Category: News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#BrigadangAyalaKaakay 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information

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

MANILA – Ayala Corporation announced today the creation of the Ayala Center for Excellence in Sports, which aims to deploy the resources of the Ayala Group of Companies in support of the next generation of Filipino athlete.   

“The Ayala Group has long seen the impact that sports can have on many facets of its businesses. In fact a number of our senior executives have represented the country on national teams in different sports, including Ayala Land’s Chris Macasaet in men’s volleyball and AC Energy’s Jaime Urquijo in rugby,” said Jan Bengzon, the center’s program director.

“We believe strongly that Filipinos deserve better access to world-class sports facilities across the country and will continue to work to find ways to support the next generation of Filipino athlete to achieve their full potential.” he added.

The Center’s initial programs will include the redevelopment of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, into a world-class training center for national athletes in partnership with Ayala Land.  The Center will also be launching the Atletang Ayala program, which will provide support and opportunities for individual national athletes who are aspiring to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. These programs are expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2022.

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For more information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supporting the community through #BrigadangAyalaKaakay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information:

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

#BrigadangAyalaKaakay: Eric Francia, President & CEO of Ayala’s listed renewable energy platform ACEN, visited #BrigadangAyalaKaakay beneficiaries in Rolling Hills, Payatas.

MANILA – Raquel Catena was still mourning her husband’s death when Metro Manila was placed under strict lockdown.

“Wala po akong mahanap na trabaho dahil maraming negosyo ang nagsara,” the widow said. “Double pasakit sa pamilya namin dahil kamamatay lang ng asawa ko, tapos nag-lockdown naman.”

Giving up was not an option for Catena, a mother of two. Inspired by her neighbors, she oiled her sewing machine and started making rags out of surplus garments from Taytay, Rizal.

“Twenty five years na po akong nakatira dito sa Rolling Hills sa Payatas. Noong hindi pa gumuguho ‘yong tambakan, marami talaga dito ang nangangalakal ng basura,” she recalled. “Ngayon po, pagtatahi naman ng basahan ang aming pinagkakakitaan.”

On a good week, the single mom makes P700 from sewing rags. This, in addition to the pension she receives from SSS, is what she uses to keep her children in school.  

“Magic po na napagkakasya namin iyong kita. Dalawa po ang anak ko, at parehong nag-aaral pa,” she proudly noted. “Malaking bagay po talaga para sa amin iyong natatanggap naming tulong na bigas, gulay, tinapay, at gulay mula sa Ayala.”

#BrigadangAyalaKaakay

Eric Francia, President & CEO of Ayala’s listed renewable energy platform ACEN, visited Catena and other #BrigadangAyalaKaakay beneficiaries in Rolling Hills, Payatas on Monday.

Kaakay is a 12-week food distribution program that provides rice, fresh vegetables, canned goods, and bread to 10,000 families across Metro Manila.      

“The stories of our beneficiaries affirm our decision to launch Kaakay and target those who lost their livelihood because of the pandemic. A lot of our beneficiaries here in Payatas earn less than P200 a day, and some of them must stretch that amount to cover the needs of a family of four. I am inspired by their resourcefulness and creativity, making use of available resources in the area to earn a little extra,” Francia said.

ACEN, in its solar plant in Alaminos, Laguna, runs a sustainability hub that upcycles solar panel packaging materials into eco-bricks. Aligned with Ayala’s commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, ACEN plans to expand this program by forging partnerships with local communities through garbage segregation and setting up collection points in sari-sari stores, groceries, and wet markets.

Albeit on a much smaller scale, Kaakay beneficiary Leonora Francisco is also promoting upcycling within the Rolling Hills community. In a community that is mostly occupied by informal settlers, 50-year-old Francisco said responsible waste management is crucial. 

“Sabihin mo nang iskwater kami rito dahil hindi naman sa amin itong lupa,” she said. “Pero hindi naman ibig sabihin noon na dapat pabayaan namin ang paligid. Katulad ko, 35 years na ako rito, parang may obligasyon din akong panatilihing maayos ang paligid.”

