jose U. Periquet, who had been part of the Ayala board since April 2017 and September 2010, respectively.

Purisima served as the country’s finance chief and chair of the economic development cluster of the President’s Cabinet from 2010 to 2016. Under his leadership, the Philippines received its first investment-grade ratings. Purisima also served as Chairman and Country Managing Partner of the Philippines’ largest professional services firm, SGV & Co.

Chua is currently senior advisor at Singtel, Asia’s leading communications technology group, where she also served as group CEO for 13 years until December 2020. She is currently the Deputy Chairman of Singapore’s Public Service Commission and a member of the Council of Presidential Advisers and the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council.

In his message to the stockholders, Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said, “We always strive to achieve sufficient diversity of thinking across our board representation and have worked to create a proper combination of knowledge, experience, and expertise to guide management. With an increasing demand for companies to adhere to new ESG standards, we understand the need to always focus on revisiting our board composition and allowing transitions to take place at appropriate moments.”

Zobel added, “We believe Mr. Purisima and Ms. Chua will provide immense value and complement the existing expertise and strengths of our current Directors.” He also thanked Matsunaga and Periquet for sharing their wisdom and experience, which helped Ayala withstand various headwinds over the years.

The Ayala board now has two female directors with Chua and Ex-Sun Life Financial (Philippines) CEO Rizalina Mantaring.  

Strengthening ESG commitment

Last October 2021, Ayala Corporation committed to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. To develop its net-zero roadmap, Ayala partnered with South Pole, a leading project developer and global climate solutions provider that works with private organizations and governments worldwide.

By December 2021, Ayala Corporation and core business units Ayala Land, BPI, ACEN, and Globe completed a climate action gap analysis study, marking the first phase in the engagement with South Pole. The study highlighted strengths, areas for improvement, and potential quick wins for Ayala and its core businesses.

Ayala Land, BPI, ACEN, and Globe are currently in the process of accounting for their respective GHG footprints and will be followed by an intervention assessment and target-setting. The group is on-track to develop bespoke net-zero greenhouse gas emissions roadmaps for each of the core business units towards the end of 2022.

On the social front, Ayala became a member of the Business Commission to Tackle Inequality, an initiative by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development that focuses on mobilizing the global business community to address the disparity and imbalance across income, wealth, and opportunities. It aims to accelerate business action around equity and put it at par with climate and nature action. Recently, Ayala Corporation President and CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala joined as a commissioner.

Investing for the Greater Good

Ayala Corporation’s net profits grew 62 percent to ₱27.8 billion (approximately US$556 mn) in 2021, primarily driven by realized income from the execution of strategic initiatives in the group, boosted by the improved performance of Ayala Land and BPI.

For 2022, Ayala group allocated up to ₱285 billion (approximately US$5.7 bn) in combined capital expenditure and investments to execute on the growth initiatives across its businesses. Ayala Corporation President & CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala said the group commits to support the continued expansion of its core value drivers Ayala Land, BPI, Globe, and ACEN.

The group will also scale up emerging businesses AC Health and AC Logistics to create new sources of growth and value. Further, by sharpening the group’s portfolio with an increased focus on value realization to fund future investments and strengthen its balance sheet, Ayala targets to raise US$1 billion in proceeds by 2023.

“Our diversified portfolio provides a natural mechanism to mitigate the adverse impact and capitalize on opportunities arising from the global health and economic crisis,” Ayala President & CEO Fernando Zobel said. “With the improving macroeconomic fundamentals, de-escalation of quarantine measures to the lowest status, and high rate of inoculation, we are hopeful that 2022 will be the start of our country’s recovery,” he added.

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For more information:

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