Ayala Foundation recently announced its stewardship of Atletang Ayala, a program that supports not just the development of top-caliber Filipino sportspersons but also opens up opportunities for them to build professional careers in the Ayala group of companies.

The foundation welcomed the program through a simple turnover event held on July 11 at the Ayala Museum. Atletang Ayala now joins the roster of Ayala Foundation’s Leadership Development programs, alongside the Ayala Young Leaders Congress, Leadership Communities, and Scholarships.

“Over the past 20 years, our Leadership programs have produced leaders in positions of influence in public service, in nonprofit and people’s organizations, in business, in academia, in the performing arts, and others,” said Tony Lambino, Ayala Foundation President. “And with Atletang Ayala, we are seeing not just the country’s next generation of sports champions, but also professionals within the Ayala group.”

Commitment signing with Felipe Estrella (AFI CFO), Tony Lambino (AFI President), Paco Romero Milan (AC CHRO and Corporate Resources Group Head), and She Gosiengfiao (AC Corporate Resources); with Atleta athletes and Atleta programs team (incl Jan Bengzon, Jim Villegas, and Cel Amores)

A highlight of the event was the commitment signing featuring officials from different Ayala business units. Among the business units that signified their support for Atletang Ayala athletes were Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, ACEN, AC Industrials (along with Integrated Micro-Electronics and AC Mobility), and Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative. AC Health and AC Logistics have also expressed their interest to support the program starting 2025.

Said Paco Romero Milán, Ayala Group Head for Corporate Resources: “To the different Ayala business units who have rallied behind the Atletang Ayala program, thank you for believing in the program and our athletes. The fact that you invested resources into the program signifies your trust in this initiative, and trust that it can deliver outstanding results. We are confident that the excitement and engagement you have extended to the program these past couple of years will continue in the months and years ahead.”

Launched in 2022, Atletang Ayala was first managed by the Ayala Center for Excellence in Sports (ACES). Its inaugural batch of eight athletes performed excellently in their respective sports, rising significantly in world rankings and earning medals in international competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games. They have also started their careers in different Ayala business units.

Nathaniel Perez, national fencer and management trainee at the Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative, spoke on behalf of his fellow athletes: “[With] these things that Atletang Ayala has provided us, we were able to have a higher place in the world rankings. Truly, when there is a strong and continuous support system, we can be better and eventually become one of the world’s best.”

Nathaniel Perez, National Athlete for Fencing and Batch 1 member of Atletang Ayala, also management trainee at Ayala Multi-Purpose Cooperative

At present, Atletang Ayala is actively recruiting its next batch of 20 athletes. Athletes who qualify for the Atletang Ayala program will receive support that supplements their training while providing opportunities to build professional careers with the different companies of the Ayala group. These benefits include full-salaried employment opportunities with flexible work arrangements that enable athletes to both train and make a living; access to Healthway Medical Network’s Athletes’ Health program, which includes physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, sports nutrition, and sports psychology; full and free access to the world class Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) in Cavite; and fixed budgets for participation in foreign training camps and international competitions. In addition, athletes in the program will have the chance to help develop the next generation of sports enthusiasts and future national athletes through community-based sports programs.

The next batch of Atletang Ayala athletes will be announced in September.