Alagang Ayala builds Filipino talent from classroom to careers

Insider Spotlight

• Ayala Foundation’s digital education pilot reached 1,558 learners and 27 teachers across nine public schools in San Marcelino, Zambales
• Average mathematics scores rose from 27 percent to 56 percent after 12 weeks under its High Touch, High Tech approach
• iPeople serves more than 80,000 students across institutions spanning kindergarten through doctoral programs
  
  
  
  

Ayala Corp. is strengthening its education initiatives under Alagang Ayala, connecting foundational learning programs with higher education and career preparation as the conglomerate seeks to help build a more skilled Filipino workforce.

The effort combines Ayala Foundation’s programs for public schools with iPeople’s education network, supporting learners from early childhood through university and employment preparation.

Stronger learning outcomes

Education is a key pillar of Alagang Ayala, with the group linking stronger learning outcomes to employment prospects, productivity and national competitiveness.

“Education is one of the most powerful ways we can expand opportunity and change lives. When Filipinos have access to quality education, they are better equipped to build meaningful careers, support their families, and contribute to the country. Through Alagang Ayala, we are bringing together the strengths of the Ayala Group to help more Filipinos turn potential into opportunity —and opportunity into a better future,” Ayala Corp. chief social infrastructure officer Paolo Borromeo said in a press statement.

Ayala Foundation’s CENTEX Digital Education pilot in San Marcelino covered 1,558 Grades 4 to 6 learners and 27 teachers across nine schools. Its High Touch, High Tech approach combines teacher training and coaching with adaptive learning tools.

Increase in math scores

A third-party evaluation found average mathematics scores increased from 27 percent to 56 percent after 12 weeks, equivalent to seven months of learning. DepEd Zambales subsequently expanded the approach, training at least one teacher in each of the province’s 315 public elementary schools. Seventy-nine schools are implementing the program.

Ayala Foundation is also extending foundational education through CENTEX Early Grades, supporting children ages three to five in El Nido, Palawan, and Lamitan City, Basilan.

Paolo Borromeo

Ayala Corp. chief social infrastructure officer

Globally competitive

iPeople carries the strategy into higher education. Formed through the 2019 combination of the Yuchengco and Ayala education groups, the network now serves more than 80,000 students.

Its institutions include Mapúa University, National Teachers College and APEC Schools, among others. Mapúa has expanded its Arizona State University partnership and introduced what Ayala described as the Philippines’ first undergraduate degree in AI engineering.

“Quality education must prepare learners not only to graduate, but to succeed in a rapidly changing world. We are combining strong local institutions, global partnerships and industry-relevant learning to help Filipino students become AI-fluent and globally competitive,” iPeople president Fred Ayala said. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma