Ayala Group Reaffirms Support for Batangas Towns Affected by Taal Eruption

“The partnership of the Ayala group with the Province of Batangas extends over many years, and we are privileged to continue supporting with the provincial government’s efforts to create productive, creative, self-reliant citizens who are also proud of their Filipino identity. We continue to stand behind every magiting na Batangueño, who stays resilient and hopeful in the face of different challenges.” ~Ruel Maranan, President of Ayala Foundation

The 10 Kia 2500 vans turned over to municipalities in Batangas earlier this year

The Ayala group reaffirms its commitment to providing assistance for towns in the province of Batangas severely affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano earlier this year. As part of the Ayala Group's unwavering commitment to supporting the towns in Batangas severely affected by the Taal Volcano eruption earlier this year,  its automotive distribution and retail arm—AC Motors, donated 10 Kia 2500 vans for the official use of the province.  

It has also announced the launch of the "Brigada ng Ayala" initiative which aims to provide valuable support for public school students and teachers in time for the opening of classes this October. 89 DepED schools all over Batangas will benefit from the project with the distribution of health and hygiene care packages, including learner's and teacher's kits to make the current online learning mode more accessible.

Ayala has been very consistent in providing assistance since the 1st quarter of 2020, extending help to communities grievously stricken by environmental catastrophes and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In an online gathering, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas officially acknowledged the receipt of donations from the Ayala group, particularly the 10 Kia 2500 vans, which continue to be used for official functions. Channeled through the Provincial Government of Batangas, the vans are now under the care of the following Batangas towns: Taal, Balete, Mataas na Kahoy, Alitagtag, San Nicolas, Talisay, Agoncillo, San Luis, and Lemery.

“Ayala has been traditionally consistent in its commitment to corporate concern for the good and welfare of the community, always an active part of helping society especially during times of real need. This social conscience has been innate and part of the DNA of Ayala. And we in Batangas are so proud that Ayala has its roots in our province, and Ayala still shelters Batangas in both good and difficult times. Ayala—Magiting.” ~Hermilando Mandanas, Governor of Batangas

Governor Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas (upper left) joins Ayala officials during the virtual turnover event. Clockwise from upper right: Arthur Tan, president and CEO of AC Industrials; John Philip Orbeta, senior managing director and head of Corporate Resources, Ayala Corporation; Ruel Maranan, president of Ayala Foundation; and Manny Aligada, president of Kia Philippines

The vehicles were donated through the efforts of AC Motors, the automotive distribution and retail group of AC Industrials. AC Industrials handles the Ayala group’s investments in industrial technology. 

As part of its continuing support for Taal-affected communities in Batangas, the Ayala group also announced that it will provide much-needed support for public school teachers and students who are getting ready for the opening of classes this October.

The Ayala group’s Brigada ng Ayala initiative, which kicks off in October, will distribute health and hygiene packs, as well as provide support for online learning, to public schools nationwide, as a unified response to the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela programs.

In Batangas, 89 DepEd schools all over Batangas will receive learner’s kits for its students, while teachers will receive their “teacher’s kits,” which contains a Globe SIM pack with a PhP1,000 allowance for mobile data. Health and hygiene kits called “Ayala EduCare packs,” which contain face masks, rubbing alcohol, a face mask, hand soap, and instructional materials on protecting oneself from COVID-19.

“AC Industrials—through our automotive and motorcycle distribution and retail group AC Motors—partnered with Kia Motors Global by way of Kia Philippines to donate 10 brand new Kia 2500 light trucks as well as relief goods. With the help of volunteer employees from the Ayala group and our friends from the motoring media—who wholeheartedly decided to join this CSR drive, we distributed the relief goods to evacuation centers in the province, and delivered the Kia K2500 units.” ~Arthur Tan, President of AC Industrials

Gov. Mandanas, Ayala officials, and Batangas mayors and their representatives during the online turnover event

Throughout the first quarter of 2020, the Ayala group conducted relief activities in affected areas. Aside from the provision of clean water through Manila Water Company and the restoration of mobile services and setting up of free call stations through Globe Telecom, Ayala distributed hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and food packs to different evacuation centers. In addition, the group organized medical missions through AC Health and also with Ayala Land’s Makati Development Corporation. 

Aside from donating vehicles, AC Motors partnered with Ayala Foundation for relief distribution activities in January. A convoy of 30 vehicles, composed of AC Motors employees and volunteers from the motoring media, distributed hygiene kits and sleeping kits to six evacuation centers based in different barangays. 

For more information, visit www.ayalafoundation.org.

About Ayala Foundation

As the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies, Ayala Foundation envisions communities where people are creative, productive, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. Ayala Foundation is committed to community development, working closely with communities in identifying compelling developmental needs, and providing suitable solutions with measurable outcomes. Its main program areas are Education, Community Leadership, Suitable and Sustainable Livelihood, and Arts and Culture.