Social programs
Our social investments go beyond mere infrastructure development; they encompass comprehensive programs aimed at fostering the socio-economic progress of our host communities. By closely collaborating with local government units, state agencies, indigenous peoples and conservation groups, we establish initiatives designed to serve as catalysts for positive change.
Through livelihood creation, large-scale infrastructure enhancements, heightened awareness of community health and safety, disaster response readiness and innovative waste management strategies, we strive to generate tangible, enduring impact on the communities we serve.
We believe that by taking into consideration the needs and aspirations of our host communities, we not only strengthen our relationships but also cultivate a mutually beneficial environment where sustainability flourishes.
This mangrove fly catcher is among the species of birds that we protect in our Ilocos Norte Conservation Estate.
Community infrastructure
Indigenous peoples in San Marcelino, Zambales have benefitted from the infrastructure efforts that we have invested near our SanMar Solar site.
As we go full speed in our renewables expansion, we not only assess our environmental impact but also evaluate our potential social impact. In the early development stage, we proactively identify opportunities for building infrastructure that not only facilitates project construction and operations but also benefits our host communities.
Alignment to SPI:
Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Well-being, Opportunity
Contribution to SDGs:
7, 9, 11, 13, 17
Strategic approach and SPI alignment
Philippines initiatives:
Robust community investments: In San Marcelino, Zambales, we transformed idle, lahar-covered land into the region’s largest solar farm with an investment of ~₱400 million in roads and bridges. This greatly benefits the local Ayta community by improving access and reducing travel time by one to two hours. This initiative supports the SPI indicators for ‘Access to Basic Needs’ by improving indigenous peoples’ access to basic services through infrastructure.
Donation of educational facilities: In Palauig, Zambales, we constructed two buildings with 14 classrooms, directly contributing to the SPI’s ‘Access to Basic Knowledge’ by enhancing educational infrastructure.
The Renewable Energy Advocacy Program (REAP): Across our Philippine projects promotes the SPI’s ‘Access to Information’ by educating communities on renewable energy benefits and implementing projects like solar street lighting and solar-powered school roofs.
Lighting up communities in Visayas: Installing a 1-KW solar system at a remote school in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental improves community access to electricity, aligning with the SPI’s ‘Access to Basic Services’.
Global contributions:
Installation of EV charging stations: In Australia, our Social Investment Program renovated community facilities and installed electric vehicle charging stations, promoting the SPI’s
‘Environmental Quality’ by supporting use of automotive that emit less GHG emissions.
Improvement of local roads: In Indonesia, our collaboration with Lainungan Village Enterprises (BUMDES) in Sidrap improved local roads, enhancing ‘Access to Basic Human Needs’ for over 700 households by improving community mobility.
Building community projects: In Vietnam and Lao PDR, our support for community facility renovations and construction projects, such as Dak Cheung Temple, aligns with the SPI’s ‘Foundations of Well-being’ by fostering social cohesion and cultural preservation.
Aside from developing the 585 MW SanMar Solar, we also built large-scale infrastructure in San Marcelino, Zambales. This includes a 14-kilometer power transmission line, almost six kilometers of access road and two concrete bridges, significantly reducing travel time and improving accessibility for the IP communities who used to walk three to five hours by foot or motorcycle when going to the San Marcelino town proper to sell their goods.
Moving forward
As a responsible renewables player, we are committed to continuing our engagement with host communities to develop mutually beneficial infrastructure projects. By integrating community needs into our project planning, we aim to lead the renewables revolution while fostering inclusive and sustainable development as aligned with the Ayala commitment to nation-building, ensuring our infrastructure initiatives align with and support the social progress.
Education
We believe in the potential of the next generation in breaking cycles of poverty and inequality through proper access to education. Our investments in education empower and support not just students but also teachers in our host communities in creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for them to thrive and effectively contribute to sustainable development.
