AYALA GROUP RECEIVES GRAND CHAMBER AWARD OF DISTINCTION FROM CEBU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Ayala Corporation chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala received the conglomerate’s Grand Chamber Award of Distinction from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) for its "exemplary and conscientious adoption of the principles of sustainable development in all its strategies, practices, and activities, as exemplified by its distinction as the first ever group of companies in the Philippines to issue a Global Reporting Initiative-compliant sustainability report in 2009."

"I share this honor and recognition with the entire Ayala management team who altogether oversee the operations of each of our key businesses," said Zobel in his acceptance speech. "They have all worked vigorously to realize our commitment to sustainability initiatives while ensuring that we remain competitive and relevant as an enterprise to our stockholders."

Ayala was among the businesses that were recognized for business excellence at the 15th Grand Chamber Awards Night held on June 25 at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. Other honorees were Benito Sy Gaisano (Entrepreneur of the Year), Edgar Sia II of Mang Inasal, Rey Calooy of RNC Marketing, Joy Martinez Onazawa of Environment Design, Peter and Susan Holaysan of Sta. Fe Resort, Wesley Chiongbian of Mynimo.com, USC Kapamilya Negosyo Na!, and Rey Merida of Amicha Toledo Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

The event was the highlight of the CCCI’s Visayas Area Business Conference. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, PCCI chairman emeritus Miguel Varela, CCCI chairman Consul Samuel Chionson, and conference chairman and Cebu Holdings president Francis Monera led the representatives from the public and private sector in attendance.

In keeping with the theme of the Cebu Business Month 2010, "Get Inspired! Go Green," Zobel's remarks focused on the role of business in sustainable development. He enjoined colleagues in the private sector to "take on a broader responsibility to tackle environmental and social development issues with the same discipline and thinking we approach traditional business opportunities and be one in this sustainability journey."