Ayala Group’s public infrastructure arm AC Infra allows communities to help themselves to thrive despite the challenges of the pandemic by addressing their immediate needs through #BrigadangAyala.
AC Infra integrates and complements the efforts of its road-toll business, Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX) and Entrego, logistics arm to address the most pressing needs of partner communities — access to food, healthcare, and education.
Since 2017, Ayala companies have been helping residents of Brgy Poblacion in Muntinlupa.
In partnership with the Philippine Jesuit Prison Service (PJPS), MCX has been supporting scholarships and other education-related initiatives in Brgy. Poblacion and the New Bilibid Prison community. Melanie Banlasag’s daughter is among the beneficiaries.
“Napakalaking tulong po para sa amin ang ibinabahagi ng programa upang makamit ng aking anak ang kanyang pangarap,” Banlasag said. “Mahirap man ang sitwasyun ngayun ngunit ako bilang ina ay patuloy na gumagabay at sumosuporta sa aking anak upang hindi masayang ang pagkakataon nya na maging scholar ng PJPS at MCX/Ayala.”
Another meaningful partnership was built between Brgy. Poblacion’s Southville 3 Youth Council lockdown (SV3YC) and MCX during the height of the lockdown. SV3YC has been very passionate in reaching out to struggling families especially during the pandemic.
With MCX and AC Infra pledging support, youth leaders from Brgy. Poblacion quickly got to work and spearheaded the drive that provided 200 mothers with milk and vitamins for their kids and 400 Tricycle and Drivers’ Association members with food packages.
MCX has allocated over P1.9 million since 2017 to support the communities around it. “At MCX, we don’t only work for efficient toll operations, we also strive to improve the lives of the communities surrounding our toll road, that includes Brgy. Poblacion and the Bureau of Corrections. I am personally very happy to see the next generation of leaders enthusiastically working with us to accomplish the same goal,” said Joseph Canlas, MCX Senior Operations Manager.
Meanwhile, AC Infra’s logistics arm Entrego has also launched Kalingang Ka-Entrego, a community pantry-inspired initiative where riders can freely take the food supply they need for the day.
Wilson Balingbing, a single parent and pioneering rider of Entrego, is one of the beneficiaries of Kalingang Ka-Entrego. “Nakakapagod ang maging rider ngayong may pandemic. Pero hindi na bale dahil worth it naman ang appreciation na natatanggap ko kay Entrego simula noon hanggang ngayon,” he said
Kalingang Ka-Entrego has started deploying food items to its 5 hubs in NCR and Rizal, providing around 500 riders and warehouse workers with their basic necessities. The program aims to expand beyond food provisions and plans to donate pre-loved gadgets to children of select riders so they can continue learning online.
