The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 inside 2 Ayala posts 23-percent rise in first-half profits 3 ALI, NHA launch P65 billion Vertis North 10 Manila Water at 15: Improving People’s Lives 20 Ayala group organizes relief efforts for victims of monsoon rains Ayala Land wins bid for 74-hectare FTI complex Ayala to invest $1 billion in infrastructure and power In an effort to raise funds for major infrastructure and power sector projects, Ayala Corporation recently completed the placement of 15 million common shares. The sale of these shares, priced at P430 each, reached P6.45 billion. Map shows the location of the FTI property to be developed by ALI Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) won the bid for the government-owned, 74-hectare Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) on August 14. The FTI property is one of the government’s largest remaining tracts of land in Metro Manila that is ready for immediate development. ALI’s bid topped the bids of Robinsons Land Corp. (P14.666 billion) and Empire East Land Holdings Inc. (P11.248 billion). ALI’s bid of P24.331 billion was more than twice the P10.2-billion floor price the government had set for the property. continued on p. 7 BPI celebrates 100 years in Zamboanga Ayala is eyeing investments of up to $1 billion in the transport infrastructure and power-generation sectors over the next five years. It seeks to build a portfolio of power-generation assets, as well as toll road, rail, and airport projects, through the government’s public–private partnership (PPP) program. Ayala’s most recent infrastructure project under the PPP program was the Daang Hari–South Luzon Expressway Connector Road. Among the PPP projects that Ayala is considering investing in are the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway, the Cavite–Laguna (CALA) Expressway, and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1, its extension, operation, and management. To this end, Ayala recently partnered with Metro Pacific Investments Corporation to jointly pursue light-rail projects within Metro Manila. Ayala also expressed interest in developing airports such as the Mactan Cebu International Airport. continued on p. 7 ALI raises P13.6 billion from equity placement FZA (right) and Msgr. Crisologo Manongas crown the statue of Nuestra Señora del Pilar in Zamboanga City Key officials from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Ayala Corporation, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the city government led the inauguration of the BPI Museum Zamboanga City last August 17. The opening of the museum marked BPI’s 161st anniversary of BPI in Zamboanga City. continued on p. 9 Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 1 Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), the country’s biggest listed property firm, raised P13.6 billion from one of the largest overnight placements in the country and the largest by a property company in Southeast Asia since 2005. A bell-ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on July 20 marked the landmark capital-raising activity. Present at the PSE event were (from left) ALI Treasurer Augusto Bengzon, ALI Chief Finance Officer Jaime Ysmael, ALI President and CEO Antonino Aquino, ALI Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, PSE Chairman Jose Pardo, PSE directors Eusebio Tanco and Alejandro Yu, and PSE Chief Operating Officer Roel Refran. 9/11/12 10:22:02 AM The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 Ayala posts 23-percent rise in first-half profits Ayala Corporation’s consolidated net income in the first half of the year reached P6.1 billion, 23-percent higher than in the same period last year. Core net income, however, was even higher at P6.3 billion or a 35-percent growth from a year ago. This excludes the impact of the accelerated depreciation of Globe Telecom as a result of its network modernization program and the revaluation gains realized at AG Holdings in the first half of last year. Higher profits were driven by the strong equity earnings from Ayala’s core businesses. Substantially higher equity earnings from Ayala Land Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, and the Manila Water Company cushioned the slight decline in equity earnings from Globe. Equity earnings of core and noncore businesses reached P7.7 billion in the first semester, 24-percent higher than the P6.2 billion achieved in the same period last year. Ayala President and CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala said: “We are encouraged by the strong trajectory of our core businesses sustained through the first half of this year. The performance reflects the robust domestic demand and the fundamental strength of the economy. We envision our products and services to continue to tap this growing demand as we expand to new market segments and develop a more pervasive presence across the country.” (in million Pesos) Real Estate Ayala Land sustained its high growth with net income up 28 percent year-onyear to P4.3 billion. Revenues grew by 18 percent to P25 billion with its property development business contributing the bulk of P15.3 billion, up 24 percent yearon-year. Revenues from its commercial leasing business grew by 21 percent to P4.2 billion. Ayala Land’s construction and property management business also registered high growth of 47 percent to P9.4 billion due to brisk residential, office, and mall projects. Revenues from its hotels and resorts business also rose by 15 percent to P1.3 billion. Revenue growth outpaced the increase in expenses, resulting in margin improvements across the board. Ayala Land’s performance has tracked ahead of targets it originally set in its “5–10–15” plan. It continues to build sources of long-term growth as it replicates its mixed-use community– development platform across cities in Mega Manila and as it recreates its innovative township developments in other provinces. Banking The Bank of the Philippine Islands’ (BPI) net income reached P9.4 billion in the first half of the year, 52-percent higher than the P6.2 billion of the same period last year. This was driven by the 24-percent rise in revenues as net interest income rose by 9 percent, while non-interest income surged by 51 percent. Net-interest income improved as a result of an increase in average asset base and a 14 basis-point improvement in net interest spread. Non-interest income was boosted by trading gains realized in the first quarter of the year as the bank sold down its securities inventory at that time. Total net loan portfolio recorded a growth of 17 percent. Middle market and SME segments grew by 19 percent, while the top corporate segment increased by 15 percent. Consumer lending increased by 17 percent. Despite the double-digit growth in loans, asset quality continued to improve with net 30-day NPL ratio down to 1.4 percent. With operating expenses growing at a slower rate, BPI’s cost-to-income ratio improved. BPI’s first semester net income performance translates to a return on equity of 21 percent. Telecom Globe Telecom’s strong momentum was sustained through the first half of the year. Core net income grew by 2 percent to P5.7 billion. However, considering the increase in operating expenses and the impact of the accelerated depreciation Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 2 arising from its network modernization program, reported net income declined by 10 percent to P4.9 billion. Top-line growth remained strong with service revenues reaching an all-time high of P40.8 billion, 6-percent higher than the same period last year. This was driven by record mobile revenues, which rose by 6 percent to P33.3 billion. Postpaid revenues, which now account for a third of revenues, rose by 21 percent to nearly P1.9 billion, with prepaid revenues steady. Broadband revenues increased by 13 percent to P4.1 billion driven by a 22-percent expansion in subscriber base. Globe’s total mobile subscriber base expanded by 12 percent during the period to 31.7 million, while broadband subscriptions grew by 22 percent with quarterly gross additions hitting an all-time high. Globe’s network modernization program is on track to hit its yearend target. Water Manila Water Company recorded a net income of P2.6 billion in the first half of the year, a 31-percent increase year-on-year. Total revenues rose by P7.2 billion, 24percent higher year-on-year as a result of the timely implementation of annual tariff increase and strong billed volume growth in the east zone. The new businesses also contributed positively, accounting for 5 percent of revenues and net income. Total billed water volume (in million Pesos) grew by 36 percent due to strong sales growth among all operating units with the acquisition of Clark Water and Thu Duc Water in the fourth quarter of 2011. Laguna Water, Boracay Water, and Clark Water all registered double-digit growth in revenues and net income. Manila Water recently completed the acquisition of a 47.35-percent stake in Kenh Dong Water Supply Joint Stock Company in Vietnam. Kenh Dong is expected to start operations within the second half of 2012. Electronics Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. recorded an improvement in earnings in the first half of the year with net income up 173 percent to US$3.1 million. Revenues grew by 24 percent to US$326 million despite the weakness in developed economies in Europe and the US as well as a slowdown in China. Revenues from China and Singapore operations were 6-percent lower than last year’s levels due to reduced volumes in a telecommunications infrastructure program and a delay in the production of models for an industrial electronics program. On the other hand, revenues from Philippine operations grew by 3 percent year-on-year. IMI recognized revenues this year from its new subsidiaries in Europe and Mexico, which together contributed US$86 million in the first six months of the year. Lower operating expenses resulted in a 22-percent increase in EBITDA and consequently an improvement in IMI’s bottom line. Business process outsourcing LiveIt achieved continued growth and margin improvement in the first half of 2012. Share of revenues reached US$166 million, up 9 percent year-on-year, while share of EBITDA reached US$13.1 million, up 26 percent due primarily to improved profitability at Stream and Affinity Express. As a result, LiveIt reduced its net loss, which was primarily due to acquisition-related charges and nonoperating items such as those related to taking Stream private in the second quarter. Further improvement is expected in the second half of 2012 due to seasonality and the ramp-up of recent client wins. Ayala parent company ended the period with gross debt of P49 billion and cash of P23 billion. After it issued a P10-billion 15-year corporate bond last May, which was the longest tenor issued by a publicly listed corporate, the company raised another P6.45 billion in cash as it placed 15 million common shares it held in treasury. The company had accumulated treasury shares under a buyback program instituted several years ago at the time the market and its shares were trading substantially below current levels. The bond issue and the share placement were part of the company’s efforts to gear up for planned significant size investments. Ayala is eyeing investments of around US$1 billion over the next five years in the power and transport infrastructure sectors. 9/11/12 10:22:02 AM ALI, NHA launch P65-B Vertis North Land is investing a total of P65 billion to build Vertis North in Quezon City, to help establish the premier central business district north of Metro Manila.” Vertis North is strategically located at the convergence point of the Metro Rail Transit 3 and three major road arteries—Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), Mindanao Avenue, and North Avenue. It also serves as a gateway to the north through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). To be developed over a 10-year period, Vertis North will feature office buildings, retail spaces, residential developments, a hotel, and landscaped gardens and parks. From left: Cora Dizon, head of ALI Commercial Business Development and Strategic Planning; Rowena Tomeldan, head of ALI Commercial Business Operations and Support Services; Meean Dy, ALI vice president and head of Strategic Landbank Management Group; Domingo Erfe, Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish Church; Tony Aquino, ALI president; Herbert Bautista, mayor of Quezon City; Chito Cruz, general manager of National Housing Authority; Fermin Bilaos, barangay captain; and Dan Abando, president of Makati Development Corporation For the first phase of the development, ALI is investing P12 billion to build retail and office spaces (particularly for the business process outsourcing industry) as well as a hotel. Covering a 7-hectare land area, Vertis North phase 1 is scheduled for completion within three to four years. Once completed, the project’s first phase will offer a gross floor area of 220,000 square meters. Aside from building a modern business district, ALI plans for Vertis North to become a sustainable and environmentally sound development. Vertis North will also feature the latest in storm-water management technology. Aquino exlained: “In Vertis North, as in all other Ayala Land developments, we make sure that we do not contribute to the problem further. We will do this by actively reducing the occurrence of flooding.” A map showing the location of Vertis North Vertis North follows the public–private partnership (PPP) model. ALI has a 72-percent stake in the joint venture, while the NHA has a 28-percent stake. The NHA expects that its investment in the project will earn it approximately P11 billion, which will boost the national government’s socialized housing projects. An integrated mixed-use urban development will soon rise on a 29-hectare property in Quezon City. Dubbed Vertis North, the P65-billion development is envisioned to become Quezon City’s central business district and the gateway to the north of the metropolis. Vertis North, a partnership project between Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and the National Housing Authority (NHA), was officially launched on July 5. Present at the launch were Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, ALI President Antonino Aquino, NHA General Manager Chito Cruz, and other Quezon City, ALI, and NHA officials. “Quezon City is fast becoming a center of gravity for economic developments as it works to be at par with international business standards,” said Aquino. “Ayala An artist’s rendition of the development plan for Vertis North. The first phase is scheduled for completion within three to four years PNoy inaugurates P5.3-B MWSS water improvement project President Benigno Aquino III (leftmost), DPWH Undersecretary Rogelio Singson, (second from left), MWSS Administrator Gerardo Esquivel (third from left), Ayala President Fernando Zobel de Ayala (fourth from left), and other project partners and stakeholders at the inauguration President Benigno Aquino III led the inauguration of the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System’s (MWSS) Angat Water Utilization and Aqueduct Improvement Project’s (AWUAIP) second phase. The project is a critical component of the MWSS’s Water Security Legacy Program, which seeks to ensure adequate and uninterrupted water supply for Metro Manila. The AWUAIP was funded through the Preferential Buyer’s Credit of China ExportImport Bank. The loan is to be paid through concession fees coming from the government agency’s two concessionaires, Manila Water Company for the east zone and Maynilad Water Services for the west zone. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 3 The P5.3-billion aqueduct improvement project involves the construction of an additional 9.9-km section for Aqueduct 6, the rehabilitation of a 5.5-km segment of Aqueduct 5, and the building of interconnection facilities to ensure the safety and integrity of raw water transfer from the Angat Dam to the La Mesa Dam and the treatment plants in Balara. “With this project, the MWSS reaffirms its commitment to improving the water services for the 15 million residents of Metro Manila, maintaining and optimizing the quantity of raw water conveyed from the Angat Dam to the water treatment plants through the Ipo Dam–Bicti–La Mesa portal systems.” MWSS Administrator Gerardo Esquivel said. He also mentioned that the project was completed eight months ahead of the scheduled original completion date of May 2013, through efficient contract management and improved construction methodology. “This is just one of the many projects that the MWSS will be undertaking as part of our Water Security Legacy Program not only to ensure adequate supply to meet Metro Manila’s current needs but more importantly, to ascertain the sustainability of water supply for generations to come,” added Esquivel. 9/11/12 10:22:09 AM The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 Globe tops out new headquarters Present at the topping-out ceremony was Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, as well as other Globe top executives and other members of the management team. Also in attendance were members of the Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) project management group, led by Business Development and Strategic Planning Commercial Business Group Head Cora Dizon. “We are very excited to move into our new headquarters,“ said Cu. “The GTHQ vision team meticulously looked at every detail, so that this building will embody the principles, culture, and dynamism of Globe Telecom.” From left: Jojo Tolentino, president of AIDEA Philippines; Renato Jiao, head of Globe Human Resources; Albert de Larrazabal, CFO of Globe; Ernest Cu, president and CEO of Globe; Cora Dizon, head of ALI Business Development and Strategic Planning Commercial Business Group; Danny Tamayo, chairman of DDT Konstract; Ian Campbell, president of IACAI; Darren Winlaw of Langon & Seah; and Gil Genio of Visiton Team The Globe Telecom Headquarters (GTHQ) in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) was officially topped out on July 26, almost two years after the project broke ground in 2010. Meanwhile, Dizon said: “Without doubt, the completion of this 27-storey Globe Telecom Headquarters will further strengthen Bonifacio Global City’s position as one of the country’s major business districts. We at Ayala Land are proud to have been given the opportunity to be part of this distinct development.” Strategically located on 32nd Street, GTHQ will be home to more than 3,000 Globe employees by the middle of 2013. JAZA discusses Asian economic growth at ADB meeting business outsourcing, has six electronics plants in China, which provide products and services to the Chinese market. “People sometimes think you set up a plant in China to build export growth. In our case, it has been a tremendous boost because there has been a chance to enter the China market for our electronics products, which traditionally were based in Japan,” JAZA explained. JAZA talks at the ADB meeting Ayala Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala addressed the Asian Development Bank’s 45th annual Board of Governors Meeting, which was held in the Philippines last May. He spoke at Asian Financing for Asian Growth—the Rise of Intraregional Capital Flows, a session sponsored by the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) Institutional. JAZA stressed that although Asia has taken a long time to recover from the financial crisis of 1997, the region has learned its lessons, and businesses in Asia are now capitalizing on increased intraregional trade opportunities. He also noted a shift in valuation structures across Asia, particularly in the Philippines by saying there was no way one could get long-tenure peso-based financing in the country 10 years ago. At that time financing projects as a corporation was a dollar-based exercise. This limited Ayala’s ability to do large projects, especially after the large devaluations that took place after 1997. In contrast, JAZA estimated that 95 percent of Ayala’s financing is now peso based. This improved the corporation’s capacity to take on large-scale projects. “Just recently, we issued a 15-year bond in peso terms. This has been most unheard-of in a country like ours, and I am sure that this is representative of what is happening in other parts of Asia,” he said. JAZA expressed optimism about the opportunities for infrastructure development in the country, especially because of the government’s efforts toward encouraging the increase of public–private partnerships. “What we are seeing again is the beginning of integration, with sharing and reinvestment in the region among each other that, frankly, I have not seen in a long time,” JAZA said. “I completely agree with the statement that investment flows follow trade flows, and what we are seeing in this ecosystem in Asia now is really quite phenomenal.” He said: “It is a very exciting time when you have private companies in Asia with stronger balance sheets, and the ability to finance themselves in local currencies, beginning to enter the infrastructure space. I think it’s an area that has great promise.” During his talk, JAZA also cited China, which now accounts for more than half of the Asian gross domestic product (GDP), as a significant driver in intraregional trade and investment. Finally, JAZA discussed how the expansion of intraregional trade has led to an increase in population movements across the Asian region. While this phenomenon has been underestimated, he stressed its importance for investment and tourism reasons. He said: “The center of gravity that China has created as a manufacturing base has fundamentally changed the dynamics of the way trade flows have begun to move. Many countries in Asia have become support mechanisms in one way or another, either through commodities or their own manufacturing concerns, for Asia’s manufacturing needs has been driving China.” “We are beginning to see large Korean communities beginning to come and make the Philippines their home … The market for Chinese tourism has just exploded in a country like ours and we are very low on the development chain as far as tourism is concerned, so that the whole fundamental shift is also changing the nature of the ways funds are flowing,” JAZA said. For its part, Ayala, a diversified multinational with investments in sectors from retail, real estate, banking, telecommunications, water services, electronics, and Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 4 9/11/12 10:22:10 AM Manila Water now largest foreign investor in Vietnam’s water sector Globe fast-tracks network modernization Globe Telecom, after launching its modernization program last January 2012, has already modernized more than 30-percent of its cell sites nationwide. “We are fast-tracking certain areas to address strong consumer demand and clamor for better services. Overall, we are on target with the roll-out plan,” said Globe Chief Technical Adviser Robert Tan. Manila Water President Gerardo Ablaza Jr. (right) meets with Kenh Dong Water Supply Joint Stock Company officials to formalize MWC’s investments in Vietnam Globe customers in South Luzon, Compostela Valley, and the Davao Gulf provinces, including Davao City, now enjoy the benefits of quick call connections and fewer dropped calls, in addition to easier and faster access to Globe UNLI offers. Moreover, Davao City and its adjacent provinces are now fully equipped with newt-generation mobile systems supporting high-speed data. The new technology can bring speeds of up to 5 mbps. The Manila Water Company (MWC) recently acquired 47.35-percent of Vietnam’s Kenh Dong Water Supply Joint Stock Company, making it part owner of the only existing pair of privately owned water treatment plants in Ho Chi Minh City. MWC Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala and President Gerardo Ablaza signed the ownership documents last July. “Our goal is to have seamless change-outs of the network with as little impact on customer experience as possible. The improvements in our service quality will be felt by our customers in an increasing number of areas across the country as the network upgrade progresses toward completion,” Tan stressed. “This investment primarily supports and complements the expansion of Manila Water as it gradually builds its presence in Vietnam. At the same time, this also provides strategic access to other related infrastructure opportunities, which may be of value to the group,” FZA said. Globe’s network modernization will also enhance its 3G footprint by providing a more stable 3G signal for customers in addition to an improved mobile browsing experience. Globe is using over 10,000 km of fiber optic cable, which will increase both capacity and resiliency. He also recognized that Vietnam is a high growth area in the region, and that there is strong demand for infrastructure investments there. This may present the Ayala group with more opportunities to establish its footprint across several sectors. “Even as we roll out the modernization program for the network, Globe continues to invest in existing infrastructure to better serve our customers. We are, in fact, implementing measures to boost our 3G signal, particularly in high-traffic areas including Makati City,” added Tan. MWC acquired 49 percent of Thu Duc Water BOO Corporation in December 2011. In addition, MWC entered into its first venture in Vietnam by signing a five-year, performance-based contract with Saigon Water Corporation, where the company was tasked with reducing nonrevenue water in Ho Chi Minh City’s Zone One by the end of the contract period. MWC already surpassed the target in 2011. The Kenh Dong acquisition makes MWC the largest foreign investor in Vietnam’s water sector. The company’s entry is expected to benefit the residents of Vietnam’s capital, where water services reach only 50 percent of the total population. Globe is also in the thick of a massive, multi-year modernization program that aims to beef up digital subscriber line (DSL) and landline services nationwide. To date, DSL services of Globe, known as Tattoo@Home, have been beefed up in the National Capital Region. DSL upgrades in Southern Luzon and the Visayas are already underway. Globe expects that more of its subscribers will be able to experience service improvements by the third quarter of 2012. ALI completes North Point community center “We are very excited about the growth that The District–North Point aims to bring to the community here in Talisay City and the province of Negros Occidental,” said Tumbocon. “This development aims to complement Ayala Land’s residential communities in the area, such as the Ayala North Point, Plantazionne, and Asyana Verdana Homes, as well as our Avida and Amaia residential villages.” From left: Lacson family representative Francis Lacson, ALI Head of Commercial Business Operations and Support Services Rowena Tomeldan, Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., ALI Senior Vice President Emilio Tumbocon, Talisay City Vice Mayor Neil Lizares, and ALI Assistant Vice President Clavel Tongco Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) officials led the topping-out ceremony for the company’s latest project in Negros Occidental. The District–North Point is the main retail component of ALI’s 200-hectare North Point mixed-use community development in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. ALI Senior Vice President and VisMin Group Head Emilio Tumbocon and Head of Commercial Business Operations and Support Services Rowena Tomeldan led the ceremony, with guests of honor Alfredo Marañon Jr., governor of Negros Occidental; Eric Saratan, mayor of Talisay City; and Neil Lizares, Talisay City vice mayor. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 5 Governor Marañon, for his part, thanked ALI for its confidence in Negros Occidental and for the investments the company is pouring into the province. “We are grateful to Ayala Land for believing in Negros Occidental and contributing greatly to the business environment thereby ensuring a progressive economy for the Negrenses,” said Marañon. “This kind of [investment] is unheard of here and will surely change the landscape of the province into one that is progressive and dynamic in this part of the Philippines. This will make our economy jump!” When completed, the 200-hectare North Point development will consist of ALI’s full range of products with all four residential communities present, as well as The District–North Point, BPO office buildings, and a hotel. 9/11/12 10:22:12 AM The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 Manila Water releases 2011 sustainability report, inaugurates P490-million QC reservoir labor practices, economic performance, and community involvement and development. MWC President and CEO Gerardo Ablaza Jr. leads the inauguration of the N. Domingo Reservoir The Manila Water Company (MWC) recently released its 2011 Sustainability Report, the first report for a Philippine company that complies with both the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines and the ISO 26000 guidelines on social responsibility. “This groundbreaking report that captures our sustainable growth story and shares heart-warming stories from our stakeholders and partners speaks about our accomplishments with respect to the triple bottom line and our commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability,” said MWC President and CEO Gerardo Ablaza Jr. MWC also completed the construction of the N. Domingo Reservoir in Barangay Horseshoe, Quezon City. MWC officials led by Ablaza attended its inauguration, together with representatives form the Quezon City government and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). The reservoir, which cost P490 million to construct, will benefit 107,000 households in Metro Manila’s east zone. Its capacity of 111 million liters will ensure water reliability and improved water pressure in Quezon City’s Timog, West Triangle, and Scout areas, as well as in San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Makati. “Manila Water will be investing heavily in more infrastructure projects in the coming years as we continuously expand our services and make our operations more efficient and more reliable,” said MWC Strategic Asset Management Group Director Abelardo Basilio. MWC’s report achieved Level A application and reports on all 85 indicators to its social, environmental, and economic performance, based on the updated GRI G3.1 standards on sustainability reporting. It also features 25 testimonials from stakeholders and seven commentaries from a panel of sustainability experts, to validate its accuracy and truthfulness. Meanwhile, ISO 26000 standards provide guidance in recognizing social responsibility and stakeholder identification and engagement based on indicators similar to that of the GRI. These standards include organizational governance, environment, The Manila Water 2011 sustainability report is the first such report from a Philippine company to follow both the GRI and ISO 26000 guidelines Globe launches Samsung Galaxy SIII at the Mind Museum Globe Telecom launched the Samsung Galaxy S III through a night of fun and music at the Mind Museum, Bonifacio Global City last July. Hundreds of tech-savvy gadget fans flocked to the event for a chance to get their hands on Samsung’s latest smartphone. Globe Head of Postpaid Martha Sazon, Head of Digital Media Glenn Estrella and Samsung representative Coco Domingo led the evening’s press briefing and awarded five media guests with free Samsung Galaxy S IIIs. “We are excited by this partnership with Samsung as we launch their newest innovation under our portfolio of postpaid plans,” Sazon said. “As the ‘number one’ in postpaid and the expert in devices, Globe has the ‘number one’ offer for the Samsung Galaxy S III as we have the lowest and most affordable offer for the device, a shorter lock-up period of only 24 months, consumables that you can use whichever way you want, and freebies of your choice.” Samsung Electronics President and CEO KC Park (left) and Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu present the Samsung Galaxy SIII Supermodel Sarah Meier emceed the event. She introduced the night’s opening act, professional magician and mentalist Erik Mana. His magic show was followed by a dance performance from the Philippine All-Stars. The brand ambassadors for Globe Samsung Galaxy S III were also introduced at the event. These included TV host David Celdran, fashion and style icon Apples Aberin, fashion blogger Ingrid Chua-Go, celebrity chef Sau del Rosario, and sports enthusiast and TV personality Rovilson Fernandez. Other celebrities such as Megan Young, Victor Aliwalas, Frencheska Parr, Andrew Wolff, Pinoy Big Brother alumni Nene Tamayo and Chx Alcala, and Philippine Volcanoes members Jake Letts, Kit Guerra, and Harry Morris, all joined the evening’s festivities. To know more about the Samsung Galaxy S III, visit www.globe.com.ph/galaxys3 Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 6 Philippine Volcanoes team member and television personality Andrew Wolff Globe Head of Communication Channels Bunny Aguilar (left) with actress Megan Young 9/11/12 10:22:18 AM Ayala Land pioneers country’s first university town center in UP Diliman Held on June 18, the ceremony signaled the start of the development of the UP Town Center, as well as the planned transfer of UPIS facilities within the main campus. Present at the event were UP President Alfredo Pascual, ALI President Antonino Aquino, Quezon City Councilor Allan Reyes, Task Force UP Head Mark Sabalza, and other UP, ALI, and Quezon City officials. The UP Town Center, which will occupy 7.4 hectares, is intended to be a mixeduse retail and development center. The three-phase development will offer a mix of retail stores, offices, restaurants, and services that will directly address the needs of students, workers, and residents. From left: Vic Ahorro, project director of ALI; Joel Luna, head of ALI Innovation and Design Group; Belen Gravides, chairman of Barangay UP Campus; Dominic Flores, chairman of Barangay Pansol; Alfredo Pascual, president of UP; Tony Aquino, president of ALI; Allan Reyes, councilor of Quezon City’s Third District; Dr. Elvira Zamora, vice president for Development of UP; Cora Dizon; ALI head of Commercial Business Development and Strategic Planning; Rowena Tomeldan, head of Commercial Business Operations and Support Services; Manny Sabalza, head of Task Force UP, Quezon City; and Prospero de Vera, vice president for Public Affairs of UP Officials from the University of the Philippines and Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) led the ground-breaking ceremony for the UP Town Center, which will soon rise on the former site of the UP Integrated School (UPIS) along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. Ayala Land wins bid for 74-hectare FTI complex continued from p.1 ALI will make an upfront payment of P19.465 billion within 60 business days, and settle the remaining balance within a year. Karen Singson, chief of the government’s Privatization Management Office (PMO), was happy with the bidding results and the upfront cash the government will be receiving soon. She stated that 60 percent of proceeds will go to the Department of Agrarian Reform and 40 percent to the Department of Agriculture. ALI has plans to transform FTI into another business district and bring its commercial and residential product lines into the development. “The property will be the southern gateway into Metro Manila, similar to Vertis North, our northern gateway development,” said ALI Chief Finance Officer Jaime Ysmael. He also pointed out FTI’s proximity to three major toll roads: the C5, South Luzon Expressway, and the Skyway. “With these two developments, we are now well positioned to capitalize on the development opportunities of these two growth centers, supplemented by the government’s planned intermodal transport system. Just as we envision Vertis North to be the first transit-oriented CBD in the north, FTI will serve the same purpose for the south,” he explained. The bid for the FTI complex is the second government-related deal ALI has won within a 10-month period. In December 2011, the company won the Daang Hari toll road concession through a P902 million bid, three times the P370-million floor price the government set for the project. FTI has a total size of 103 hectares. The government has allocated the remaining 29 hectares for other purposes such as a 5-hectare integrated bus terminal, whose construction will be handled by the Department and Transportation and Communication and the Department of Public Works and Highways. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 7 Central to the project is the “green spine,” which will be an ideal venue for outdoor events and activities. It will feature an amphitheater, an outdoor activity center, and a sculpture park, showcasing various installations and art pieces by UP students and alumni. The UP Town Center is envisioned to provide a perfect setting for academic support activities and social interaction that would promote the close collaboration between industry and the academe. Development of the UP Town Center will go full blast once the UPIS facilities have been completely transferred to the main campus. Ayala to invest $1 billion in infrastructure and power projects continued from p.1 Meanwhile, Ayala will commit as much as $100 million of equity for its investments in conventional and renewable power sources. This amount is equivalent to about 180 megawatts of gross generating capacity. In partnership with the Phinma group’s Trans Asia Oil and Development Corporation, Ayala is building a 135-megawatt circulating fluid bed (CFB) thermal plant in Calaca, Batangas. Ayala is also looking into the second-phase expansion of the plant. Recognizing the need for both base load capacity and alternative energy sources, Ayala is building its portfolio of energy sources in solar, wind, and hydro technologies. Investments in these technologies will be shaped, in part, by the government’s soon-to-be implemented feed-in-tariffs. Moreover, the corporation continues to pursue a pipeline of greenfield projects and acquisition opportunities in the power sector. Said Ayala President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala: “In the same manner Ayala invested in the telecom and water sectors in the past, we believe the power and infrastructure sectors are critical for the country’s growth and development. We hope to be able to contribute in some measure to the development of these sectors and at the same time create future sources of earnings and value for the group.” While Ayala remains focused on the Philippines, it is also currently exploring opportunities present in regional markets. It recently acquired a 10-percent stake in Ho Chi Minh Infrastructure Investment Company (CII), a leader in Vietnam’s infrastructure sector. CII holds toll road concession agreements such as the 15.7-km expansion of the Ha Noi Highway, which connects the northeastern part of Ho Chi Minh City to Bien Hoa, an industrial center located in southern Vietnam. Ayala believes this investment provides access to other infrastructure opportunities that may allow it to establish a presence across several sectors in Vietnam. The corporation’s share price has risen by 46 percent year-to-date, with market capitalization of over P260 billion. 9/11/12 10:22:19 AM The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 Manila Water wins G20 Global Challenge affordable rates and accepting flexible payment methods, MWC also runs corporate social responsibility programs. For example, its landmark Tubig Para sa Barangay Program provides an uninterrupted daily supply of safe and affordable drinking water to low-income customers. Also cited was MWC’s Lingap Program, which targets public institutions in marginalized communities. The project has reached over 1.5 million people by installing washing facilities and drinking fountains in schools, hospitals, jails, markets, and orphanages. Manila Water Corporate Resource Group head Ruel Maranan (center) receives the award for the G20 Challenge on Inclusive Business from representatives of the G20 and the International Finance Corporation The Manila Water Company (MWC) recently won the G20 Global Challenge on Inclusive Business Innovation, a global competition managed by the International Finance Corporation for G20. The International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, awarded 15 companies from among hundreds of nominees around the world. Ambassador Rogelio Granguillhome, executive secretary of the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation and chair of the G20 Development Working Group, presented the awards at a ceremony in Los Cabos, Mexico, where the G20 was holding its annual meeting. MWC was recognized for its successful efforts in providing clean water and sewerage services for more than 6 million people in 23 cities and municipalities in Metro Manila’s east zone. In addition to charging The world’s leading economies launched the G20 Challenge to rapidly expand commercially viable businesses that serve large numbers of low-income people constituting the base of the global economic pyramid. Its goal is to identify, showcase, and support innovative business models that can be replicated across developing countries. “The winners demonstrate that commercially viable companies can also provide economic opportunities for poor people—along with better access to clean water, electricity, health care, education, housing, phone services, and financial services,” said IFC Executive Vice President and CEO Lars Thunell. “They provide impressive models for others to follow.” Together the 15 winners reach more than 40 million people living at the base of the economic pyramid—as suppliers, distributors, retailers, or customers—in more than 10 countries. Other winners came from such countries as Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Malawi, Mexico, Pakistan, and the United States of America. Social media ‘rock stars’ honored at Globe 2012 Tatt Awards Other major winners also received a cash prize of P100,000 and a one-year subscription each to Tattoo@Home. These included Cecile Van Straten (chuvaness. com), Stylissimo award; Kimpoy Feliciano (twitter.com/kimpoyfeliciano), #ThoughtMover award; Jamvhille and Paolinne Michelle, a.k.a. JAMICH (youtube.com/ JAmichTV), Video Slinger award; and Ryan Vergara and Garovs Garrovillo of Everywhere We Shoot (everywhereweshoot.com), The Visualizer award. Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu, 2012 Tatt Award The One winner Bianca Gonzales, Globe Broadband Business Consumer Group Head Nikko Acosta, Globe Tattoo Nomadic Head Dong Ronquillo Globe Telecom, through Globe Tattoo, the country’s number one Broadband Internet provider, recently awarded the winners of its second annual Tatt Awards during a night of glam rock, fashion, food, and music. Columnist Tim Yap and YouTube sensation Petra Mahalimuyak hosted the event, which also celebrated World Social Media Day. The Advocate award went to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (facebook.com/ pawsphilippines), the Indie Rocker award to Gloc-9 (facebook.com/glocdash9), The Explorer award to Bogart the Explorer (facebook.com/bogarttheexplorer), the Game Changer award to Jinoe Gavan (takbo.ph), and the Tech Junkie award to Jason de Villa (technoodling.net). There were 1,050 nominations this year, but only 50 made it to the finals. Winners were chosen through online voting and by a panel of Tatt Council members. “We are very pleased with the incredible response to this year’s Tatt Awards as a kickoff to the World Social Media Day celebration,” said Dong Ronquillo, head for Globe Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business. “The digital sphere has evolved tremendously and Tattoo will always be supportive of the remarkable achievements of our digital rock stars.” Leading this year’s winners is TV host-writer Bianca Gonzalez (iamsuperbianca. com). Her online popularity and influence, bolstered by her blog and Twitter account, earned her the “The One” award, which came with a cash prize of P100,000, a one-year subscription to Tattoo@Home and Tattoo Superstick, and a BlackBerry Playbook and BlackBerry phone bundle. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 8 2012 Globe Tatt Award winners, Globe executives, and celebrity endorsers 9/11/12 10:22:23 AM Globe opens first ‘pop-up store’ carries the signature retail store design similar to the concept store which Globe pioneered,” said Globe President Ernest Cu. He also mentioned that the mobile store could be transported nationwide, allowing more areas to experience Globe products and services. Globe President Ernest Cu (left) and CFO Albert de Larrazabal at the pop-up store in Rockwell Globe Telecom recently launched its first “pop-up store,” a transportable and deployable version of the Globe Store. “The pop-up store functions like a Globe concept store, which offers customers the same shopping experience but can be installed anywhere. It also BPI celebrates 100 years in Zamboanga continued from p.1 The sleekly designed pop-up store has features that allow customers to explore and try the latest handsets, devices, and gadgets offered by Globe. Available at the store are a wide range of the latest smartphones and gadgets that can be had on Globe’s prepaid plans. The store also carries Tattoo plans and prepaid kits. In addition, the pop-up store has a staff of friendly and accommodating retail specialists to improve the customer experience of subscribers and visitors alike. First Filipino American Youth Leadership Program held in Manila From left: Zamboanga City representative Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, BPI President Aurelio Montinola III, FZA, and Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat at the unveiling of the historical marker An important part of the celebration was the NHCP’s unveiling of the historical marker in front of the Barrios House, the first floor of which has been BPI’s main branch in Zamboanga City since 1912. Although the building has undergone numerous renovations over the years, especially after the massive bombings toward the end of the Second World War, BPI Zamboanga City retains on a large scale the architectural elements of late Spanish colonial plantation and merchant houses. The FAYLP delegates join Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. (eighth from left), Victoria Cuisia (ninth from left), and FZA (tenth from left) at the Ayala Museum. Also in photo are Ayala Managing Director John Philip Orbeta (leftmost), AFI President Maria Lourdes Heras-de Leon (seventh from left), and Makati Business Club Executive Director Peter Perfecto (second from left) The first Filipino American Youth Leadership Program (FAYLP), spearheaded by the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C., was held in Manila on July 13 to 16. Ayala Foundation and Ayala Corporation served as the event’s Philippine organizers, in cooperation with Chevron, the Makati Business Club, Philam Life, Phinma Foundation, and The Filipino Channel. FAYLP was initiated by Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. and his wife Victoria Cuisia, as part of their advocacy for youth engagement. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. Cendana, executive director for the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance; Alexander de Ocampo, senior program and project manager for Saban Family Foundation and Saban Capital Group Corporate Affairs; Angela Lagdameo, senior analyst at the Office of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley; Francine Maigue, artistic director and public relations manager of Mystic Entertainment; Steven Raga, graduate student and founder of Pilipino American Unity for Progress; Michael Vea, cofounder of Knowledge is Power Infinity Charter School; and Katrina Zulueta, deputy chief of staff at the Maui County Mayor’s Office. Out of nearly 400 candidates, only 10 young Filipino Americans were chosen as delegates for FAYLP. The delegates were chosen based on their scholastic achievement, leadership skills, active involvement in school or civic organizations, and commitment to helping their communities and the Philippines. Prior to the official opening of the FAYLP, the delegates also participated in the 7th Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors (ACGTD) Tour on July 11 to 13. The participants also had scheduled meetings with captains of industry, young officials in government, traditional and social entrepreneurs, and other prominent Filipinos. The FAYLP delegates were Melissa Apuya, legislative aide for California State legislator Leland Yee; Louella Rose Cabalona, senior project manager for Walgreen Company; Cesario Calanoc III, president of ActiVentures Philippine Dive Tours; Gregory The Philippine organizing team was led by AFI President Maria Lourdes Heras-de Leon and AFI managers Chiara Cruza and Joseph Anthony Quesada. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 9 The bank continues to operate at the ground level, while the second floor has been converted into a “lifestyle museum.” BPI Museum Zamboanga depicts the life and culture of Zamboangueños at the end of the Spanish colonial period and the beginning of the American period. Among the attractions are period furniture, weapons from Moro warriors, traditional musical instruments, and other artifacts and memorabilia. One room is dedicated to Gen. John Jacob Pershing, who brought BPI to Zamboanga. The Managers’ Room, meanwhile, used to be the private bedroom of BPI bank managers. Present at the launch of the museum and the unveiling of the historical marker were Ayala President Fernando Zobel de Ayala, BPI President Aurelio Montinola III, Zamboanga City representative Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, and Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat. Another highlight of the celebrations was the ceremonial turnover of the gold crown of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar to the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. The jewel-encrusted gold crown was entrusted to BPI Zamboanga for safekeeping in 1960. Virtually forgotten for over 50 years, the crown was found in a sealed box in the bank’s vault. 9/11/12 10:22:27 AM 10 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 Manila Water at 15: Improving Peoples’ Lives The story of the Manila Water Company of the past 15 years clearly demonstrates its commitment to nature, the nation, and to its own people. Even as it undertakes an ambitious expansion program across the region, Manila Water remains faithful to serving the Filipino The Manila Water Company’s (MWC) first 15 years exemplifies how a business can both thrive and carry over the impact of its success to the communities it serves. MWC has more than just improved the lives of Filipinos; it has also contributed to long-term environmental sustainability in the communities it serves. Over the years, since it won the concession agreement for the east zone of Metro Manila, Manila Water has transformed itself into one of the most highly respected companies in the country. Its manner of doing business has also become the standard against which similar ventures are judged. “One of the things we are most proud of is the fact that in the last 15 years, we have been able to provide service to twice as many people than when we began. We have gone from 3 million to a little over 6 million today, but most importantly, of the 3 million that have been added to our service, 1.7 million of them come from poor communities,” said MWC President and CEO Gerardo Ablaza Jr. Indeed, MWC has always acted on its desire to provide water services for as many people as possible, especially the poor. Added Ablaza: “Each and every Filipino deserves clean water, deserves to have it in good supply 24/7.” Manila Water’s journey over the past 15 years was by no means easy. Sacrifice, hard work, and difficult decision-making had to be made every step of the way, under the leadership of Ayala Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Manila Water Chaiman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, as well as Ablaza and former Manila Water presidents: Filemon Berba Jr., Antonino Aquino, and Rene Almendras. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 10 From water shortage to 24/7 water In 1997, Ayala Corporation took part in the bidding for what was then known as “the largest water privatization in the world.” The service area of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) was divided into two concession zones, the east and the west. Although the Ayala group bid for both the east and west zones, it eventually won the contract for the east zone of Metro Manila. Filemon Berba Jr., Manila Water launched the 5S Program, a housekeeping program that promoted sorting, systematizing, sweeping, standardizing, and self-discipline to improve productivity and reduce waste in the workplace. More importantly, the company implemented its Upskilling Program aimed at developing the skills and knowledge of company personnel. Prior to the awarding of the concession contracts, water services left a lot to be desired. There was severe water shortage all over Metro Manila; in fact the Asian Development Bank estimated water losses (nonrevenue water) in the country to be about 60 percent. In the east zone of Metro Manila, which covered 23 cities and municipalities, only about 58 percent of the population had access to piped water, while barely one-fourth had 24-hour water supply. Most residents had to purchase water from vendors. This cost them around P150 per cubic meter, more than 50 times the price for piped water at that time. Recalled Berba: “We were not supposed to survive, according to observers from the outside, but we succeeded with a minimum of outsiders. The people who made Manila Water succeed were the same people who were with the MWSS.” Antonino Aquino, who took over as President of Manila Water in 1999, agreed with Berba. He said: “I would credit the culture, the people ... and the innovative approaches that they employed which enabled us to deliver the goods at the end of the day.” To make things worse, the Asian financial crisis and the El Niño phenomenon hit the country in 1997. This made the already difficult transition period even more challenging. Nevertheless, armed with a new philosophy and a rejuvenated workforce, the company underwent a cultural transformation and instituted a development program in order to maximize its potential. From the onset, Manila Water Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala stressed that the company “had a mission to fulfill, and not a business to run.” He said the company should “work diligently to provide highquality water and sewerage services, and improved customer services” for the estimated 4 million residents in the east zone. Manila Water invested heavily in the development of its most important resource—its people. Under Under Aquino, MWC implemented the Territory Management Program, which divided the concession area into two demand zones or territories. One territory representative took charge of customer and business concerns in each zone. Meanwhile, territory controllers handled operations-related concerns. This program helped MWC establish closer relations with its customers and maximize business opportunities through revenue increase, nonrevenue-water monitoring and reduction, key account management, and new development services. Rene Almendras, Manila Water’s third president, recalled a conversation he had with one visitor, who asked him: “What is it about your company? What is it about your people? Why do you see so much?” to which Almendras answered: “Why do we see so much? I don’t know what to call it…. I’ll tell you what to call it. It’s called passion.” 9/11/12 10:22:39 AM 0 Engaging the community while strengthening core business After establishing a culture of excellence, Manila Water These positive developments within the organization shifted its attention to the business at hand, in order also served as a springboard for greater improvements to sustain the standards it had set. In 2002, company in its service areas. The company’s expansion and rehabilitation projects went full blast with the arrival revenues exceeded the P2 billion mark for the first of loan facilities, due to increasing confidence in the time. In addition, there were over a million new MWC company’s undertakings and management soundness. customers that year, with 83 percent of them enjoying As its situation improved, the company was able 24-hour water services. to focus its attention on its customers through the “We To grow its business further and care” brand of service. Revised achieve sustainability, MWC began Manila Water understands that it customer service standards expanding in 2003. This expansion required the strict adherence was funded through capital from needs to play a significant role in to a fixed timeframe for every various creditors who opened their ensuring the availability of water service the company rendered. credit lines to the company. Thus, for future generations, by making the company’s key performance The ability to respond quickly to indicators such as billed volume, sure that sustainable development customer needs, together with nonrevenue water, and service programs become a way the Tubig Para sa Barangay coverage continuously showed of life for the company. (TPSB) program, have become marked improvement. two of the company’s most It was in 2004 when the enduring symbols of customer company’s system losses service excellence. dropped below 50 percent for the first time. System losses were at 49 percent at the end Launched in 1998, TPSB sought to provide low-income of the first quarter and were at 43 percent by year’s end. communities with a 24-hour supply of clean, safe-toBilled volume also increased to more than 800 million drink, and affordable water, in addition to improved health and sanitation conditions. It has since become liters per day, double the daily amount back in 1997. the company’s flagship program, benefiting more than 1.7 million Filipinos to date. The following year, Manila Water’s nonrevenue water further decreased to below 40 percent. Meanwhile, the But more than just ensuring access to water services number of TPSB beneficiaries increased to 800,000, and for the poor, TPSB is also committed to keeping these the percentage of customers enjoying 24-hour water services highly affordable. Carmen Gramonte, a resident service hit the 95 percent mark. of barangay De la Paz, Antipolo City, said: “Before, I By 2006, systems losses hit a historic low of 30 percent, budgeted around P1,000 monthly for water since we while billed volume reached 900 million liters per day, consumed around seven drums that cost P30 to P35 the percentage of customers with 24-hour water service each per week. Now that I am connected to Manila climbed to a historic 98 percent, and TPSB beneficiaries Water, I only pay less than P200 for our monthly water increased to more than a million. bill. That’s big savings for us!” Tubig Para sa Barangay has effectively demonstrated Manila Water’s “We care” brand of service. One of the early beneficiaries of the program is Barangay Piñahan in Quezon City, in 1998 Day or night, Manila Water’s commitment to serving the residents of its concession zone does not waver A pioneer in sustainable development As business grew, MWC also understood that it should play a significant role in ensuring the availability of water for future generations. Its business objectives had to be aligned with its social and environmental objectives, and this triple-bottom-line approach must be integrated into its day-to-day operations. FZA during the JIA signing for the Cebu Bulk Water Supply project From the onset, Manila Water Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala stressed that the company “had a mission to fulfill, and not a business to run.” He said the company should “work diligently to provide high quality water and sewerage services, and improved customer services” for the residents in the east zone. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 11 The Lingap program, for example, addressed the need for water supply and sanitation facilities in public service institutions largely patronized by poor families like schools, hospitals, city jails, markets, and orphanages. Meanwhile, the watershed management and TPSB programs supported its two main services: water supply and wastewater disposal. “Safe water, which is provided to us through Manila Water’s Lingap Eskwela Program, is one of the many blessings we are grateful for,” Mariana de Guzman, principal of the Kapitan Moy Elementary School in Marikina, said. “Since the provision of the drinking and hand-washing facilities, there had been no incidence of water-borne diseases among the schoolchildren and the whole school community. Manila Water regularly monitored the safety of the water, with the City Health Office doing the same routine.” To date, the company has rehabilitated water reticulation systems and installed hand-washing stations and drinking fountains in over 300 institutions under this program. Through its Kabuhayan Para sa Barangay program, MWC sought to provide livelihood opportunities for its customers in low-income communities by engaging them as suppliers for various water servicing requirements or contractors in various projects. Alicia Diamante, president of the Group of Active Wives and Dependents of Manila Water Employees (GAWA), said: “Manila Water’s Kabuhayan Para sa Barangay livelihood program has empowered me to transform from a housewife to a woman who is capable of earning additional income for her family. Running a business that requires me to transact with an established company like Manila Water makes me more self-confident and responsible while I learn the ropes of operating an enterprise and managing people.” MWC published its first sustainability report, the first of its kind in the country, in 2004, to formally articulate what it has always instinctively known: that its long-term viability as a business is very much dependent on its management its environment impact and its ability to improve people’s lives through the provision of clean, safe water. This report benchmarks the company’s performance against international best practices in environmental and social performance, as well as in corporate governance. MWC began using Global Reporting Initiatives standards in 2006 and became ISO-certified in 2011. 9/11/12 10:22:45 AM 12 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 A harvest of awards Manila Water: A brighter future ahead Ablaza accepts Manila Water’s Asian Human Capital Award in 2011 Manila Water’s continued success in positively affecting peoples’ lives and undertaking various sustainable development initiatives, while effectively managing its core business, has become a benchmark of sorts in the corporate world. This reputation is further bolstered by various awards given by professional groups from the public and private sectors, as well as organizations in business, media, and the academe. Below are a few of the awards that Manila Water has received in the past 15 years. 2012 • G20 Global Award (G20 and International Finance Corporation) 2011 • Asian Human Capital Award (Singapore Ministry of Manpower and INSEAD) • Best Managed Mid-Cap Company (Finance Asia Magazine) 2010 • Global Grand Prize (International Water Association Project Innovation Awards) • Water Efficiency Project of the Year (Global Water Intelligence and Water Report) • Corporate Governance Awards (Corporate Governance Asia), won four times since 2007 • Hall of Fame Award as a model company (Department of Trade and Industry) 2009 • Intel-AIM Corporate Responsibility Award (Asian CSR Awards) • Outstanding Workers of the Republic Award for eight Manila Water employees (Rotary Club of Manila), won since 1999 2007 • Client Leadership Award (International Finance Corporation) • Best Managed Company (Asiamoney Magazine), also won in 2005 2006 • Best Workplace Practices (Asian CSR Awards) • Landmark Employer of the Year (People Management Association of the Philippines) • Distinction Award for the Water Deal of the Year (Global Water Intelligence) • Asia Water Management Excellence Award–Industry Category Manila Water’s presence in Vietnam is part of the company’s strategic expansion across the country and in Asia Manila Water, from the standpoint of its key performance indicators, is an unqualified success. The company managed to reduce system losses from 63 percent, upon takeover in 1997, to an unprecedented 11 percent by the end of 2011. It successfully expanded its 24-hour service coverage from 26 percent in 1997 to over 99 percent in 2011. Meanwhile, households served increased from 325,000 in 1997 to more than 1.2 million in 2011. Billed volume, on the other hand, also increased more than two-and-a-half times from 440 million liters per day in 1997 to over 1,127 million liters in 2011. In terms of finances, MWC successfully improved its operations, earning a net income of P4.27 billion in 2011, which was a huge improvement from the P67 million net loss it incurred in 1997. Revenues also rose from P11.01 billion in 2010 to P12.0 billion in 2011. From 1997 to 2012, Manila Water spent P50 billion to rehabilitate over 900 kilometers of key primary and secondary mains and to lay a total of 4,156 km of new pipelines, while expanding the capacity of its pumping stations. It also achieved significant progress in expanding its sewerage and sanitation services by investing P6.6 billion in wastewater projects, and successfully constructing 37 sewage treatment plants and two septage treatment plants, which have benefited 1.14 million households. Now, the company is keen on reaching beyond the east zone and replicating its best practices across— and even beyond—the country. Those who have taken the helm of MWC have stressed this need for expansion. Antonino Aquino said: “After having accomplished what I consider to be the impossible, there is really so much more that Manila Water can do for the rest of the country.” “It is important that we continue looking for areas where we can grow, and from a social responsibility point of view, to be able to bring what we have learned at Manila Water to other areas that are equally situated,” said Gerardo Ablaza. In addition, Rene Almendras stressed that “Manila Water needs to share what it knows how to do really well with the rest of the world.” I believe in using In 2009, Manila Water acquired 70-percent ownership of the Laguna AAA Water Corporation, which has a 25-year deal to provide water services for Sta. Rosa, Biñan, and Cabuyao in Laguna. The company also struck a joint-venture deal with the government for the operation of Boracay Island’s water and sewerage system. Two years earlier, MWC embarked on its first-ever international venture through a water management contract in Tirupur, India. Then, in 2008, Manila Water secured a second foreign venture through a performance-based five-year contract with Saigon Water Corporation in Vietnam to reduce nonrevenue water in Ho Chi Minh City’s zone 1. This seemingly inexorable march beyond the east zone continued in 2011 when it acquired Clark Water Corporation, which served the Clark Freeport Economic Zone in Pampanga, and bought a 49-percent stake in Thu Duc Water BOO Corporation, the largest private bulk water supplier in the southern part of Vietnam. This year MWC expanded further by signing an agreement with the Province of Cebu for a joint investment agreement on the Cebu Bulk Water Supply Project—the largest such project in the south. It also acquired 47.35-percent ownership of Kenh Dong Water Supply Company, which provides bulk water supply and water treatment for a major portion of Ho Chi Minh City, to further strengthen its presence in one of the region’s fastest-growing economies. Manila Water has overcome many challenges to become one of the most successful water providers in Asia over the past 15 years. Its success also demonstrates the Ayala group’s pioneering efforts in integrating its economic targets, social engagement, and environmental sustainability. In the words of Ayala Chairman, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala: “I believe in using the capitalist model to invest, make a difference in people’s lives, strengthen a community, and find winning opportunities to address a broader set of needs of a customer group while contributing to the economic and social development goals for a country.” In the years to come, Manila Water affirms its commitment to providing its trademark efficient and people-oriented service, while engaging in community and sustainable development projects. the capitalist model to invest, make a difference in people’s lives, strengthen a community, and find winning opportunities to address a broader set of needs of a customer group while contributing to the economic and social development goals for a country. —Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 12 9/11/12 10:22:50 AM 2 TEN Moves gains support in Cebu From left: AFI Senior Director Mario Deriquito, Ayala President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Business Club Cebu President Manuel Gordon, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, and PBSP Executive Director Rafael Lopa Since its inception, the social mobilization campaign The Entire Nation (TEN) Moves has inspired individuals, corporations, and educational institutions to help it meet its goal of building 10,000 public school classrooms across the country. On August 6, the Ayala Business Club Cebu Inc. (ABCCI), pledged P1,898,300.00 to boost the TEN Moves campaign, through the donations of local corporations and organizations. For ABCCI President Manuel Gordon, one of the prime movers of the campaign in Cebu, supporting TEN Moves is one step towards ensuring that all Filipino children have a solid educational foundation, in environments that support and encourage learning. “Our youth deserve classrooms that will give both their bodies and their minds the room to discover and to learn,” said Gordon. “Through TEN Moves, every Filipino can make a crucial investment in the educational future of Filipino children everywhere.” Joining the ABCCI in moving for TEN Moves are the Bank of the Philippine Islands– Cebu, Marriott Hotel–Cebu City, Cebu Holdings Inc., Globe Telecom, Honda Cars– Cebu Inc., and Isuzu–Cebu Inc. As of July 2012, a total of 2,741 classrooms have been pledged for TEN Moves’ mother campaign, Bayanihang Pampaaralan, with 880 classrooms already built. As Cebu joins the campaign to build 10,000 classrooms, Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro commended the commitment of private– public partnerships to education, which has allowed TEN Moves to make a difference in the lives of Filipino children. Said Luistro: “The TEN Moves campaign is the campaign of the Filipino people. The continued outpouring of support from individuals, the academe, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and local government units is testament to the possibilities that we can achieve for our children, if we all work together.” He added: “With the help of every Filipino, we hope to fill up the classroom backlog, and ensure that every Filipino child and educator will have the space that they need to fully appreciate the gifts of learning,” For Mario Deriquito, senior director for education and leadership development at Ayala Foundation Inc., and a prime mover for TEN Moves, education remains a key contributor to the success and development of a nation. He said: “With the participation of Cebu in this campaign, we hope that more communities will be inspired to make their move to improve the state of education in the Philippines, to help the country stay on course to true development.” Interested donors are encouraged to donate P300 a month for 10 months to help fund the construction of 10,000 classrooms under TEN Moves. To learn more about TEN Moves, please visit www.tenmoves.org or email info@ tenmoves.org Globe’s Kape’t Buhay supports Filipino coffee farmers “Our sales are bigger now. One kilo of our roasted beans now sells for P230 each,” PFAI farmer Fernando Cantos said. In addition, they have begun offering roasting services to other coffee farmers in the vicinity. Three months into the program, the PFAI was able to set up a small outpost near their parish church. There, they sell roasted coffee beans by the kilo and brewed coffee by the cup. Members of the PFAI in Dolores, Quezon, roast and sell their own coffee beans in their Kapehan sa Bayan The Pinagdanlayan Farmers Association Inc. (PFAI) in Dolores, Quezon, has almost 1,000 coffee trees where robusta and excelsa beans grow. In the past, the farmers needed to bring their coffee cherries to town for hulling, roasting, grinding, and packaging. The coffee processing costs, plus the transportation costs, left them with very low profits. Thus, they would sometimes sell their coffee cherries for as low as P10 per kilo to avoid the processing pains. This all changed when Globe Telecom’s Bridging Communities, in partnership with Bote Central Inc., a social enterprise focused on using fair-trade practices in the production of local coffee, chose the PFAI as one of the 21 partner beneficiaries of the Kape’t Buhay program. By providing them with community roasting machines and teaching them how to establish their own community roasting business units (CRBU), the Kape’t Buhay program enables coffee farmers nationwide to roast their own beans. It also gives them capacity-building seminars on business skills development, business planning, and bookkeeping. Aside from earning more per kilo of coffee sold, farmers are encouraged to capitalize on other earning opportunities throughout the coffee production chain. Ever since the PFAI received their coffee-roasting unit last March 2012, they have been earning more from coffee sales. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 13 “Locals have been buying our coffee, most of the time as gifts to balikbayans. Foreigners also buy our coffee. One German tourist even bought 5 kilos,” said PFAI’s Noneth Abrenica who man’s the association’s Kapehan sa Bayan. Globe also provided Bote Central with information and communications technology (ICT) tools like desktop computers, mobile Internet subscriptions, and special Globe Bridging Communities SIM cards, which give partner beneficiaries, such as the PFAI, discounted rates on calls and text messages. Farmers were also given access to financial services and the opportunity to open their own mobile-based saving accounts through Globe Bridging Communities’ partnership with BPI–Globe BanKO. The Kape’t Buhay program is one of Globe Bridging Communities’ projects under the i-Prosper pillar, which hopes to transform the marginalized poor into farmer-entrepreneurs. By using ICT-integrated business solutions, we hope to empower them with skills and the means to develop the local coffee market. Moreover, Globe introduced a unique farm-to-market strategy by bringing coffee beans from the Kape’t Buhay program to its employees via coffee vendo machines in various Globe offices. Thus, freshly brewed coffee beans produced under fair-trade principles are enjoyed by almost four thousand Metro Manila– based Globe employees on a daily basis. “Every cup lets you do your share, that’s why we are amazed at the support of Globe employees for its CSR programs,” said Bote Central Owner Vie Reyes. 9/11/12 10:22:51 AM 14 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 Book lovers flock to 2012 ReaderCon at FHL After lunch, participants were able to listen to different authors talk about why, what, when, and how they read in the Authors as Readers sessions. Manix Abrera, Mina Esguerra, Jun Balde, Budgette Tan, Bebang Siy, and Dean Alfar were the authors invited to the sessions. The success of ReaderCon 2012 is driven by volunteers and book lovers United We Read: The 2nd Filipino Reader Convention gathered hundreds of readers, writers, illustrators, publishers, and teachers of all ages, for a very bookish Saturday last August 18. The whole-day event was organized by volunteer bookworms and book bloggers and the Filipinas Heritage Library, in partnership with the National Book Development Board (NBDB). “We need a reading revolution,” said NBDB Executive Director Andrea PasionFlores, in her keynote speech. She stressed the need for a relentless force in the promotion of books and the love of reading in the Philippines. Her speech was followed by a series of breakout panel discussions. For the first set of discussions participants listened to reading advocates in Reading Everywhere: Scanning the Reading Environment and Book Blogging Ethics. Representatives from publishing companies talked about the Publishers’ Perspective on Readers, while teachers from private and public schools presented their School Reading Programs That Work for the second set. This was followed by a series of book discussions led by the De La Salle University Literature Circle and the Filipino Goodreads Group, the Mysterious Reading Society, and Flips Flipping Pages. Participants were able to speak through Skype with Pacific Rims author Rafe Bartholomew during the book discussion led by Flips Flipping Pages. The 2012 Filipino ReaderCon was highlighted by the first ever Readers’ Choice Book Awards ceremony. Winners were chosen through a threestep process. First, readers nominated their favorite books for each category, followed by the online voting process. Based on the readers’ votes, shortlisted entries were deliberated upon by a select panel of book bloggers and readers, until a winner was chosen per category. The winners of the first Readers’ Choice Book Awards were as follows: Annie Lumbao, Anelka Lumbao, and Liza Flores’s But That Won’t Wake Me Up!, children’s picture book category; Mina Esguerra’s Fairy Tale Fail, chick lit category; Miguel Syjuco’s Ilustrado, novel in English category; and Jun Cruz-Reyes’s Ang Huling Dalagang Bukid at ang Autobiography na Mali, novel in Filipino category. Rounding out the winners were Manix Abrera’s KikoMachine Komix Blg6, comics/graphic novel category; Rocket Kapre and Flipside Publishing’s Alternative Alamat edited by Paolo Chikiamco, short story anthology category; Bebang Siy’s It’s a Mens World, essay anthology category; and Vibal Publishing’s Off the Beaten Track: Tulaan sa Tren 2, poetry anthology category. Ayala Museum hosts Sharaku exhibit The Ayala Museum, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation Manila, held an exhibit entitled Sharaku Interpreted by Japan’s Contemporary Artists. Organized in celebration of Philippine-Japan Friendship Day, the exhibit features and honors master ukiyo-e artist Toshusai Sharaku. Ukiyo-e, Japanese for “pictures of the floating world,” is a Japanese form of woodblock painting produced from the 17th to the 20th century. Popularized during the Edo period, these paintings were often used as book illustrations and then as single-sheet prints or posters for the kabuki theater. Toshusai Sharaku produced over 140 ukiyo-e works within just 10 months, from May 1794 to February 1795. These were woodblock portraits of actors in their kabuki or kyogen roles as sumo wrestlers and warriors. Of these 140 works, there were 28 large portraits that were held in high esteem. They featured close-up images of the heads of kabuki actors. “Sharaku cannot be said to have set out to depict a likeness of the faces of the actors. Rather, they were drawn in an impressionistic fashion, as if the inner character of the person appearing in that scene is overlapped with the actor’s own individual features, supposedly hidden by his thick make-up,” wrote Japan Foundation’s Masanobu Ito. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 14 The exhibit is divided into three sections: Reproductions of Sharaku, Sharaku in Graphic Art, and Homage to Sharaku. The first section features the 28 bust portraits by Sharaku, as recreated by the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints. The second section exhibits posters created by 28 Japanese graphic designers including Takashi Murakami, known for his collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2002. Each graphic designer singled out a section of an actor’s face as depicted by Sharaku. This segment is then replaced somewhere on the poster. The Sharaku in the Graphic Art section was planned and supervised by Shigeo Fukuda and organized by the Mainichi Newspapers. Meanwhile, the third section features works by young artists paying homage to the master through their own interpretations of Sharaku’s work. Sharaku Interpreted by Japan’s Contemporary Artists runs from July 10 to September 16, at the Ayala Museum Ground Floor Gallery. Related activities, such as an ukiyo-e print-making demonstration by the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, are also being held within the exhibit period. For more information, visit wwww.ayalamuseum.org or email museum_inquiry@ ayalamuseum.org From left: Japan International Culture Center Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi, AFI Senior Director for Arts and Culture Mariles Gustilo, Japan Foundation-Manila Director Shuji Takatori, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe, his wife Etsuko Urabe, Ayala Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and AFI President Luli Heras-de Leon open the exhibit 9/11/12 10:22:54 AM 4 A Page from Ayala History IMI’s 32 years of EMS leadership Indeed, IMI grew at an impressive pace. As early as 1982, the company expanded its IC assembly to include contract manufacturing. In 1998, it started offering design and product development services. After successfully establishing its footprint in the Philippines, IMI began working toward international expansion. In 2005, it acquired the EMS assets of the American company Saturn Electronics and Engineering, as well as the Singapore-based Speedy-Tech Electronics. IMI co-founder Arturo Carlos (center) receives a plaque of appreciation from IMI President and CEO Arthur Tan (left) in 2010. With them is Francisco Ferrer, IMI’s former president and CEO IMI’s old building in Cupang, Alabang The global semiconductor and electronics industry saw an important shift in the 1970s when industrialized countries decided to move their manufacturing facilities to developing countries. Countries like the Philippines were being considered to meet the demand for electronics manufacturing services (EMS). Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. (IMI) was one of the companies that responded to the need for integrated circuit (IC) assemblers. Established in August 1980, IMI was incorporated wholly by Filipinos and Filipino-owned companies. Ayala Corporation had a 50-percent share in the company, while Resins Inc. had 30 percent, and Arturo Carlos, 20 percent. Carlos, IMI co-founder and its only noncorporate shareholder, recalled the early years of IMI. “We were lucky to have a very good team. We had a core of six managers. They didn’t know each other until that time, but putting them in a situation where all of them had to work on a daily basis to get the company up and running solidified the team. It gave them the opportunity to build together that relationship which enabled the company to grow very rapidly.” IMI marked two important milestones in 2010—it listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange, and opened a manufacturing facility in Chengdu Province, China. The following year saw IMI’s continued global expansion as it acquired the subsidiaries of EPIQ NV subsidiaries in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Mexico. EPIQ is an EMS provider that designs, produces, and sells electronic and electro-mechanical systems and subsystems. Today, IMI operates in 17 manufacturing sites all over the world, including the Philippines, China, Singapore, the US, Mexico, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. It is also the only local company included in the latest Manufacturing Market Insider’s (MMI) list of top 50 EMS providers in the world, where it ranks 24th. IMI’s production line during the 1980s Ayala TBI promotes ICT, entrepreneurship through forums The Ayala Technology Business Incubator (Ayala TBI) remains committed to promoting information and communication technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship through various event held at the UP–Ayala Land TechnoHub. On July 11, Ayala TBI hosted the first stop of the 7th Ambassadors, Consuls, General, and Tourism Directors (ACTGD) tour. The ACTGD is a joint project of all Philippine foreign posts in the USA and Canada, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Department of Trade and Industry. During the event, Philippine Economic Zone (PEZA) Promotions and Public Relations Group Manager Elmer San Pascual briefed participants on the government’s efforts toward promoting investments, creating employment, and generation exports. Ayala TBI also showcased Kaspersky Lab 2012 Student Conference Global Cup winners Joshua Arvin Lat, Kevin Charles Atienza, and Rod Xavier Bondoc. IBM Research and Development Executive Jay Sabido capped the event by sharing the multinational company’s view on the Philippines as a key growth market area. A few weeks earlier, Ayala TBI hosted a Kape+Teknolohiya Forum, featuring a printed circuit board (PCB) design engine and electromagnetic interface simulation workshop in partnership with PCB Graphtec Philippines. makes it possible to design and produce high-quality, three-dimensional electronic products. CTS Studio Suites, on the other hand, offers efficient and accurate computational solutions for electromagnetic designs. Meanwhile, on August 2, Ayala TBI hosted the University of the Philippines Diliman’s College of Computer Science’s Accelerating Information Technology Innovation (AITI) program’s technology demonstration. The AITI program, done in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), allowed 24 students from UP Diliman to go through a seven-week course, which included a detailed technical curriculum focusing on mobile and Internet technologies. Oshani Senevirante, Danny Castonguay, Francis Plaza, and Davita Chandra, were the four MIT instructors of the program. Technologies presented were DestinationPH, an application that interfaces with Google Maps to help tourists find their way to various tourist destinations in the country; eAgriMarket, which lets users, buys, sell, haggle, and bid for agricultural goods in-bulk online; Jeeps, an application designed for mapping out public transportation routes for commuters; Mobile Notebook, a note-taking application that can be integrated into Google Documents; and Check UP, which helps students keep undated on their academic standing based on their respective curriculum. PCB Graphtec presented two software solutions for the electronic design automation (EDA) and PCB markets. Altium Designer, which is marketed to the industrial sector, Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 15 9/11/12 10:23:02 AM 16 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 Enabling Education Communities organizes seminar for Malaybalay teachers McMicking awardee is PAF Flying School’s best First Lieutenant Jesus Conseja Jr. received the Joseph R. McMicking Gold Wings Award from Ayala Corporation CFO Delfin Gonzalez Jr. at the graduation rites of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Flying School held on August 17 at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City, Batangas. The McMicking Gold Wings Award was first given in 1939, after Col. Joseph McMicking suggested that the Air Force recognize the best all-around flyer. Conseja, the 73rd recipient of the award, also graduated at the top of the Military Pilot Training Class of 2012. Ayala CFO Chito Gonzalez pins the McMicking Gold Wings on 1LT Jesus Conseja Jr., assisted by Col. Sharon Gernale, commandant of the PAF Flying School The McMicking Gold Wings Award was one of four important awards given at the PAF Flying School graduation ceremonies. The other awards were for best in academics, best in instrument flying, and best overall. Participants of the EEC seminar for teachers in Malaybalay, Bukidnon Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI), through its Enabling Education Communities (EEC) program, partnered with the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), to hold a seminar on the pivotal role public school teachers and teachers’ organizations can play in creating positive change in their respective schools and communities. As many as 60 officers of teachers’ associations in the Department of Education Malaybalay City Division attended the daylong seminar, held on July 14 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The seminar, which carried the theme Passion for Thinking: A Profession and Vocation, also emphasized the importance of the right values and attitude to facilitate learning. AFI Mindanao Senior Manager Archie Velasco gave the opening remarks, where he encouraged the participating teachers to serve as role models in the classrooms and in the community. He also thanked the people and organizations that contributed to the progress of EEC, which is also committed to strengthening the Federation of Teachers Associations (FTA). Dr. Edralin Manla, a faculty member at Xavier University– Ateneo de Cagayan’s School of Education, served as the resource speaker for the seminar and workshop. Her workshop included reflective activities anchored on values formation and community organizing for teachers. Also discussed were expectations for teachers founded on the National Competency-Based Teachers Standard (NCBT), particularly on community linkages. Dr. Manla also showed participants the movies Beyond the Blackboard and Three Letters from Teddy to deepen the participants’ concern for the student, classroom environment, and the community. To enrich the learning experience of each participant, cell groupings, focused group discussions, and online feedback mechanisms were used as well. AFI Mindanao Development Associates Kating Araña and Romcy Madronio emceed the event. In addition, Gretchen Caseres, a member of the Malaybalay City Teachers’ Federation, was given a lifetime teacher’s award, upon her retirement in July. She served the city as a teacher for 43 years. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 16 1Lt Conseja (fourth from left) with Gonzalez (second from left), and other PAF officers and distinguished guests BPI hosts mixer for Manila’s top mathematics, statistics majors Limcaoco, himself a math major, talked about the long history of banking. He also stressed the banking sector’s need for math majors who think logically and clearly. Participants speak with TG Limcaoco after the event The Bank of the Philippine Islands hosted Ad Infinitum, an exclusive mixer for Metro Manila’s top mathematics and statistics majors. The event held at the 1851 Club at the BPI Head Office encouraged participants to seek banking careers, especially in risk or credit policy. BPI Executive Vice President and BPI Savings Bank President Jose Teodoro Limcaoco keynoted the event. He stressed that banks need more than just finance and management majors. They need individuals who can use math skills to their maximum advantage. Meanwhile, BPI Vice President Marty Gonzales and Senior Manager Steven Lim shared how BPI was able to help them build their careers. They highlighted how college prepared them to deal objectively with customer needs. Working with numbers and figures, they said, taught them to give clients accurate data. A short open forum where one participant inquired about the importance of job tenure followed the talks. Limcaoco replied: “You should not move out for money. Should you move, you should move because of the new responsibilities your job would give you. It’s the bigger challenges that should interest you to move.” 9/11/12 10:23:11 AM Bulletin 6 BanKO enters partnerships to serve farmers, tricycle drivers Seated from left are ASKI program manager Gregorio Macapagal, ASKI Executive Director Rolando Victoria, BanKO President Teresita Tan, and BanKO Vice President Gigi Gatti. With them are BanKO, ASKI, and IRRI representatives UFTODAP President Ace Sevilla and BanKO Customer Acquisition Head Paul Vincent Yap with other UFTODAP officers BPI-Globe BanKO (BanKO) continues to promote financial inclusion in the country by providing banking services to marginalized Filipino communities. For example, BanKO recently partnered with the Christian organization Alay sa Kaunlaran Inc. (ASKI), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to improve the productivity and economic condition of Filipino farmers. ASKI caters to the agricultural sector and has one of the best microfinancing models in the industry. BanKO assists ASKI by providing farmers with bank accounts and micro-loans. Through the use of its mobile and online channels, BanKO improves the collection and disbursement process of ASKI. “Through this project, we hope to explore the possible developments that microfinancing and new technology can bring to improve the lives of the farmers,” said BanKO Vice President for Emerging Markets and Internal Services Gigi Gatti. Meanwhile, BanKO also introduced its mobile-banking services to members of the Tricycle Pedicab Franchising Office (TPFRO) and the United Federation of Tricycle Operators Drivers Association Pasay (UFTODAP), during their quarterly meeting last July 28. There, Paul Vincent Yap, BanKO’s customer acquisition head, introduced the bank’s micro-insurance product. For just P365 a year or P1 per day, one can get a year’s worth of insurance coverage and protection. Benefits include P2,500 assistance in case of floods, typhoons, and earthquakes, P5,000 in case of fire and lightning, and P50,000 in case of accidental death. Leaders of various tricycle drivers’ groups in Metro Manila, plus representatives from the Social Security System and Home Development Mutual fund were also present during the meeting. Moreover, BanKO also signed a partnership agreement with direct-selling company Forever Living Products Philippines (FLPP) last July 21. The agreement allows FLPP’s network of distributors to pay for their products and purchases using BanKO’s online and mobile payment channels. It also allows FLPP to have their volume bonuses directly credited to their BanKO accounts. FLPP Managing Director Rosalio Valenzuela said that the partnership would provide the much-needed financial platform for its growing e-commerce business, which services distributors in remote and provincial areas. With BanKO, distributors are able to accomplish financial transactions within the comfort of their home or worklplaces instead of going to bank branches. This allows them to save time and focus on growing their business. In addition, the distributor’s transaction records can serve as the basis for extending a loan or credit line, which in turn can help then expand their business. In a move to expand its reach in the Visayas, BanKO recently teamed up with Prim Asia Pawnshop Inc., one of the top five pawnshop chains in the country. The pawnshop’s 61 branches in Cebu can facilitate the opening of BanKO accounts and perform cash-in and cash-out transactions. With this, BanKO has increased its number of partner outlets nationwide to more than 1,600. Furthermore, it is now positioned to offer its Send Money service, a more economical and convenient alternative to traditional over-the-counter remittance and money transfer services. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 17 Globe bags Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Award Globe CSR Head Rob Nazal (left) and Globe CSR Senior Officer Fernando Esguerra receive the AREA Award for Southeast Asia’s Social Empowerment Category Globe Telecom was the country’s first telecommunications firm to win in the Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards (AREA) 2012, Southeast Asia’s Social Empowerment Category. AREA recognizes organizations that go beyond standard business operations to fulfill their responsibilities to their internal and external environments. Its Social Empowerment Category focuses on programs for communities or individuals that are socially excluded or who suffer discrimination in work, business, or in community life. Sagot Ka ni Kap, a Globe Bridging Communities community vigilance program that harnesses the power and speed of mobile technologies for good governance at the barangay level, bested 25 other entries from all over Southeast Asia. “This award is a testament to the dedication of Globe to social responsibility. For Sagot Ka ni Kap, we were able to capitalize on the core business and competencies of Globe to make way for mobile and broadband technologies for ordinary citizens to have a voice in the community resulting in responsive governance and efficient peacekeeping activities in rural areas,” said Globe Corporate Social Responsibility head Rob Nazal. Launched in 2008 by Globe Bridging Communities, Sagot Ka ni Kap is Globe’s flagship CSR program. Through the program, community watch volunteers have been equipped with mobile phones, hand-held radios, rain gear, and first-aid kits. They have also been provided with capacity-building workshops on the Barangay Rule of Law, conflict resolution, and crisis management. To date, there have been 385 communities included in the program. From 2008 to 2011, incident reporting on various disturbances within these communities increased from one to two per day (when the program started) to the current rate of 15 to 20 reports daily. More importantly, there has been a 34-percent decrease in negative incidents within these communities since the program’s inception. 9/11/12 10:23:13 AM 18 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 Seminar on built heritage conservation held to celebrate Nielson Tower’s 75th year Manuel Noche of the Heritage Conservation Society Restoration expert Liliane Manahan In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Nielson Tower and Airport and the 16th anniversary of the Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL), a special seminar on built heritage conservation was held at the FHL Reading Room on August 23. Organized in cooperation with the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS), the seminar, entitled Pamana: A Seminar on Built Heritage Conservation, attracted architects, tourism professionals, real-estate developers, and others. HCS Director Manuel Lopez del Castillo-Noche laid the groundwork for the discussions with his lecture entitled What is Heritage? The next speaker was conservation architect Rene Luis Mata, who talked about heritage conservation cases and the concept of “adaptive reuse.” Ayala Malls draw winners for Green Fridays promo As part of its commitment to sustainability, Ayala Malls launched the Green Fridays campaign, which encouraged the use of eco-bags instead of regular shopping bags on Fridays. Since its launch in March, over 1,000 Ayala Malls merchants have implemented no-plastic policies in their stores, or use biodegradable plastic or paper bags every Friday. Ayala Malls shoppers also began bringing their own reusable bags. To further promote the campaign, Ayala Malls launched the Green Fridays promo, which gave eco-bag users the chance to win exciting prizes, such as vacation packages at El Nido Resorts or a new home at Avida Homes Cerise in Nuvali, Laguna. The names of the promo winners were drawn on June 25 at the Glorietta Activity Center. The event was attended by ALI officials and representatives from partner organizations, such as WWF–Philippines, El Nido Resorts, and Avida Homes. The winners of the El Nido vacation packages were Michael Mungcal, Priscilla Jaserano, Christine Hernandez, Jenny Rose Sunga, Belinda Masumura, Mendrelyn Borromeo, Daisy Arriola, Aida Uy Libaton, Joy Golicha, Hector Posa, Eduardo Ramirez, and Karen Anne Ramirez. Myra Leah Aguila won the grand prize of a house and lot at Avida Homes Cerise in NUVALI. Aside from the Green Fridays campaign, the Ayala Malls have undertaken other environmental sustainability programs. In partnership with WWF– Philippines, Ayala Malls have committed to plant and nurture 3,500 mango and citrus seedlings for an agro-forestry program at the Abuan Watershed, Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Isabela. This program will help reduce erosion around the Abuan River, and provide an alternative livelihood source and a model for sustainable farming practices for the residents. This was followed by four breakout sessions. Topics were Republic Act No. 10066 (or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009), discussed by HCS Vice President and award-winning heritage and travel blogger Ivan Anthony Henares; heritage and tourism, discussed by del Castillo-Noche; heritage and industry, discussed by Dominic Galicia, principal of Dominic Galicia Architects; and Built Heritage Preservation 101, with historical finishing and coloring expert Liliane Manahan. The participants then gathered for a session on the challenges in heritage conservation, which was discussed by Nathaniel von Einsiedel, chairman and CEO of Consultants for Comprehensive Environmental Planning Inc. Business Mirror and Ayala Land Inc.’s Make it Happen, Make it Makati were the sponsors for Pamana. Nielson Tower is the only remaining pre–World War II structure in the Makati Central Business District. FHL’s adaptive reuse of Nielson Tower received an honorable mention at the 2001 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards. Ayala Group Events Distrito Makati Late Night Food Market Amorsolo Open Parking Lot (near Makati Medical Center) Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. http://facebook.com/distritomakati Mezza Norte Food Market UP–Ayala Land TechnoHub Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. http://facebook.com/MezzaNorte Sharaku Interpreted by Japan’s Contemporary Artists Ayala Museum July 10 to September 16 http://www.ayalamuseum.org Digital Photography 101 With Dennis Balangue October 13 and 20 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. http://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph Third LibraryLink Conference Beyond Librarianship: Information as a Way of Life Filipinas Heritage Library October 17 to 19 http://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph Annual CENTEX Teacher Training Workshop In Malvar, Batangas October 29 to 31 http://www.centex.org.ph To include your events in the list, send details to ahyong.vy@ayalafoundation.org For Makati City events, visit the Make It Happen, Make It Makati website (www.makeitmakati.com) and www.facebook.com/makeitmakati Publisher John Philip Orbeta Editor-in-Chief Maritoni Ortigas Editorial Consultant Emi de Lara Managing Editor Paul de Guzman Deputy Managing Editor Verne Ahyong Assistant Editor Janella Cacdac-Siena Graphic Designer Alezza Buenviaje Advertising Manager Ciela Cayton Photographer Jaime Martinez CORRESPONDENTS Ayala Corporation Gale Launio Ayala Land, Inc. Suzette Naval, Christine Lim-Siruelo, Rommel Santiago, Nedz Manangan Bank of the Philippine Islands Sarah Hernaez, Rachelle Dangin Globe Telecom Jan Vincent Ibesate Manila Water Company Arlene Liongson, Alberto Ramirez Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. Fred Blancas Ayala Foundation, Inc. Verne Ahyong, Lis Baumgart Ayala Automotive Group Monina Macavinta Editorial Office Filipinas Heritage Library Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle Makati City 1224, Philippines Telephone (632) 892 1801 local 14 Facsimile (632) 892 1810 E-mail AyalaNow@filipinaslibrary.org.ph URL www.ayala.com.ph/press_room_ayala_now.php Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 18 9/11/12 10:23:19 AM 8 Bulletin IADI, Isuzu Cebu reap awards in 2012 Isuzu Service Skills Olympics Two of IADI’s 2012 Isuzu Skills Olympics winners (second and third from left) with Ayala Automotive President Rufino Luis Manotok (second from right), IADI General Manager Rene Paningbatan (leftmost), and Isuzu Alabang Branch Manager Erlo Tenedero (rightmost) Isuzu Automotive Dealership Inc. (IADI) and Isuzu Cebu Inc. (ICI) scored impressive victories in the recently concluded 2012 Isuzu Service Skills Olympics held at the Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) plant in Biñan, Laguna. Representatives from IADI-affiliated dealers emerged as top winners in the annual competition for automotive service skills. Isuzu Cavite’s Dominic Laqui bagged the championship trophy in the Service Advisor category, while Isuzu Pasig’s Christopher Pedro won third place. For its part, ICI made a mark by winning first prize in the Service Technicians Category. The winning team was composed of Julius Opaco and Andrew Sarvida (from ICI’s Mandaue and Cebu dealerships, respectively). The Isuzu Iloilo team composed of Kenneth Sasana and Nemesio Tagolimot was second runner-up. AYLC alumnus wins at Cinemalaya Aparisyon, a film by Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) 2002 alumnus Vincent Sandoval, won the Best Sound Award at the recently concluded Cinemalaya 2012 Film Festival. It was also one of the films that competed in the festival’s New Breed feature-length category. The film follows the lives of cloistered nuns in Rizal during the Martial Law era, and how their lives and the lives of those around them were affected during this period. Aparisyon stars Fides Cuyugan Asensio, Raquel Villavicencio, Mylene Dizon, and Jodi Santa Maria. Aparisyon Director Vincent Sandoval Now based in the US, Sandoval graduated with a degree in psychology from the University in San Carlos in Cebu City, before pursuing further studies at New York University. HCMI hosts roadsafety seminars The winners in this year’s Isuzu Service Skills Olympics will have the chance to represent Isuzu Philippines in the annual Isuzu Asia Oceania Technical Competition, to be held in Japan this November. FZA joins Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 triathlon HCMI Alabang holds seminars for elementary school students Fueled by the drive to continuously nurture customer relationships and promote road safety and environmental consciousness among road users, Honda Cars Makati Inc. and its affiliated dealerships organized several seminars for the benefit not only of its customers, but also of public school students. FZA with triathletes from Globe Telecom Ayala President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala joined Cebu’s first and the country’s fourth Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 triathlon last August 5, where he finished 11th in his division with a time of 6:14:48. The event drew about 1,700 participants from 31 countries. Australia’s Pete Jacobs and Switzerland’s Caroline Steffen topped the men’s division and women’s division, respectively. The triathlon involved a 1.2-mile swim at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, followed by a 56-mile bike ride through four of Cebu’s major cities: Lapu Lapu, Mandaue, Cebu City, and Talisay. The final event was a 13.1-mile run at Punta Engaño, at the northern tip of Mactan Island. New Filipino Elite champion Augusto Benedicto and four-time titlist Monica Torres performed best among the local participants. The triathlon winners were given medals designed by award-winning Cebuano furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 19 Honda Cars Pasig recently conducted a free seminar on defensive driving and fuel-saving for its sales, service, and parts customers. The seminar focused on ways to avoid potential road accidents and served as a refresher course on road signs as well as traffic rules and regulations. Meanwhile, Honda Cars Alabang held a road-safety seminar for the students of Tanzang Luma Elementary School in Imus, Cavite. This was part of HCMI’s roadsafety campaign, which seeks to educate pedestrians on safety procedures to reduce the rate of road accidents in the country. A total of 600 students (from kindergarten to grade four) attended the seminar, which discussed basic road traffic signs and the proper ways of crossing the street. 9/11/12 10:23:20 AM 20 The official publication of the Ayala group of companies Volume 16, Number 4, July-August 2012 Ayala group ensures business continuity, organizes relief efforts for monsoon victims In light of the non-stop monsoon rains and flooding that struck Metro Manila and surrounding provinces on August 6 to 9, the Ayala group of companies has mobilized its people, resources, and services to provide assistance to the victims. Ayala Land Ayala Malls let its merchant stores to close on August 7, but kept its malls open to provide temporary shelter for those who were stranded. In addition, Ayala Malls are accepting donations in kind, through the concierge stations in each mall. Cash and check donations can also be made through ALI’s Alay sa Komunidad BPI Account (Peso Account 0031-0684-95). Donations from overseas are also accepted. Other bank details: Account Name Ayala Land Inc. Swift Code BOPIPHMMTRY Bank Bank of the Philippine Islands (Ayala/Paseo Branch) Address GF Philam Life Building, Paseo de Roxas, Makati Globe Telecom Less than one percent of Globe infrastructure in the Greater Metro Manila Area was affected by flooding as the company had implemented projects to boost network resiliency and redundancy. Globe, through Globe Bridging Communities, has also started simultaneous relief operations in Concepcion Integrated School, Concepcion, Marikina; Mother of Divine Providence Parish, Payatas, Quezon City; and Holy Trinity Parish, Fairview, Quezon City. Meanwhile, its Libreng Tawag operations allowed residents to make free five-minute calls to any network, send text messages to all networks, or make two-minute international calls through Globe Libreng Tawag facilities. Manila Water Company Manila Water worked with local government units to provide clean water through tankering for the various evacuation centers in Marikina, Pasig, Taguig, Pateros, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, and San Mateo, Rodriguez, Antipolo, Taytay, Cainta, Binangonan, and Jalajala, all in Rizal Province. Static tanks were also stationed in Marikina and Rodriguez, Rizal. Manila Water is also providing water in sealed plastic cups for areas that could not be reached by tankering services due to high flood levels. Bank of the Philippine Islands Despite the heavy rains, BPI kept up to 90-percent of its branches open. BPI’s Bank Anywhere capability also allowed customers to transact with other BPI branches aside from their home branch. BPI took measures to ensure that its more than 910 ATMs in the Greater Metro Manila Area were fully functional and had adequate cash. Its electronic channels, such as ExpressOnline, ExpressMobile, and Point-of-Sale Terminals remained operational 24/7. BPI continues to accept donations through the BPI Foundation Assistance Fund (Current Account Number 0011-1530-89). Donations are accepted over the counter, via ATM, mobile, and other banking facilities. The Manila Water hotline (1627) is open for other questions and concerns. Ayala Young Leaders Congress The AYLAA has mobilized a relief drive in coordination with different agencies on the ground for the purchase and distribution of needed goods. It also continues to accept donations through BPI Savings Account number 0039-2797-62. Donors are requested to confirm their contributions by sending an SMS to the AYLC Alumni Relations line, 0917 854 5191. Ayala Museum’s ‘The Filipino Spirit Is Waterproof’ campaign goes viral During the height of the monsoon rains and flooding that devastated large parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the Ayala Museum saent out a message through its Twitter feed: “The Filipino spirit is waterproof.” Then the museum sent out a call to artists and designers to come up with artworks that carried the tagline—a way to inspire those affected by the floods. This brief inspirational message spread quickly across social-networking sites. In addition, numerous graphic designers responded to the museum’s call to lift up the Filipino spirit during a dark period. Here are some of the works that affirmed the resilience of the Filipino. Ayala NowJuly-August2012.indd 20 Artwork by: @NinjakimAI Artwork by: @KATR1A Artwork: @milkofpoppy 9/11/12 10:23:20 AM