The program recently trained 42 soldiers in a five-day intensive course on career readiness, equipping them with skills in résumé writing, job interviews, professional networking, and career matching—skills many military personnel never had to learn during active duty.
Why it matters
For many uniformed personnel, retirement means stepping into a job market they’ve never navigated before. Ayala’s training helps bridge that gap by preparing soldiers to apply their discipline and leadership skills in civilian careers.
“We truly hope this program assures you that you are not starting over. You are starting from experience, you are starting from depth.... Your uniforms may also change but the call to lead, serve and build remains the same,” said Francisco Romero Milán, Ayala Corp. chief human resources officer.
The human side
Col. Virgilio Noora, 56, has spent nearly four decades in the Army and is preparing for retirement. After joining the program, he said he was encouraged to see new opportunities.
“Personally, meron naman akong pwedeng paglaanan ng atensyon o oras. Opportunities only knock once,” said Noora, currently Acting Deputy Inspector General of the Philippine Army. (“Personally, I have things I can devote my attention and time to. Opportunities only knock once.”)
Maj. Eva Dapanas, who is retiring after 20 years in service, echoed the value of the training.“Di naman kami nakaranas mag-apply for work before. Never.... Sobrang nakatulong talaga siya,” she said.(“We never had the experience of applying for work before. Never… This really helped us a lot.”)
Dapanas initially planned to stay home with her young child, but the Ayala-led sessions gave her confidence to explore new career paths.
What they’re saying
Lt. Gen. Rommel Roldan, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff: “Your years in uniform taught you resilience, adaptability, and of course the courage to face the unknown. These same qualities will serve you well as you begin another journey in life.”
Retired Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, former AFP Chief of Staff, now Ayala head of security management: “There is life after the service.... What is critical now is you are able to adapt in a new environment.”
Between the lines
Many soldiers transition straight from the military academy to active duty without going through a hiring process. Ayala’s career track provides practical training for a civilian workforce environment while highlighting that their discipline and service experience are transferable assets.
Bigger picture
Now in its ninth year, Saludo sa Serbisyo provides uniformed personnel, civilian employees, and their families access to Ayala’s services—including discounts on homes and cars, health and wellness benefits, livelihood training, and career assistance.
The bottom line
For retiring servicemen and women like Noora and Dapanas, Ayala’s training program offers not just new skills but also a renewed sense of purpose beyond the uniform—helping them turn years of service into foundations for new careers. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
