The initiative aims to broaden volunteer work beyond traditional activities such as relief repacking and cleanup drives by mobilizing professionals who can offer specialized expertise to communities in need.
The big picture
Through the Ayala Corporate Citizenship and Volunteerism Platform, individuals can sign up as skills-based or passion volunteers and participate in various socio-civic initiatives.
The program is open to professionals from different fields who are willing to contribute their time and expertise to community projects.
“Helping out goes beyond corporate affiliation and profession,” said Ayala Foundation president Tony Lambino.
“Whether you’re a teacher, counsellor, health worker, engineer, or any professional who would like to share their skills and time to support communities, you are welcome to join us as a volunteer,” he added.
On the ground
Volunteer missions organized by the foundation have already brought professionals to underserved areas.
Dr. Anghelika Seratubias, a general practitioner from Healthway Lio in El Nido, Palawan, said participating in a three-day medical mission in October 2025 provided a deeply meaningful experience.
The mission served residents in three barangays—Bagong Bayan, Bucana, and Villa Libertad—where access to healthcare services remains limited.
Seratubias said programs like these are vital in communities where medical resources are scarce and healthcare services are difficult to access.
Her colleague, Dr. Christian Gabriel, described his first experience joining an AFI-led medical mission as both humbling and eye-opening.
He said medical outreach efforts are particularly important in remote areas such as El Nido, where residents often face challenges obtaining essential healthcare services.
Beyond healthcare
Skills-based volunteering has also supported disaster response efforts.
Jenny Belle Tallo, a project HR supervisor, joined a Makati Development Corp. volunteer team deployed to earthquake-hit Cebu last year.
The team conducted rapid visual inspections of damaged buildings to help assess structural safety following the disaster.
“The experience strengthened my appreciation of how professional skills can create meaningful impact beyond the workplace,” Tallo said.
“It gave a deeper purpose beyond daily responsibilities.”
By the numbers
Last year, volunteers contributed 183,563 hours of service across various Ayala Foundation programs.
Of that total, 5,224 hours were provided by skills-based volunteers, highlighting the growing role of professional expertise in community initiatives.
What’s next
As the Year of the Volunteer is observed globally, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency appointed Ayala Foundation to lead private sector participation in the country’s volunteer programs.
The foundation said the initiative reflects its commitment to strengthening volunteer engagement across sectors. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
Individuals interested in joining may sign up through volunteer.ayalafoundation.org and click “Become a Volunteer.”
