Category: News

Now on its 41st year, Ayala Foundation renews its commitment to bridge business and society in order to eradicate poverty in all its forms. It is reaching out to thousands of Filipinos through programs in education, youth development, information technology, environmental concerns, and the arts and culture.

Established by businessman Col. Joseph McMicking and his wife, Mercedes Zobel, as the Filipinas Foundation, it was renamed Ayala Foundation in 1990 to emphasize its role as the social development partner of one of the country’s leading conglomerates.

At the heart of Ayala Foundation’s social development programs is the belief that Filipinos can help themselves rise from poverty given the opportunity and right mechanisms in place. This has led the foundation to develop and support projects that have a far-reaching impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

Poverty alleviation
One such project is the government’s poverty alleviation program, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan, or KALAHI. With Ayala Foundation coordinating the activities of various Ayala companies, some 200 families in Mandaluyong received a development package that included health services from Globe Telecom and Ayala Land, potable water from Manila Water, livelihood fund from the Bank of the Philippine Islands, and an Internet laboratory.

There is also the Mindanao Silk Weaving Project, a home-based program that trains women residents in Misamis Oriental in handloom weaving and gives them a revolving loan fund for business operations.

Even information technology programs can be designed to equip Filipinos with tools to improve their lives. For instance, Project Youth Tech and iLinK train high school students and teachers and provide a computer laboratory with free one-year Internet access from Globe Telecom. The Ayala Intel Computer Clubhouse allows young students to use its after-school facilities to explore their creativity.

Yet another way of bringing information technology to the grassroots level is the Barangay.Net Cebu Alliance, Inc., which computerizes basic local government functions.

In addition, Garchitorena explans that it is equally important to address what is called “poverty of spirit”. The Ayala Museum and the Filipinas Heritage Library to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the country’s rich cultural heritage through exhibits, lectures, books, and online resources.

The foundation also created programs that aim to develop future leaders. The annual Ayala Young Leaders Congress now has 350 alumni from all over the country who are committed to creating positive changes in their own communities. Focusing on a much younger generation, the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education or Centex provides bright children from poor families an exceptional learning environment that empowers them with the value of service to others.

Forging new partnerships
Garchitorena says that a great part of the Ayala Foundation’s work has to do with networking. Partners are sought to extend the reach of its programs and help create innovative solutions to address poverty. On many occasions, it collaborates with other businesses and institutions in programs such as Children’s Hour, Tabang Mindanaw, La Mesa Reforestation Project, World Wildlife Fund, and Habitat for Humanity.

In celebration of its 41st anniversary yesterday, Ayala Foundation honored partners, donors, and sponsors and highlighted collaborative efforts with key institutions. For instance, it announced plans to enter agreements with publications to inform migrant Filipinos about social development programs in the Philippines and advise them on how to support these programs through Ayala Foundation USA.

The Mindanao Silk Weaving Project has coordinated with the Philippine Textile Research Institute and the Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines to upgrade the skills of its beneficiaries and help them market their products.

At the same time, Ayala Museum accepted donations and long-term loans of prized collections from its partners. These are the Fernando Zobel collection of modern art from the Ateneo Art Gallery, a portrait of Romana Suarez by Fernando Amorsolo and 60 oriental trade ceramics from the Zuellig Collection, and Rina Ortiz’s collection of 17th to 19th century Piña clothing.

Says Garchitorena: “Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all our funders, trustees, officers and staff, and to all our partners. We find strength in their generosity which has sustained us through the 41 years of service that Ayala Foundation has offered to the country.”

Ayala Corporation and its subsidiaries garnered high ratings in the Asia’s Best Companies 2003 survey conducted by FinanceAsia.

The Hong Kong-based magazine polled institutional investors and equity analysts from around the globe to rank the performance of top companies in 10 countries in Asia. They were asked to rate companies in each country according to various categories, notably: Best Managed Company, Investor Relations, Commitment to Shareholder Value, Corporate Governance, and Financial Management.

Ayala Corporation, the country’s leading conglomerate, was named Best Managed Company in the Philippines. The company earned the top spot in two other categories: Best Corporate Governance and Best Financial Management.

The Ayala companies also figured prominently in the survey. Globe Telecom placed second in Best Managed Company, Best Corporate Governance, and Best Financial Management. Globe Telecom’s Delfin Gonzales was named Best Chief Financial Officer for the second year in a row.

Ayala Land, Inc. and the Bank of the Philippine Islands were also cited in the top 10 leading companies across all categories. Other companies that were recognized are San Miguel Corporation, SM Prime, Jollibee Foods Corporation, PLDT, Union Bank, Smart, Meralco, Alaska Milk, Metrobank, JG Summit, Petron Corporation, and Universal Robina. These companies approximate 61 percent of the country’s total market capitalization.

The full results of the Asia’s Best Companies 2003 survey will be revealed in the April issue of FinanceAsia.

Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) and the Campos group of United Laboratories, Inc. (Unilab) and Greenfield Development Corp. (GDC) today signed a US$90-million agreement with Metro Pacific Corp. (MPC), enabling the partners to gain control of Bonifacio Land Co. (BLC), thereby securing a firm hold on Bonifacio Global City – a most sought-after real estate property in the country.

Following the signing of the memorandum of agreement at the Tower Club in Makati City, ALI and Campos group officials hailed the agreement as highly beneficial to the country – underscoring the fact that a transaction of this magnitude between major Filipino firms should further boost confidence in prospects for the Philippine economy.

ALI chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala expressed satisfaction that such a transaction will enhance Ayala Land’s dominant position in the real estate industry.

“Adding Fort Bonifacio to our portfolio will provide a great opportunity for Ayala Land to replicate its success in the development of the Makati central business district as the country’s commercial and financial center. We are also delighted at this opportunity to continue our close relationship with the Campos group,” he added.

Unilab chairman and CEO Joselito D. Campos Jr. referred to the transaction as a natural consequence of the excellent relationship of Unilab and Greenfield with Ayala Land and Metro Pacific, together with its parent company – First Pacific.

“We have been privileged to consummate the acquisition from First Pacific of Darya Varia, one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia. And now, together with Ayala Land, we look forward to our joint development of Bonifacio Global City as a prime landmark project,” he said.

Carlos C. Ejercito, president and COO of both Unilab and GDC, underscored the Campos group’s partnership with Ayala Land on two major fronts.

“Bonifacio Global City in Makati and the 600-hectare Ayala Greenfield Estates in the foothills of Mt. Makiling in Calamba, Laguna are rekindling interest in real estate. Both projects, given their magnitude and long-term implications, manifest our strong confidence in the Philippine economy,” he said.

Emphasizing the significance of the agreement, ALI president Francisco Licuanan III pointed out that the Fort Bonifacio property is the single most attractive available parcel of land of that size in Metro Manila today and that the partnership is acquiring it at a fair price.

“We took an interest in this property as early as 1995; and we continue to see opportunities related to it. We envision Fort Bonifacio as a natural and complementary extension of the Makati central business district,” he said.

Licuanan also noted that Ayala Land and GDC have the financial capability to see the project through as well as the combined resources to bring the property to the market sooner.

“It’s a good time to be buying properties such as Fort Bonifacio, since such assets can be acquired at fairly good valuations. When the real estate market recovers, we’ll be in a solid position to capitalize on opportunities, having established our strategic position in two of the most sought-after business and residential areas in the country, namely Makati CBD and the Bonifacio Global City,” he added.

ALI has already committed to develop Market! Market! – a super-regional shopping center consisting of 180,000 square meters of gross leasable area in a 10-hectare property in Bonifacio. The center is now under construction and is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2003.

ALI has also proposed to develop an 8.3-hectare lot adjacent to Market! Market! into a residential community consisting of medium to high density housing and catering to, among others, Makati professionals. Development is expected to commence within the next 18 months.

ALI’s partnership with GDC has had a recent successful run with Ayala Greenfield Estates, a high-end residential project featuring a world-class golf course now being completed in Calamba, Laguna

In the short term, the partnership sees some controlled sales of selective inventory and leasing of commercial areas to continue the build-up of critical mass at the Bonifacio Global City. Over the medium and long terms, its development will mirror the evolution of Makati’s highly successful central business district.

Ayala Corporation and Central Equity Ventures, Inc. signed an agreement with the Municipality of Carmen as a first step in realizing an undertaking that will increase the water supply of Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) by 35 percent.

Ayala Corporation executive managing director Fernando Zobel de Ayala, CEVI chairman Sabino R. Padilla Jr., and Carmen Mayor Amytis de Dios Batao today formalized their support for the Carmen Water Supply Project. The project involves the development, financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of a water facility that will extract, treat, and deliver water from the Cantumog-Luyang River in Carmen to meet the needs of Metro Cebu households.

Cebu currently consumes 280,000 cubic meters of water per day, 50 percent of which is supplied by MCWD. The rest is provided by privately-owned deepwells. However, studies indicate that Cebu’s aquifer is now overdrawn by two or three times its sustainable capacity. Meanwhile, businesses have noted the effect of a water supply shortage to Cebu’s economic development.

The proposed project seeks to address this need by adding 50,000 cubic meters of water per day to MCWD’s current capacity. An increase of 35 percent in the supply of MCWD will address 20 percent of the total water requirements of Metro Cebu.

CEVI, which has rights to abstract water from the Luyang River, invited Ayala as a partner in the Carmen Water Supply Project. CEVI is involved in special projects in water, power, mass transportation, and rural financial intermediaries.

Components of the proposed project include the construction of a rubber dam, a water treatment plant, booster pumping stations, reservoirs and a 27-km transmission line that will deliver potable water to MCWD’s distribution network. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued CEVI an Environmental Compliance Certificate for the Carmen Water Supply Project upon evaluation of its environmental impact assessment as required by P.D. 1586 (Environmental Impact Statement System).

Other government agencies including NEDA and the Local Water Utilities Administration are yet to evaluate, review, and approve the proposal. The project will then be opened for public bidding as required by the Build-Operate-Transfer Law for unsolicited proposals. The Ayala-CEVI consortium has the right to match the most attractive offer received by MCWD as the original proponent of the project. The winning bidder will be awarded a 25-year water concession in Cebu.

The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) has issued Ayala Land a Notice of Award to cover Lot B,an 8.5 hectare lot which BCDA had bid out initially in 2000 for disposition, among other lots, under its Asset Disposition Program Phase I. BCDA had declared a failure of bidding of Lot B in 2000, but allowed new proposals to be submitted this year for the acquisition of Lot B pursuant to the procedure agreed upon in the Terms of Reference and Bid Bulletins adopted by BCDA for its Asset Disposition Program Phase I. Ayala Land, together with several other interested parties, submitted new proposals for the acquisition of Lot B. The Notice of Award stated that the Board of Directors of BCDA found the proposal submitted by Ayala Land as the most favorable to BCDA.

The bid of Ayala Land for Lot B was made on the basis of a joint development structure, and subject to the terms and conditions stated in its bid, includes an upfront cash payment of P700,000,000.00 and a guaranteed annual revenue stream totaling P1.1 billion over an 8-year period. The execution of the joint development agreement between Ayala Land and BCDA remains subject to Ayala Land and BCDA agreeing on certain issues.

Lot B is adjacent to Lot C, a 9.9 hectare parcel which was also bid out in 2000 under BCDA’s Asset Disposition Program and was awarded to Ayala Land under a leasehold structure. Lot C which is located adjacent to C-5 is the site of Market! Market!, a regional mall development being constructed by Ayala Land.

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Statement issued by Ayala Land, Inc. on October 21, 2002

Integrated Microelectronics, Inc. (IMI), Ayala Corporation’s electronics flagship company, recently announced that it would merge its subsidiary, Electronic Assemblies Inc. (EAI), into IMI effective January 1, 2003 to be more globally competitive. The decision was made by the stockholders of both companies during their meeting held on September 17, 2002.

The merger represents the best strategic alternative for delivering increased value to both companies stockholders in addressing the challenges and opportunities in a fast changing global market.

IMI president and CEO Arthur R. Tan said,“The merger allows IMI to create a stronger and more efficient operating model which translates to improved earnings. It will also position IMI to attract and retain the best employees who will be working in boundary-less collaboration.

Tan added,“We believe that quick and decisive action is needed to address the business opportunities and challenges facing our business operation. The merger provides stronger partnerships with both our customers and suppliers. The focus is not just cost reduction synergies, but also synergies that will generate revenues.

The merger is expected to effectively sustain IMI capital requirements and improve its positioning for future public listing plans.

Dominic Barton, co-author of Dangerous Markets: Managing in Financial Crises and director and managing partner of McKinsey & Company, said that financial crises are not as unpredictable as believed to be and chief executives must be constantly aware of such threats.

Barton recently spoke before senior executives and members of the Makati Business Club and the Banking Association of the Philippines to share successful strategies in managing companies during a financial crisis.

According to Barton, global players such as Johnson & Johnson, Citigroup, Unilever, Lafarge, and GE Capital have the benefit of a diverse financial net but domestic companies are no less capable of turnaround success. He mentioned “local champions” in companies that recognized the opportunity for change in times of crises. These include Banco Itau in Brazil, Ramayana in Indonesia, Kookmin Bank in Korea, the Ayala Group in the Philippines, Alfa Bank and Roust in Russia, and the North Carolina National Bank (now BankAmerica) in the USA.

The key is in leaders that have the vision, strategy, courage and operational and financial capabilities to minimize the costs of crises and recognize opportunities for growth.

“Through a combination of insightful understanding of the environment in which they operate, winning strategies, and the ability to seize major discontinuities, these companies ended up winning significant market share and successfully expanding into new business lines in the wake of financial crises,” observed Barton.

Barton referred to Ayala Corporation’s visionary management for using the 1998 Asian financial crisis to transform itself from a property developer to a diversified conglomerate with key investments in telecommunication and financial services as well as property. It was during the crisis that Ayala convinced partner Singapore Telecom to continue investing in Globe Telecom digital wireless business, allowing Globe to establish itself as “the top wireless company in the Philippines.

Another Ayala-owned company, the Bank of the Philippines Islands, used cash reserves and leverage afforded by its parent to acquire competitor Far East Bank & Trust Company. As profits in the banking industry declined sharply, BPI emerged as the second-largest bank in the country.

Explained Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, president and CEO of Ayala Corporation in an earlier McKinsey interview:“We are a 165-year old company accustomed to being prepared and taking advantage of crises. That is why we have survived and thrived.

Corporate Philippines seems to be taking its social responsibility seriously.

While more and more companies are taking up the cudgels to address various social issues, some companies are bringing corporate philanthropy a step further by making corporate social responsibility an integral part of their business strategy.

Today, business leaders themselves express their companies’ commitment to social development in their core business principles and practices. These leaders set the strategic direction of their companies’ corporate social responsibility, often by creating foundations or a special division dedicated to improving their relationship with key stakeholders.

Recently, chief executive officers and senior corporate executives from several countries indicated their support of good corporate citizenship by holding dialogues at the first Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility. Leaders of organizations such as the Makati Business Club, Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the League of Corporate Foundations celebrated Corporate Social Responsibility Week last July by getting their members to launch various social projects.

This renewed interest in corporate social responsibility has led companies to look for creative and innovative ways to do good not only in their areas of expertise. Projects like Habitat for Humanity, Tabang Mindanaw and Children’s Hour have involved different, sometimes competing, companies for a common cause even if their businesses are not directly related to these issues.

Poverty reduction
Moreover, companies choose to support or develop projects that bring sustainable development. Pilipinas Shell provides skills training and financial grants to enhance entrepreneurship in local communities. Its Malampaya Project aims to reduce the dependence of the country on imported fuels by tapping energy from deep-sea gases. Meanwhile, Metrobank Foundation offers scholarships and grants for college students training to become teachers, engineers, and nurses. The foundation also has programs in other key areas such as health services, visual arts, and environment.

The active involvement of the private sector in social development has led the government to open opportunities for businesses to extend their projects nationwide. The government recently invited members of the business community to help develop urban and rural communities through its poverty alleviation program, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan or KALAHI.

Beyond providing one-time donations of funds and services, KALAHI allows businesses to come together to create greater impact on the community. In one case, several Ayala-owned companies recently adopted an urban poor community in Mandaluyong City which KALAHI identified as a critical area. By pooling their resources and expertise, these companies increased their capability to address the various needs of the residents.

For instance, Ayala Land and Globe Telecom, each with community development projects of their own, have pledged to conduct yearlong medical and dental missions in the barangay. Ayala’s utilities arm, Manila Water Company, is providing legal water connection and constructing a small sewerage treatment plant. The Bank of the Philippine Islands and Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) brought their experience in micro-financing and entrepreneurship training and contributed to a revolving livelihood fund for families. The group also donated a computer laboratory to a local high school, with Globe providing free Internet access and AFI a training program for teachers.

Explained AFI president Victoria P. Garchitorena: “Social responsibility projects are part of the Ayala business. We recognize the role of the private sector to work hand in hand with government to help uplift the lives of Filipinos. We realize that business is there not only to increase its value for its stakeholders but also to give back to its community.”

Improving brand equity
But do businesses gain anything for being good corporate citizens? Yes, and no. Various studies show that corporate social responsibility will only affect the bottom-line if it is part of a clear business strategy. After all, the first contribution of businesses to national development is by being good, responsible businesses.

At the World Economic Forum early this year, an Arthur D. Little study showed that companies that take corporate citizenship seriously not only improve brand equity and operational efficiency. They are also more likely to be seen as a good investment and company of choice by investors, employees, customers, regulators and joint venture partners. Another study by two Harvard professors revealed that “stakeholder-balanced” companies enjoy better financial returns through good corporate reputation.

“Corporate citizenship fosters public good,” added Pedro Roxas, president of Central Azucarera de Don Pedro and a member of the board of trustees of Philippine Business for Social Progress, at the Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility. He also cited ways that corporate citizenship can directly benefit businesses such as good corporate reputation, reduced risks, access to human and intellectual capital, and a favorable business environment.

Also speaking at the Asian Forum, Garchitorena said that good investments in society will redound to the good of the company albeit in an indirect manner. For instance, investments in education mean a better pool of future employees and investments in micro-credit mean greater consumer base to sell one’s products to. In the long-term, investments in housing or health can bring about less discontent and therefore more peace and order, which brings about economic and political stability so that businesses can better flourish.

 As emphasis on business accountability and transparency grows, firms that meet society’s expectations are favored over those that fail in corporate citizenship. By working closely with government, host communities, civil society, and other businesses in addressing social issues, local companies acknowledge that business success is intertwined with their commitment to bring economic, social and environmental value to society.

Business, government, civic, and church leaders are once again coming together in support of children’s causes as they relaunched on Aug. 14 the Philippines’ participation in Children’s Hour, a fund-raising campaign to call attention to the needs of youth and children.

This is not the first time that leaders of various sectors are throwing their support behind Children’s Hour. The program, which began in the United Kingdom and participated by 20 countries, was launched in the Philippines in 1999. Numerous individuals, government officials, and about 400 corporations helped raised close to P40 million, indicating a high level of social consciousness across sectors. It has since been hailed as one of the most successful in the world in terms of donations gathered and the variety of marketing programs.

This year, Children’s Hour is inviting business leaders to be CEO champions who will make it a regular vehicle for raising funds for children in their companies. Children’s Hour works on a simple mechanism that encourages individuals and companies to donate one hour’s worth of earnings for the benefit of children’s causes.

The funds are being invested in carefully selected projects addressing child abuse and deprivation as well as health care and education programs. Locally, Children’s Hour has helped over 88,000 Filipino children and youth through hospitals and organizations that provide preventive and rehabilitative services, temporary shelter, feeding and nutrition programs and education.

Former president Corazon C. Aquino, honorary chair, joined the leaders of various sectors in the relaunch activities of Children’s Hour on Aug. 14 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Ayala Center, Makati.

Observed Aquino: “We are a nation that recognizes the immense power of the youth. These socially aware and socially active people will in the future take positions of responsibility in government, private sector, and civil society. We must continue to take an active role in providing them the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

Leaders from business, media, government and the church have responded to Aquino’s initiative by being part of the Children’s Hour steering committee this year. These include Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala as chair, Gina Lopez as vice-chair, Emily Abrera, Corazon Alma de Leon, Ramon R. del Rosario, Renato S. de Villa, Carlos Dominguez, Susana A.S. Madrigal, Narcisa L. Escaler, Bob D. Gothong. Other members are Patricia B. Licuanan, Guillermo M. Luz, Justo A. Ortiz, Marianne G. Quebral, Ma. Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez, Pedro E. Roxas, Bienvenido A. Tan Jr., and Bishop Socrates Villegas.

At a press conference hosted by the Children’s Hour steering committee, business and civil society leaders took the opportunity to get to know some of the beneficiaries of Children’s Hour. The children sang a special number for the guests, who in turn spent a few minutes with the kids as they created artworks and read storybooks. Zobel hoped to replicate the success of the Children’s Hour campaign in 1999 by inviting more business leaders to champion the cause. Said Zobel: “We wish to build on the wellspring of generosity to relaunch the Children’s Hour to give them once again an opportunity to champion the cause of children among their employees and company executives. We can then advocate among other companies to come and join us in this campaign to save our children from illiteracy, homelessness, hunger and abuse.”

Out-of-school youth in under-served communities will now be given the opportunity to hone their skills in information technology and use their knowledge to help improve their lives.

In a joint effort to help alleviate poverty through information technology, Ayala Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation launched the country’s first Internet Learning Kiosk (iLinK) facility at ERDA Tech, a vocational secondary school in Pandacan, Manila, on July 9. Ayala Corporation executive managing director Fernando Zobel de Ayala and Mitsubishi Corporation general manager on environmental and social responsibility Gen Kagayama joined ERDA Tech president Fr. Pierre Tritz, project partners, students, and community beneficiaries to celebrate the event.

The iLinK project aims to develop the ICT competencies of Filipinos, especially those who cannot afford access to these technologies. Explained Zobel: “With the iLinK project, we hope to make the power of information technology available to many so that it can be harnessed and used as a positive catalyst for change. Students and other members of this community gain the ability to make a difference for themselves and their families.”

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding on iLinK between Zobel and Mitsubishi Corporation chairman Minoru Makihara in Japan last year, had expressed her gratitude for the support to the government’s policies and programs in information and communications technology (ICT).

Joint social responsibility project
iLinK is part of the continuing partnership that Ayala Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation are undertaking to improve education for the poor. The two companies previously worked together for the CISCO Networking Academy Program at the Laguna College of Arts and Trades and facilitated the donation of the Japanese government for the La Mesa Reforestation Project. Ayala Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation have been strategic partners for the past 28 years and have taken collaborative efforts in pursuing growth opportunities.

Said Kagayama: “I sincerely hope that this project will make a worthy contribution towards serving the ICT needs of the students at ERDA Tech and the neighboring community as well. I firmly believe in the great potential of the Philippines to become an active participant in the New ICT Economy.”

Aside from providing an Internet laboratory to select public high schools, iLinK will help build the schools’ capacity to provide quality ICT training not only to its students and teachers but also to under-served sectors of the local community. iLinK will train out-of-school youth, unemployed adults, small entrepreneurs, cooperatives, farmers and fisherfolk in the use of technologies relevant to their needs.

Over 400 students, teachers and out-of-school youth have benefited from the iLinK facility at ERDA Tech since it opened in December 2001. In April, iLinK began training and assisting in the employment of former streetchildren and community youth under the school’s PALIHAN (Palitan ng Husay at Sanayan) Project.

At the launch, a visibly pleased Fr. Tritz expressed his gratitude for the donation. He observed: “The objectives of iLinK are very much in line with ERDA Tech’s vision of becoming a center of innovative and quality education for socially disadvantaged youth. ERDA Tech is truly blessed to be a partner of this project.”

Technical programs
The iLinK project is further enhanced through partnerships. Globe Telecom is providing ERDA Tech free Internet access through Globenet for one year. iLinK will also implement technical programs initiated by AFI with partner schools and companies such as the Cisco Networking Academy Program, Center for Technical Training Excellence, and e-Skills Training.

Other components of the iLinK project include curriculum development, financial assistance, a directory of educational websites, and acquisition or development of friendly software for cooperatives and farmers’ groups.

Meanwhile, another iLinK facility has been established at Florencio Urot Memorial National High School, a day and night school in Cebu City. Three more iLinK facilities will be set up in Cagayan de Oro City, Metro Manila, and Batangas this year.