SUPPORT FOR TROOPS. AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (right) and Ayala Corporation president and chief executive officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala (left) show a copy of the memorandum of understanding for the 'Saludo Sa Serbisyo' program at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday (July 29, 2021). It is a needs-based program that gives uniformed personnel expanded access to the Ayala Group of Companies' products and services, enabling them to pick the best support they need in every key milestone of their lives. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Ayala Group of Companies on Thursday strengthened their long-standing partnership with the signing of a pact aimed at bolstering support to soldiers.
AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana and Ayala Corp. president and chief executive officer Fernando Zobel de Ayala signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the 'Saludo Sa Serbisyo' program at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
“The 'Saludo sa Serbisyo' program developed by the Ayala Corporation will be in full swing until 2026 and is a program that will absolutely aid in boosting the morale and in improving the lives of the men and women of the Armed Forces,” Sobejana said.
The project is a needs-based program that gives uniformed personnel expanded access to the group’s products and services, enabling them to pick the best support they need in every key milestone of their lives.
“The AFP and Ayala go a long way back. In 1939, Col. Joseph McMicking, a great pilot and our great grandfather, awarded the first McMicking Wings to the then Second Lieutenant Renato L. Barretto, a pilot cadet at the Philippine Air Force Flying School,” Zobel said.
The program provides offers on housing and vehicles, and it hosts a venue for financial education and livelihood training as well as health and wellness caravans.
It also hopes to provide employment opportunities in various business units across the Ayala Group to AFP retirees and their qualified dependents.
“Over the years and amidst several leadership transitions, our partnership strengthened; our friendship flourished. Both Ayala and AFP have demonstrated how impactful our actions can be—when we work in unity,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted to formally open the AFP-Ayala Corporation Caravan at the General Headquarters Canopy in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City,
The caravan featured Housing Assistance from Ayala Land and Health and Wellness Caravan courtesy of AC Health – Healthway, Generika, and MDC Medical Team.
Several financial and investment opportunities were also offered by BPI, while AC Motors offered preferred rates on vehicles under the company’s umbrella of brands: Honda, Kia, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Maxus, and KTM.
Apart from “Saludo Sa Serbisyo,” Ayala Group also expresses its support to servicemen through its strong support to Hero Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides educational assistance to children of Filipino soldiers killed in action or totally incapacitated while in the line of duty.
The foundation gets an annual PHP5-million donation from Ayala Corp. and Ayala Land.
The educational stipend from the foundation helps orphaned students pay for school-related expenses.
With the help of the private sector, Hero Foundation has supported and served a total of 2,702 orphan scholars since 1988.
The group also holds the annual Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) where top youth and student leaders from across various sectors, religions, and provinces of the Philippines join a series of dialogues with business leaders and government officials.
A total of 89 AYLC alumni come from the Philippine Military Academy and currently serve in different branches of service of the AFP.
“As we continue our partnership moving forward, we remain committed to further ramp up our projects with the AFP and strengthen the bonds of friendship that we have nurtured over the years. We certainly look forward to having more joint initiatives with you in the near future,” Zobel said.
Meanwhile, Sobejana thanked Ayala Corporation for their benevolence and generosity as both parties strive to provide cohesive, needs-based, and sustainable programs for the troops and their dependents. (PNA)