“Dati po akong nangangalakal sa tambakan ng basura, kaya alam kong may pera sa basura,” Francisco added. “Sa upcycling or recycling, malinis na ang paligid, may konting kita ka pa. Hindi na rin masama, ‘di ba?”  

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For more information:

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

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

MANILA — Everyday, for the last 15 years, Nerissa Punzalan would ply the busy streets of Makati to sell kakanin, palabok, and the ubiquitous banana cue. Despite her meager earnings, Punzalan took pride in what she does for a living. It’s what kept her family from losing everything during the most challenging years of their lives.

“Eto pong pagtitinda ko ang talagang bumuhay sa amin ngayong pandemic,” she said. “Masaya po ako na nakapag-provide ako para sa pamilya ko. Kahit papano, naitawid namin.”

Prior to the pandemic, selling merienda used to be a mere side job for Punzalan. But her husband, a carpenter, lost his job when construction activities halted during the nationwide lockdown in 2020.

“Bilang asawa, hindi naman po ako puwedeng magreklamo na nawalan ng trabaho ang mister ko. Kaya nga kami magkatuwang sa buhay, ‘di ba? So noong wala siyang hanapbuhay, ako ang dumiskarte para sa pamilya,” she said.

One of Punzalan’s regular customers is 61-year-old Lydia Abalos, a mother of five and wife of a jeepney driver who also lost his job during the lockdown. To provide for her family, Abalos meanwhile dusted off her old kawa and began selling lutong ulam to her neighbors.

“Diskarte po talaga ang importante para makaraos tayo,” Abalos said. “Kung ano ‘yong skills mo–parang ako, marunong akong magluto–iyon ang gamitin mo para makatulong sa pamilya mo. Samahan mo na rin ng tiwala sa Diyos. Araw-araw akong nagro-rosary.”

#BrigadangAyalaKaakay

On Monday, AC Health President and CEO Paolo Borromeo led the #BrigadangAyalaKaakay food distribution at Our Lady of La Paz Parish in Flordeliz, Makati. With him were Generika Drugstore President & CEO Yet Abarca and QualiMed Health Network President & CEO Jimmy Ysmael.

#BrigadangAyalaKaakay provides 12-week’s supply of rice, fresh vegetables, canned goods, and bread to 10,000 families across Metro Manila.      

“AC Health is delighted to support #BrigadangAyalaKaakay, which targets those who lost their jobs and sources of income during the pandemic. We are inspired by the stories of resilience we heard from our beneficiaries today. We are very happy that we were able to augment their needs through this program,” Borromeo said.

Punzalan, a beneficiary of Kaakay, said the weekly food supply enabled her to save up and buy time as her husband was looking for a job. “Ngayon kasi, nagbubukas na uli ‘yong mga construction site. Sobrang laking pasasalamat namin sa Kaakay dahil hindi kami nagutom noong mga panahong walang trabaho ang asawa ko,” she said.      

“Masaya po talaga kami dahil parang nabigyan kami ng fresh start,” she added.

Abalos, also a Kaakay beneficiary, meanwhile said senior citizens like herself are thankful for drugstores like Generika, where they can buy affordable yet effective medicines, vitamins, and food supplements. 

“Hindi naman kailangang mahal ang gamot. Ang importante, abot-kaya at mabisa,” she said. “Dahil sa sariwang gulay mula sa Kaakay at sa vitamins ng Generika, malusog kami sa pamilya. At siyempre, nandiyan palagi iyong dasal, kaya walang nagkakasakit.” 

“Sabi ko nga, ‘di ba? Rosary at vitamin C,” she quipped.     

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For more information:

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

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

MANILA — Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) is opening its doors to priority groups during the week-long pilot of the “Resbakuna sa Botika” program of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 beginning Thursday, January 20.

Generika Drugstore’s branch in Signal Village, Taguig City was opened as a pilot site for “Resbakuna sa Botika.” QualiMed Clinic – Makati and Healthway Multi-Specialty Center – Manila will also open their doors on January 21, as pilot clinic sites to priority groups who want to avail of COVID-19 vaccine shots.

During this week-long program, each of the branches will be allocated 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccines by their partner LGUs. Individuals 18 years old and above – except for senior citizens and people with comorbidities – can pre-register, in coordination with their LGU, and avail of their shots.  

“We are grateful for another opportunity to partner with the government to make vaccines even more accessible to our fellow Filipinos,” said Paolo Borromeo, President & CEO of AC Health.

“The ‘Resbakuna sa Botika’ is an important initiative to refocus our vaccination strategy as a country. By expanding vaccinations to pharmacies and even clinics, we can make it more convenient for people to get their vaccines. We believe this model will be a good strategy to ensure continued access to vaccines in the future, and we look forward to having more of our drugstores and clinics as vaccination sites,” Borromeo added.

AC Health, through its COVIDShield Program, has administered over 660,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in its more than 30 vaccination sites across the country. MedEthix, a member of AC Health, was the first to bring Molnupiravir in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Molnupiravir is an oral anti-viral treatment for mild cases of COVID-19 among high-risk adult populations, and is now available upon prescription across the AC Health Network – through Healthway, QualiMed and HealthNow.

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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

MANILA — Amidst the holiday rush, #BrigadangAyala conducts relief operations in areas severely affected by Typhoon Odette.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Typhoon Odette has caused approximately P22 billion in agriculture and infrastructure damage.

With Ayala Foundation at the helm, #BrigadangAyala rallied business units across the Ayala Group of Companies to deliver food packs in affected areas. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Ayala Foundation distributed much needed aid to at least 2,000 affected families in different towns in Cebu province as well as Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte. In addition, sacks of rice were delivered and distributed to families living in Dinagat Islands and El Nido, Palawan.

While restoring its services in the affected areas, Globe set up libreng tawag, text, and Wi-Fi stations. ACEN also set up charging stations powered by its solar plates in Islasol in Negros Occidental and conducted relief operations in Montesol in Negros Oriental. Ayala Land distributed grocery items to its essential workers as well as affected residents in communities near their Ayala Malls.   

Meanwhile, AC Health’s Generika P1 million worth of medicines and potable water are in transit for Siargao LGU’s distribution. Patsy Zobel donated canvas materials and tents for temporary shelter as well as water filters for families who lost their homes to the typhoon.

#BrigadangAyala will continue its relief distribution in Cebu, Negros Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Siargao, Dinagat Islands, and Palawan. More than 13,000 food packs are expected to be distributed under this collective effort.    

Ayala Foundation’s disaster response efforts fall under #BrigadangAyala, the Ayala group’s unified initiatives in support of communities in need all over the country. #BrigadangAyala, serves as the umbrella campaign for various social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives across the Ayala group of companies—ranging from disaster relief and response, assistance for public education, championing of social enterprises, and public health advocacy, among others. #BrigadangAyala serves as an expression the Ayala group’s commitment for the greater good.

To help move essential goods, Ayala Foundation coordinates with various Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, and works closely with the Ayala group, as well as various donors and partners. Among those who have partnered with the foundation’s relief efforts are BPI Foundation, Base Bahay Foundation, Globe Telecom, IE Medica/MedEthix, and Kickstart, while the Ayala Business Clubs, Entrego, and Makati Development Corporation are providing support for operations and logistics.

Ayala Foundation has also opened its donation channels for those who wish to contribute to its relief efforts. To access the donation page, visit https://afi.ph/DisasterResilience.

Donations are also accepted through Lazada and GCash, and by donating Globe Rewards Points through the new Globe One App.  

Meanwhile in Metro Manila, #BrigadangAyala has been implementing “Kaakay,” a supplemental food distribution program serving 10,000 families since November 2021. Heads of these families have lost their jobs due to extended lockdowns to arrest the Covid-19 pandemic.  Each #BrigadangAyalaKaakay beneficiary family receives a 12-week supply of rice, fresh vegetables, canned goods, and bread that will cover four square meals for a family of five. The food distribution program will last until February 2022.

About Ayala Foundation

As the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies, Ayala Foundation envisions communities where people are creative, productive, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. Ayala Foundation is committed to community development, working closely with communities in identifying compelling developmental needs and providing suitable solutions with measurable outcomes. It implements programs under the following themes: Education, Sustainable Livelihood, and Love of Country.

In 2021, Ayala Foundation celebrates its 60th year, affirming its Faith in the Filipino through partnerships and programs for community development.

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For more information:

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

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

MANILA – San Beda Law graduate Michelle Hatol did not have second thoughts when her father asked her to take on the family business New Isabela Grains Milling, a supplier and advocate of local rice since 1982. Hatol is currently #BrigadangAyalaKaakay’s supplier for its 12-week food distribution program to 10,000 families in Metro Manila.

“Farming is deeply rooted in me since I grew up in Isabela. Bata pa lang ako, nagtitimbang na ako ng palay. Every summer, ang aking vacation is to work with the farmers,” the 36-year-old lawyer said.  Hatol is currently in charge of the company’s sales, marketing, and business development in Manila, while her two brothers oversee their operations in Isabela and Mountain Province. Currently, they have around 200 staff working with over 500 farmers across the region. 

“We were given an opportunity to import rice—a lot of times, actually. But we always declined. Because if we do that, we will no longer be able to help our farmers. Karamihan sa kanila have been with us since 1982,” she added. “Ang priority talaga namin ay local rice.”   

Apart from buying rice directly from the farmers, they also provide holistic support programs, including giving out short-term loans and introducing modern farming techniques.  

“Madalas binabagyo sa Isabela. Minsan inaabot talaga ng Signal No. 5. And lately, because of tree cutting activities, talagang binabaha iyong mga palayan. Unprecedented ‘yong lalim ng baha,” Hatol said.   “Talagang nalulugi ang mga magsasaka. Kailangan, tulong-tulong talaga ang community para makabangon.”    

Hatol eventually recruited her college buddy Sandra Aquino to join the family business. Together, they set up an R&D division that reinvents rice. They’re now producing rice flour, bread, and cookies.  This, according to Hatol, increases the value of rice and helps farmers find an alternative source of income during typhoon season.  

“Ang gusto namin ay umangat ang morale ng mga farmers — kaya nilang lumevel sa mga professional. Kapag kinausap mo sila, hindi nila sasabihin na ‘farmer lang ‘yong tatay ko.’ Gusto ko proud sila because what they do is very essential to our daily lives,” Aquino said.  

#BrigadangAyalaKaakay  

On Monday, BPI President & CEO TG Limcaoco led the distribution of food packs to over 200 families in Navotas.  This is part of the #BrigadangAyalaKaakay food distribution program scheduled weekly from November 2021 to February 2022.  A total of 10,000 heads of families will receive 12-week’s supply of rice, fresh vegetables, canned goods, and bread that will cover four square meals for a family of five.

“Being able to help feed badly affected families in Metro Manila and at the same time, support local food suppliers and farmers from the provinces is truly a blessing,” said Limcaoco.  “At BPI, we look forward to collaborating with the rest of the Ayala group for more meaningful Kaakay projects.”

BPI Foundation, the social development arm of BPI also donated 6 wheelchairs, adult diapers, alcohol, and wipes for 11 abandoned elderlies housed in the compound of Tulay ng Kabataan. 

According to Limcaoco, BPI has always been supportive of the underserved communities, including the farming community. BPI Foundation’s “Farm to Table” program aims to help increase local farmers’ produce through the latest climate-adaptive technologies to uplift and advance the country’s agricultural sector. Since its launch in 2019, the Farm to Table program has already provided positive impact to over 2,600 farming families with around 13,500 members.  

As a rice supplier for Kaakay, Hatol said they now buy over 12,000 sacks of palay from Isabela farmers. “We accept even ‘yong mga naka-motor, naka-tricycle, naka-kuliglig lang na pumupunta sa amin para ibenta ‘yong mga palay nila. Tinatanggap namin kahit 5 or 10 sacks lang. We don’t discriminate,” she said. 

“Kaakay has not only helped the marginalized communities, but also those who are currently working pero hirap pa rin dahil nabawasan ang work week nila. To me, it’s a very good program because it also supports the local farmers by buying local produce. Double whammy ‘yon ‘di ba?” she added.  

#BrigadangAyala serves as the banner under which social development and corporate social responsibility initiatives across the Ayala Group of Companies are 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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For more information:

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

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