Ayala leads PH conglomerates in taking the Working with Cancer pledge

MANILA – The Ayala Group is the first conglomerate in the Philippines to take the Working with Cancer pledge, a global movement that aims to raise awareness and support for employees who are affected by cancer.

“Across industries where we operate, the Ayala group has always prioritized our people, ensuring that our workplaces empower and support them—not just in moments of success, but also in times of personal difficulty,” said Francisco Romero Milán, Chief Human Resources Officer of Ayala Corporation.

Announced during National Cancer Awareness Month, the Ayala Group’s pledge aims to eliminate the stigma associated with cancer, ensuring that employees and their loved ones receive the support they need.

“Beyond taking the pledge, we recognize that real support means taking action. That is why we have strengthened our employee support programs to provide holistic care for employees who are working with cancer or taking care of a loved one who has cancer,” Milán added.

As part of this commitment, the Ayala Group has strengthened its employee support programs to provide holistic care for those facing cancer. These initiatives include:

1. Screening and Preventive Care: Ayala is offering expanded screening services and preventive health programs to help employees stay proactive in their health journey.

2. Medical Benefits: Ayala is enhancing its medical benefits to ensure that those diagnosed with cancer receive the highest standard of care.

3. Financial Support: Ayala is introducing additional financial assistance packages to ensure that employees can focus on recovery, not on bills.

4. Well-Being Support: Ayala is creating a program that includes counseling, emotional support, and peer networks to help employees navigate these difficult times.

Some companies within the group are also implementing flexible work arrangements for employees who serve as caregivers of family members with cancer.

“This is what it means to be part of Ayala: to work in an environment that prioritizes well-being, champions inclusivity, and leads the way in making workplaces more human,” Milán said.

Aside from taking the Working with Cancer Pledge, Ayala is also bolstering its cancer care initiatives through AC Health’s Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH), the country’s first dedicated cancer specialty hospital.

Located in Arca South, Taguig City, HCCH provides a full continuum of care—from early screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship programs. Over the past year, Healthway Cancer Care Hospital has served over 3,200 unique patients, in collaboration with partners like MSD, AstraZeneca, Roche, and Takeda, as well as patients receiving vital support from government agencies, such as DSWD, PCSO, and Taguig LGU.

HCCH has also administered over 2,000 radiotherapy sessions and 700 chemotherapy treatments—each of which underscores our steadfast commitment to delivering advanced, high-quality care.

“The establishment of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital stands as concrete evidence of the Ayala Group’s enduring commitment to bridging gaps in quality healthcare,” said Paolo Borromeo, President & CEO of AC Health. “HCCH is not only an investment in advanced medical technology and multidisciplinary expertise; it is also a commitment to ensuring that patients receive compassionate support throughout their journey.”

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Launched in Davos in 2023, the Working with Cancer Pledge is spearheaded by no less than Arthur Sadoun, the Chairman and CEO of the Publicis Groupe. In the Philippines, this initiative is championed by AC Health, Publicis Groupe Philippines, and the People Management Association of the Philippines.

Just like the Ayala Group, your company can create a more supportive workplace for people who are working with cancer. Join this global movement by taking the pledge at workingwithcancerpledge.com.