#GreaterGoodLegacy: Accessible Healthcare for Filipinos

Ayala Corporation has been at the forefront of nation-building for almost two centuries. While its businesses have continuously evolved to address the ever-changing needs of Filipinos, the aspiration to contribute to the country’s development has remained at Ayala’s core for 189 years.

With the establishment of Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) in 2015, Ayala Corporation affirmed its commitment to helping communities and driving progress. AC Health aims to make healthcare accessible to Filipinos, similar to the purpose of Botica Zobel, 189 years ago.

Botica Zobel:  Improving Access to Medicines

In 1834, Casa Roxas, the earliest precursor of Ayala Corporation, was established in Manila. That same year, a pharmacist from Hamburg saw the need to improve the health of people and established La Droguería y Botica de Zobel in Intramuros. Soon, the two enterprises would find a common manager in Jacobo Zobel y Zangroniz, who inherited his grandfather’s pharmacy and also became involved in his wife’s family business, by then called Ayala y Compañía.

Botica Zobel’s legacy found new life through Generika Drugstore, a member of the AC Health Group since 2015. As a pioneer in the retail of quality generic medicines from well-known pharmaceutical manufacturers from around the world, Generika Drugstore continues to influence and shape the retail pharma industry.

Generika: Expanding Access to Affordable Medicines

In the Philippines, health spending remains largely out-of-pocket. Retired Ayala executive Teodoro L. Ferrer and French social worker Julien B. Belo founded Generika Drugstore when they saw a common struggle among many Filipinos to keep up with the rising costs of medicines.   

From a small store in Montillano, Muntinlupa, in 2004, Generika has grown into a network of over 750 drugstores nationwide. As the retail pharmaceutical arm of AC Health, Generika plays a key role in bridging healthcare gaps by providing access to quality and affordable generic medicines.

“With so many people hurting from these trying times, our value proposition of providing access to quality generic medicines that can provide as much as 85% savings versus the leading brands should resonate more. Filipinos need not deprioritize their health to meet other pressing needs. They can access our portfolio of quality and affordable generic medicines and our PLUS Services across our network of stores and in the communities we serve,” said Generika Drugstore President and CEO Atty. Yet Abarca.

Over the years, Generika Drugstore has been a valued and trusted partner to various organizations and local government units in improving healthcare in the country. Apart from medical missions and other charitable causes, the company also educates the public about the benefits of generic medicines and how they compare with their branded counterparts—an advocacy shared with the Department of Health. This has led to mutual support in pushing for increased public awareness of generic medicines as aligned with the government’s call to improve drug accessibility in the country.

AC Health: Improving Healthcare for Filipinos

Since its establishment 189 years ago, Ayala has deepened its roots in healthcare through AC Health. With its three pillars—pharma, hospitals and clinics, and digital health—AC Health envisions to provide a seamless healthcare experience for every Filipino.

Working closely with Generika, IE Medica and MedEthix serve as AC Health’s key channels to bring in a wider range of affordable medicines for Filipinos.

With their multi-specialty clinics, ambulatory centers, and full-service hospitals, Healthway and QualiMed complete the entire continuum of patient care.

These services will be made more accessible through the upcoming launch of the new KonsultaMD superapp, which will provide users convenient access to healthcare professionals, ancillary care, and medicine delivery.

“At AC Health, we always underpin everything we do with our vision of building an integrated healthcare ecosystem. We continuously endeavor to innovate and drive synergies within our network to provide Filipinos a seamless and holistic healthcare experience,” said AC Health President and CEO Paolo Borromeo.

By the third quarter of this year, AC Health will open the country’s first dedicated cancer hospital. The Healthway Cancer Care Hospital will offer a complete range of cancer services, from screening, diagnosis, treatment, to post-cancer care. It will be focused on improving the overall patient experience and enabling multi-disciplinary cancer care. 

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AC Health’s cancer hospital reaches 75% completion; set to open in Q3

(L to R): Dr. Kaye Recto, Corporate Strategy and Development, AC Health; Ms. Ruby Chiong, Chief Finance Officer, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital; Ms. Nona Ong, Chief Operating Officer, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital; Mr. Jimmy Ysmael, President and CEO, Healthway Philippines, Inc.; Mr. Bong Consing, President & CEO, Ayala Corporation; Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Adviser to the Board, Ayala Corporation; Mr. Paolo Borromeo, President and CEO, AC Health; Engr. Art Carlos, President, Constech Management Group, Inc.; Ar. Dan Lichauco, Managing Partner, Archion Architects; Mr. RJ Recio, Corporate Strategy and Development Head, AC Health; Mr. Jay Simeon, Supply Chain and Facilities Management Head, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital; Mr. Archie Guinto, Facilities Manager, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital

MANILA – AC Health’s Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, the country’s first dedicated cancer hospital, has reached 75 percent completion and is set to open in the third quarter of this year.  

Ayala Corporation’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who led the groundbreaking of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital in 2021, joined AC Health and Ayala Corp. project leads in a site visit to the country’s first dedicated cancer facility last week.  

“I would like to congratulate the AC Health and the Healthway teams for this significant progress since we broke ground almost two years ago. The progress of this facility clearly shows the Ayala group’s vision to build the country’s first dedicated cancer specialty hospital. Soon, hundreds of Filipino cancer patients will have access to high quality but affordable cancer care,” Zobel said.  

Joining Zobel at the site visit were Ayala Corporation President & CEO Bong Consing, AC Health President and CEO Paolo Borromeo, Healthway Philippines Inc. President and CEO Jaime Ysmael, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital Chief Operating Officer Jenara Ong, and Healthway Cancer Care Hospital Chief Finance Officer Ruby Chiong.

“We are very privileged to have our leaders here today. The swift progress of the hospital’s construction would not have been possible without the strong support of our leaders and shareholders from Ayala Corporation,” said Borromeo during the visit.

The Healthway Cancer Care Hospital will be the first comprehensive and dedicated cancer hospital in the country offering a complete range of cancer services, from screening, diagnosis, treatment, to post-cancer care. Equipped with 18 chemotherapy infusion units, two linear accelerators (LINACs), and all the essential diagnostic and imaging machines, the hospital will be focused on improving the overall patient experience and enabling multi-disciplinary cancer care.  

Borromeo also presented updates on the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital to cancer patients and advocates, healthcare providers and practitioners, government officials, and international experts at the Philippine National Cancer Summit held on February 23 to 24 at Crowne Plaza Galleria, Quezon City.

The event was organized by the Philippine College of Surgeons – Cancer Commission Foundation to rally stakeholders in the battle against cancer.

Drawing from AC Health’s experience in putting up the country’s first dedicated cancer hospital, Borromeo spoke about the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in bridging the cancer care gap in the Philippines.

“I am a big believer that the private and public sectors should work hand-in-hand towards improving oncology care here in the Philippines. In no other industry is collaboration more evident than in healthcare, as we saw firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Borromeo.

Borromeo also shared how AC Health continues to work with like-minded partners, such as Siemens Healthineers and Varian, to help realize the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital’s vision of providing more affordable oncology care in the country.  

“Our goal is to offer the best value private hospital for cancer care. We are working with our partners to ensure that our cancer hospital will provide very competitive rates for diagnostics, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery to a broader base of Filipino patients,” said Borromeo.

Varian – Cancer Treatment Services International Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Amy Hay also participated in the summit and affirmed their commitment to bring in global best practices to strengthen the services of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital.

In the special panel discussion, “A Closer Look at Cancer Centers,” AC Health Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Maria Carissa Alejandro further elaborated on interventions in reducing the cost of cancer care and how these can be applied in building the country’s first dedicated cancer hospital.  

“Health services need to go beyond pricing and focus on creating greater value for patients. We hope that the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital will serve as a model for more affordable cancer care in the Philippines,” said Alejandro.  

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All Aboard! Philippine Coast Guard is the newest beneficiary of Ayala’s #SaludoSaSerbisyo

The PCG and Ayala signed on Thursday a Memorandum of Understanding, defining their commitment to address the various needs of PCG personnel through Saludo sa Serbisyo, Ayala’s comprehensive and sustainable needs-based program for the country’s uniformed servicemen.  

(L-R) Ayala Corporation Head of Security & Crisis Management Emmanuel Bautista, Ayala Corporation Head of Public Affairs Rene Almendras, Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, PCG Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan, Ayala Corporation Chief Legal Officer Solomon Hermosura
Ayala Corporation Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Ayala Corporation Head of Security & Crisis Management Emmanuel Bautista with PCG officers at the PCG Headquarters in Manila.

MANILA — Thousands of Philippine Coast Guard officers and staff from the northernmost to the southernmost islands of the Philippines will now have access to #SaludoSaSerbisyo.

The PCG and Ayala on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding, defining both parties’ commitment to address the various needs of PCG personnel through Saludo sa Serbisyo, Ayala’s comprehensive and sustainable needs-based program for the country’s uniformed servicemen.  

“Today, we are glad to be able to find some comfort and convenience for the hardworking and dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard through the Saludo sa Serbisyo program of Ayala Corporation,” said Admiral Artemio Abu, PGC Commandant.

“Ayala Corporation has a rich history of giving generous support to the uniformed personnel as a way of extending gratitude to the men and women in the uniformed service who make so much sacrifices for the sake of our country,” he added.

Through Saludo Sa Serbisyo, Ayala group offers convenient and expanded access to various products and services, such as home and car ownership assistance, financial education program, employment and livelihood program, and health & wellness program, to name a few.

“As a nation surrounded by water, the Philippine Coast Guard is absolutely intrinsic to the safety of our nation,” said Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of Ayala Corporation. “Your genuine, selfless and tireless service to our country, which we have shown time and time again, inspires us to do so much more to do good.”

In his remarks, Zobel also recalled several instances when Ayala group and the PCG joined forces to address the immediate needs of Filipinos. 

In 2020, the PCG helped the Ayala group deliver relief to families affected by the eruption of Taal. In the same year, when Super Typhoon Rolly hit the eastern islands of the Philippines, the PCG helped the group transport potable water for affected families from Albay to Catanduanes.    

“Over the years Saludo Sa Serbisyo assisted families in the veiling of their first home, their first car, and even their first business,” Zobel added. “As we continue our partnership moving forward, we remain committed to further ramp up our engagement with the Philippine Coast Guard.”

“Nakakatuwa pong marinig na through Ayala, marami ang nagkaroon ng unang bahay, unang sasakyan, unang business opportunity,” Abu responded. “The Philippine Coast Guard has been looking after our countrymen, and it is truly comforting to know that there are organizations in the private sector willing to look after our Philippine Coast Guard personnel.”

Other beneficiaries of Saludo sa Serbisyo include the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.  

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AC Logistics Waste Management Company and Ten Knots Group Forge Partnership for Waste Management in El Nido Resorts

From left to right: Cezar Christopher Gregory G. Pacheco, Jr. – President of IWMI, Javier D. Hernandez – President & CEO of AyalaLand Hotels & Resorts Corp., Mariglo Rosaida I. Laririt – Director for Sustainability of Ten Knots Group, Janet A. Bautista – VP for Business Development of AC Logistics 

MANILA – AC Logistics Holdings Corporation (AC Logistics) through its subsidiary Integrated Waste Management, Inc. (IWMI) and Ten Knots Phils, Inc., a subsidiary of Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation that operates multiple resorts in El Nido, Palawan, recently signed an agreement for the transport, handling, and management of hospital and hazardous waste across the island resorts of El Nido.

IWMI is one of the leading waste management companies in the Philippines specializing in the handling of hazardous waste that include industrial and hospital wastes, among others. IWMI takes pride in serving 40% of medical establishments in Metro Manila.

The recent pandemic resulted in an increase in volume of hospital waste like face masks, hazmats, PPE’s, vials & syringes, diluents and expired medicines that requires proper handling and disposal. Javier Hernandez, President & CEO of Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation noted, “As our businesses grow and the tourism industry recovers, the challenge of managing different types of waste escalates, too. We at Ten Knots are only too glad to work with IWMI in addressing these challenges and meeting our sustainability objectives.”

IWMI is in the forefront in ensuring the responsible handling and disposal of hazardous waste. IWMI has been in the business of collecting and treating infectious and hazardous wastes for more than 30 years, and has been compliant with RA 6969 and DAO 2013-22. Being ISO 14001 Certified, IWMI has been one of the most trusted partners in the industry, with clients ranging from government to private institutions.

“It is an honor to be working with the Ten Knots Group in ensuring proper waste management in hotels and tourism estates. Our team is excited to collaborate with the group’s El Nido Resorts and Lio Beach in exploring innovative solutions and practices that protect El Nido’s communities and natural environment. Through this partnership, we hope to encourage more organizations to institutionalize proper hazardous waste management and ensure long-term positive impact.” – Chito Pacheco, President of IWMI

IWMI is part of the Ayala Group’s logistics subsidiary – AC Logistics Holdings Corporation. IWMI will be in charge of collection, transport, and proper treatment and disposal of Ten Knots Group’s medical and infectious wastes. Full service includes documentary evidence of how the generator’s hazardous wastes are treated and disposed.

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Ayala businesses top performers in environmental action

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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#BrigadangAyala: Ayala employees bring noche buena packs to 6,000 families in 6 provinces

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.

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

#BrigadangAyala distributes noche buena packs in Brgy. Sudlun in Cebu City and Looc in Mandaue City.

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.   

#BrigadangAyala distributes noche buena packs in Iloilo City, Pavia, and San Miguel in Iloilo.

“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. 

#BrigadangAyala distributes noche buena packs in Talisay and Bacolod City in Negros Occidental.

“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.         

(L-R) #BrigadangAyala distributes noche buena packs in Cagayan de Oro City and Davao

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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Ayala Group dominates 2021 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard Awards



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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Ayala Corp. recognized by prestigious think tank for uplifting Filipinos during the pandemic

Ayala and 24 other organizations are honored at the Steward Leadership Summit held in Singapore on Wednesday. Ayala is represented by Business Development & Digital Innovation Head Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala.  

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.

Ayala Enterprise Circle spotlights “IncrediBiz” stories in this business awards

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

Ayala group powers EV-ready future for Filipinos

Sales of the Kia EV6 will begin in early 2023. Charging options of the EV6 in the Philippines are as follows: through the Kia In Cable Control Box charger that comes with the vehicle; a home wall-mounted charger that can be purchased and installed by Greenstrum; and the growing number of malls and establishments that offer EV charging stations with Type 2/CCS2 protocol.

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