Sustained Leadership in Corporate Sustainability
The Ayala Group has once again demonstrated its leadership in corporate responsibility, announcing that its various companies have secured their continued positions on the prestigious FTSE4Good Index Series. This globally recognized inclusion is a testament to the group’s strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, which are consistently upheld across its diverse portfolio. The companies that maintained their inclusion are the holding company, Ayala Corp., along with its core businesses: ACEN Corp., Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Globe Telecom, Inc. The longevity of this commitment is particularly noteworthy, with Ayala Corp., ALI, and BPI having been featured on this esteemed list since 2015, Globe since 2016, and ACEN since 2023. In an emailed statement, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ayala Corp., Cezar P. Consing, highlighted that this sustained recognition reflects the entire group’s unwavering dedication to sustainability, articulating that for a developing nation like the Philippines, sustainability translates into a profound investment in a future where all citizens can prosper, a future the Ayala Group is committed to actively creating.
Global Benchmark for ESG Excellence
The FTSE4Good Index Series serves as a critical global benchmark, and its rigorous, semi-annual review process is managed by FTSE Russell, a respected division of the London Stock Exchange Group. This index systematically measures the performance of companies demonstrating robust ESG practices, evaluating them across several critical areas including corporate governance, health and safety, anti-corruption measures, and climate change initiatives. For a business to be included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, it must meet a comprehensive set of environmental, social, and governance criteria, which signifies a commitment that extends far beyond mere compliance. Inclusion on this list not only enhances a company’s reputation but also signals its attractiveness to a growing segment of investors who prioritize ethical and sustainable investments. The Ayala group’s tangible commitment is further underscored by its total sustainable finance transactions, which collectively amounted to an impressive $6.2 billion by the end of 2024, providing a clear and quantifiable measure of their dedication to sustainable development and responsible corporate citizenship on a global scale.
Concrete Commitment to Long-Term Value
The Ayala Group’s consistent presence on the FTSE4Good Index Series is not merely a symbolic achievement but a reflection of a deeply ingrained business strategy focused on creating long-term value for all stakeholders. By integrating robust ESG principles into its core operations, the group is building a more resilient and sustainable business model that is better positioned to navigate future challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This commitment is particularly significant within the context of the Philippines, as it sets a powerful precedent for other corporations to follow, demonstrating that financial success and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, complementary. The group’s disciplined approach to corporate governance, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship has become a key factor in attracting global capital and ensuring continued growth in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The ongoing recognition by the FTSE4Good Index Series serves as a powerful testament to the Ayala Group’s dedication to building a business that is not only profitable but also a force for positive, lasting change.
