WINNING| Ayala’s governance game clinches gold

Insider Spotlight

• Ayala Corp. earns top marks for good governance
• Several Ayala companies are recognized for ethical leadership
• Trust and transparency seen as business essentials
  
  

In an era when public confidence in corporations is being tested, Ayala Corp. demonstrates how consistency and accountability can be sustained through action.

The 190-year-old conglomerate earned the 5 Golden Arrow Award, the highest honor for corporate governance among publicly listed firms in the Philippines. 

It’s Ayala Corp.’s first 5-arrow distinction, marking a steady climb from four arrows in 2024 and three in 2023, as announced in a press release.

Why it matters

As public and investor scrutiny grows, good governance has shifted from a checklist item to a competitive advantage — one that builds resilience, trust, and long-term credibility.

“At Ayala, we believe that the highest standards of corporate governance are a prerequisite for a sustainable business. We strive to be an institution that our stakeholders can always rely on. Strong corporate governance is key to building and keeping this trust. Thank you for affirming our efforts with this honor,” said Ayala Corp. president and CEO Cezar P. Consing.

Zoom in

The Golden Arrow Awards, administered by the Institute of Corporate Directors, honor companies that follow the Philippine Code of Corporate Governance and align with international standards of transparency, accountability, and board effectiveness.

Several other Ayala companies were also recognized for their governance excellence. Globe Telecom earned its fourth straight 5 Golden Arrow Award, while ACEN, Ayala Land, BPI, and Integrated Micro-Electronics received 4 Arrow each. AREIT, AyalaLand Logistics Holdings, and ENEX were also cited, alongside insurance affiliates BPI AIA and BPI MS, for their strong governance practices.

Earlier this year, Ayala Corp. was also named among the top five Philippine firms and top 50 ASEAN companies at the 2025 ASEAN Corporate Governance Conference and Awards, further cementing its regional leadership in responsible and transparent management.

The bottom line

For Ayala, good governance isn’t a one-time accolade — it’s an ongoing practice. As markets evolve and standards rise, the company’s consistency in ethical leadership underscores a deeper truth: trust remains the most valuable asset in business. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma