Category: News

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

MANILA – AC Health’s vision of building the country’s first comprehensive cancer specialty hospital is coming to life. Last week, officials of AC Health and their partners led the topping off ceremony of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital in South Union Drive, Arca South, Taguig City. 

“A year ago, we were gathered on this same site to break ground for our shared vision of providing quality oncology care to more Filipinos. Today, we mark another milestone with this topping off ceremony, as we near this goal,” said Paolo Borromeo, AC Health President & CEO.

“This is a result of the collective hard work of everyone who has been working on the hospital – our Medical Advisory Council, our partners in Siemens Healthineers and Varian-CTSI, and our Healthway Cancer Care Hospital core team. We are excited to see the plans for the hospital come to fruition and are incredibly thankful for the tremendous support we are receiving from more and more medical practitioners, patients, and communities,” he added.

According to Borromeo, the first major cancer equipment will be delivered to the site by the end of the year.

Last August, AC Health entered into a value partnership with Siemens Healthineers, the leading provider in healthcare systems. This partnership, which will provide the 100-bed cancer hospital with technical expertise and technologies in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, further strengthens the hospital’s vision of providing quality, accessible and affordable cancer services to a broader base of Filipinos.

The Healthway Cancer Care Hospital is part of Ayala Corporation’s P10 billion healthcare investment. It will offer a complete range of cancer services from screening, diagnosis, treatment to post-cancer care. It will be equipped with chemotherapy chairs, operating theaters, and state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, optimized for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Strategically located in Taguig City, the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital is expected to be completed by mid-2023.

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AC Health

Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation, and serves as the portfolio company for healthcare businesses. Its vision is to build an ecosystem that links every patient to a seamless healthcare experience. Its portfolio includes Generika Drugstore, the pioneer in generic retail pharmacies, IE Medica and MedEthix, major pharmaceutical importer and distributor, Healthway, a network of primary care, multi-specialty, and corporate clinics, and QualiMed, a comprehensive network of full-service hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, and a stand-alone day surgery center. AC Health has also invested in health technology solutions, most recently, HealthNow, a healthcare aggregator app that offers online consultations, medicine delivery, and clinic and diagnostic booking.

For information:

Selena Tricia Reyes

Email: zhvi_selenatricia.reyes@healthway.com.ph

MANILA — Ayala Corporation’s Board of Directors on Tuesday appointed Mr. Cezar “Bong” Consing as the company’s President & CEO, following his appointment as interim chief in August 15.  

Consing, one of Asia’s most respected figures in the banking sector, has over 30 years of experience in international finance. He started his career in Ayala as a management trainee in BPI, where he eventually became the youngest Assistant Vice-President in the bank’s history. He then worked with J.P. Morgan & Co. in Hong Kong and Singapore from 1985 to 2004 and headed the firm’s investment banking business in Asia Pacific from 1997 to 2004. He became a Partner at the Rohatyn Group from 2004 to 2013 and headed its Hong Kong office and its private investing business in Asia and was a board director of its real estate and energy and infrastructure private equity investing subsidiaries.  

In 2013, Consing was appointed President & CEO of BPI – a position he held until his retirement in 2021. Currently, Consing is also a director of Ayala Corporation, BPI, Globe, and ACEN, hence his deep understanding of the Ayala ecosystem.   

Mr. Consing received an A.B. Economics degree (Accelerated Program), magna cum laude, from De La Salle University in 1979. He obtained an M.A. in Applied Economics from the University of Michigan in 1980.  

Meanwhile, legal luminary Mrs. Mercedita S. Nolledo has been elected to Ayala Corporation’s Board as a non-executive director to serve the unexpired term of Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who was appointed Special Advisor to the Board. Previously, Nolledo served as Board Director of Ayala and BPI from 2004 to 2010 and 1991 to 2021, respectively. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Ayala Foundation, Inc., BPI Foundation, Inc., Advisory Board of Ayala Land, Inc., and the BPI Advisory Council.   

Nolledo started her career in Ayala as an investment analyst in 1965. At age 31, she became the highest-ranking female executive in the Ayala Group of Companies as Assistant Vice President of the Corporate Finance Division of CCP Securities.  She eventually became a senior managing director, a senior counsel, and a corporate secretary at Ayala Corporation.   

With Nolledo’s appointment, Ayala Corporation has surpassed its diversity target of having female directors comprise 30% of its Board of Directors by 2025. Currently, female directors – Nolledo, former Singtel Group CEO Chua Sock Koong, and former Sun Life Financial (Philippines) CEO Rizalina Mantaring – represent 42.86% of Ayala Corporation’s seven-seat Board.     

Nolledo received a B.S. in Business Administration major in Accounting (Class Valedictorian and Magna Cum Laude) degree from the University of the Philippines in 1960 and placed second at the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Board Examination administered in the same year.  In 1965, she obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree (Class Valedictorian and Cum Laude) also from the University of the Philippines, where she also placed second at the Bar Examination held in the same year.   

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For information

Rhys Buccat Brand and Reputation Management

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MANILA – As the Philippines evolved into the fastest growing eCommerce market in ASEAN, Ayala-backed omnichannel solutions provider etaily thrives in an industry projected to be worth USD 300 billion by 2025. 

Out of 650 small companies and startups evaluated by Forbes Asia, etaily is among the 100 organizations that address “real-world challenges with fresh thinking and innovative products and services.” Forbes Asia evaluated each company based on the positive impact on the region or industry, track record of strong revenue growth or ability to attract funding, and promising business models or markets. 

Founded in 2020 by a powerhouse team of digital experts, etaily is a one-stop digital solutions provider that makes omnichannel e-commerce easy, fast, and flexible in an increasingly competitive market. It works on mobile application and online store development, customer analytics, inventory management, and warehousing and fulfillment solutions for online transactions. 

“Being featured in Forbes Asia’s 100 to Watch is an incredible feat that wouldn’t be possible without the etaily team. This recognition embodies one of our core values – One Team. It is a testament to each member’s hard work and will push us further to continue our goal to build and enable both local and global brands in the eCommerce landscape,” said etaily Chief Executive Officer Alexander Friedhoff. 

According to the Philippines’ e-commerce roadmap, the e-commerce sector could contribute P1.2 trillion to the economy. Friedhoff said etaily will continue strengthening its presence in the Philippines and other parts of the ASEAN region.   

“We are proud to share that we produced excellent outcomes with our partner brands this year. We’ve launched Southeast Asia’s 1st instant commerce marketplace with Ayala, deployed the Philippines’ 1st hyperlocal multi-warehousing solution, and continuously helped our partner brands become category leaders during monthly sales campaigns of the top eCommerce platforms. We’re excited to enable and grow with them further,” Friedhoff said. 

Ayala Corporation, together with Ayala Malls, acquired a 15 percent stake in etaily in 2021, as part of the Ayala group’s strategy to gear up tech businesses for scale and profitability. This year, etaily reported its revenue growth has increased eightfold. 

“We congratulate the etaily team for the milestones they have achieved. We’re very happy to see that they are continuously expanding their presence in the region,” said Albert de Larrazabal, Ayala Corporation’s Chief Finance Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Sustainability Officer. “We’re grateful for the chance to support high-potential startups that do not only add value to our portfolio but also share our purpose of doing things for the greater good.” 

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MANILA — Ayala Corporation and its core businesses Ayala Land, Globe, and BPI continue to exhibit strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, as assessed by London-based FTSE4GOOD Index Series.

Created by the global index and data provider FTSE Russell, the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong ESG practices. The FTSE4Good indexes are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

Ayala Corporation has been a constituent of the FTSE4GOOD Index Series since 2016. Globe and Ayala Land have been in the list for seven consecutive years, while BPI was named constituent since 2020.

FTSE Russell evaluations are based on performance in areas such as Corporate Governance, Health & Safety, Anti-Corruption and Climate Change. The criteria are developed using an extensive market consultation process and are approved by an independent committee of experts. A broad range of stakeholders, including NGOs, governmental bodies, consultants, academics, the investment community and the corporate sector, help shape the criteria.

Ayala Corporation’s Chief Finance Officer, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Sustainability Officer Albert de Larrazabal said the group’s consistent inclusion in FTSE4Good Index Series shows Ayala’s strong adherence to globally recognized ESG standards.

“We are quite honored to be consistently included in the FTSE4GOOD Index Series, which supports investors who wish to encourage positive change in corporate behavior and align their portfolios with their values,” Larrazabal said.

“Ayala’s holistic view of ESG practices is instilled in our companies. When you invest in Ayala, you are investing for the greater good—and you are assured of long-term value for your investment,” he added.

Ayala Corporation is among the 65 companies, investor groups, and professional accounting firms that endorsed a joint statement calling for a global baseline for reporting sustainability-related information.

This call to action seeks to provide a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability disclosures needed by capital markets, including investors who allocate capital internationally, companies who operate and raise capital across national borders, and the accounting profession that serves all consumers of corporate reporting.

Ayala and its core business units are signatories to the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and are currently working to implement the 11 recommended disclosures in the pillars of governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics & targets.      

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Rhys Buccat  Brand and Reputation Management Ayala Corporation  

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

Developed jointly by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), this call to action seeks to provide a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability disclosures needed by capital markets, including investors who allocate capital internationally, companies who operate and raise capital across national borders, and the accounting profession that serves all consumers of corporate reporting.

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

Ayala Corporation is the first and only WBCSD member-conglomerate in the Philippines. Ayala and its core business units are signatories to the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and are currently working to implement the 11 recommended disclosures in the pillars of governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics & targets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With valuable partnerships, mutual collaboration, and an expert team of cancer specialists, Healthway Cancer Care Center hopes to address this critical public health problem and provide accessible and affordable cancer care to Filipinos. Beyond the cancer hospital, AC Health aims to leverage its integrated healthcare network to expand its oncology services. A hub-and-spoke model, involving its integrated clinic and hospital network, allows AC Health to drive access to affordable cancer care for patients across the country. As such, Healthway and QualiMed will serve as “spokes” of the model and extensions of the cancer hospital “hub.” This provides patients more avenues to seek consultation and have easier access to cancer screening and detection. The vision of this model is to provide impact and solutions to the many Filipinos in need of cancer services. 

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AC Health

Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation, and serves as the portfolio company for healthcare businesses. Its vision is to build an ecosystem that links every patient to a seamless healthcare experience. Its portfolio includes Generika Drugstore, the pioneer in generic retail drugstores, IE Medica and MedEthix, major pharmaceutical importer and distributor, Healthway, a network of primary care, multi-specialty, and corporate clinics, and QualiMed, a comprehensive network of full-service hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, and a stand-alone day surgery center. AC Health has also invested in health technology solutions, most recently, HealthNow, a healthcare aggregator app that offers online consultations, medicine delivery, and clinic and diagnostic booking.

For information:

Selena Tricia Reyes Email: zhvi_selenatricia.reyes@healthway.com.ph

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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For more information:

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