SPEAKING OUT
In an inspiring display of unity and commitment, 6,000 individuals from the Ayala Group family, which included employees, partners, and members of the public, came together on Jan. 14 to participate in tACbo 2024. This remarkable benefit run not only showcased the power of collective effort but also managed to raise a whooping ₱6 million for the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI), marking the commencement of Ayala Corporation's 190th anniversary celebration.
The event saw the notable participation of Ayala’s leadership, including Ayala Board Director Fernando Zobel de Ayala (FZA) and his wife Kit, as well as top executives from various Ayala Group entities, such as BPI's TG Limcaoco, ALI's Meean Dy, IPeople's Fred Ayala, and AFI's Tony Lambino. They were joined by their senior leaders and dedicated employees, all of whom shared a common goal of supporting a worthy cause.
The run consisted of four different categories: 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and a 1 km event, which even included a special dog run. The race course wound its way through Ayala Avenue, providing runners with scenic views of the bustling Makati Central Business District and extending as far as Bayani Road in Taguig City.
As a token of appreciation, participants were given a race kit that included a unique artwork created by Ayala Chairman Emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala (JZA/Don Jaime), which was also prominently featured on the event's singlets and finisher medals.
The highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of a ceremonial check for ₱5 million by Ayala's leadership, led by Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (JAZA), FZA, President and CEO Bong Consing, Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer Jaime Z. Urquijo, and Chief HR Officer Paco Romero Milan. This substantial contribution was made to AFI's management team, headed by Tony Lambino. Additionally, Ayala COOP stepped up by donating an additional ₱1 million to the noble cause.
The funds raised during this fun run will be directed toward Ayala Foundation's education program, with a specific focus on supporting the Center for Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX). This initiative was well-represented during the event, with the presence of students and teachers from CENTEX's Manila and Batangas campuses, underscoring the meaningful impact that these contributions will have on education.
President and CEO Bong Consing expressed his gratitude by saying, "To all the Ayala Group employees, thank you. You are truly wonderful. Thank you for coming together as one team to make tACbo 2024 truly memorable… I hope you realize that you've done something very special today for some very deserving people." This heartfelt sentiment encapsulates the spirit and significance of tACbo 2024, as a remarkable testament to the Ayala Group's dedication to making a positive difference in their community.
Leaders in innovation
During the recent Ayala Group Innovation Summit, Spark 10, the Global Innovation Management Institute (GIMI) took the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of three Ayala companies in the realm of innovation leadership. These recognitions were bestowed upon Ayala Corporation, Globe Telecom, and Bank of the Philippine Islands, each of which received Level three Proficient Certifications from GIMI.
Founded in 2009 by a collective of innovation luminaries on a global scale, the Global Innovation Management Institute (GIMI) has been diligently pursuing its mission to elevate the status of innovation into a professional discipline. To this end, GIMI offers a comprehensive suite of services, including setting innovation standards, providing certifications, developing academic programs, and fostering a supportive community. The ultimate goal is to witness the widespread adoption of innovation principles in academia, corporate environments, and government institutions.
Speaking on behalf of Globe Telecom, Minette Navarrete, the president of Kickstart Ventures, emphasized the paramount importance of collaboration in the innovative journey. She expressed her delight at receiving the award, particularly within the context of Spark 10, underscoring the magic and power that comes from being an integral part of the Ayala group. Navarrete highlighted the ability to collaborate with an extensive network of partners and affiliates spanning diverse industries, a privilege that holds immense value, especially during challenging times.
For Bank of the Philippine Islands, Ginbee Go, head of consumer banking, dedicated the prestigious certification to the institution's cherished customers. Go reflected on their ongoing commitment to innovation, acknowledging that despite their long history and established reputation, they remain dedicated to continuously evolving and adapting. The certification serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to exploring new horizons and enhancing their services to better serve their clientele.
In summary, the recent recognition of Ayala Corporation, Globe Telecom, and Bank of the Philippine Islands by the Global Innovation Management Institute (GIMI) signifies their exemplary leadership in innovation across strategy, capacity, discipline, and portfolio. These accolades not only celebrate their achievements but also highlight the importance of collaboration and customer-centric innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of business and industry. ([email protected])