Alignment to SPI:
Foundations of Well-being, Opportunity
Contribution to SDGs:
4, 5, 8, 10, 17
We are helping address classroom shortage in the Philippines with our donation of two school buildings in Palauig, Zambales. Through our Palauig Solar projects, we demonstrated our unwavering support to education and community development after donating a total of ₱29 million to fund the construction of 14 classrooms in Rofulo M. Landa High School – extension campus in Brgy. Bulawen, Palauig, Zambales.
Strategic approach and SPI alignment
Philippines initiatives:
Infrastructure development and scholarships: The development of educational infrastructure and classroom buildings in Palauig, Zambales directly enhances the SPI’s ‘Access to Basic Knowledge’. Scholarships by Maibarara Geothermal and North Luzon Renewables (NLR), with 13 out of 22 college scholars already graduated, align with the SPI’s ‘Access to Advanced Education,’ facilitating higher education pursuits.
Learning laboratories and kiosks: Establishing learning laboratories and kiosk centers, notably by the NLR wind farm and ACEN Tech Hub, serve as pivotal resource hubs, bolstering ‘Access to Basic Knowledge’ through accessible educational materials and opportunities.
Renewable energy advocacy: Initiatives like the Renewable Energy Advocacy Program (REAP), educating students on renewable energy, advance ‘Access to Information’, fostering a generation knowledgeable about sustainability.
Support for Mano Amiga: ACEN headquarters employees’ collective contributions to Mano Amiga, supporting tuition for 17 gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds, underscore our commitment to ‘Access to Basic Knowledge’, ensuring talented youths receive quality education.
Global contributions:
Australia’s educational and well-being initiatives: Programs supporting youth education and well-being in Australia, such as career guidance in Coolah and Boys to the Bush collaborations, align with ‘Foundations of Well-being’, nurturing comprehensive child development.
Inclusive education in Indonesia: Our support for diverse educational activities in Sidrap, including the Scout Competition and resources for Parepare School for Special Needs, enhances ‘Foundations of Well-being’, promoting inclusive education and character building.
Vietnam and Lao PDR projects: Assistance to families, school supplies provision and playground developments in Vietnam, alongside educational infrastructure support in Lao PDR, strengthen ‘Access to Basic Knowledge’ and ‘Foundations of Well-being’, creating enriching learning environments.
Educational support in Lao PDR: Monsoon Wind’s contributions to schools, including nutritional programs and educational aids, address ‘Health and Wellness’ and ‘Access to Basic Knowledge’, supporting both physical health and educational needs.
Learning initiatives in India: Efforts in India, from distributing educational materials to supporting extracurricular activities, contribute to ‘Access to Basic Knowledge’, encouraging student engagement and learning.
Through our Monsoon Wind farm in Lao PDR, we were able to champion the wellness of students living near our project site.
Moving forward
We are dedicated to further strengthening our education programs by incorporating holistic approaches that integrate climate action and sustainability. Our aim is to enhance our outreach activities to schools by advocating the integration of climate change and sustainability education in local schools. We will continue to collaborate with educators, local governments and community organizations to develop innovative programs that foster environmental literacy, promote renewable energy awareness and inspire action towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Livelihood creation
We recognize that a thriving community is integral to the success of our operations, and we strive to create shared value by investing in local livelihood opportunities. As aligned with our core values, we have established programs aimed at expanding economic opportunities for our local communities. These initiatives go beyond mere charity; they are designed to build capacity, enhance skills and create pathways to economic self-sufficiency.
Alignment to SPI:
Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Well-being, Opportunity
Contribution to SDGs:
1, 5, 8, 10, 17
We create green jobs in the development of our renewable energy projects and infrastructure, generating a ripple effect that opens doors for local communities to engage with various businesses such as resorts, hotels, dormitories, restaurants, food stalls, and related industries in our supply chain. Throughout our operations, we remain committed to bolstering local suppliers and implementing initiatives that support small-to-medium enterprises within our areas of operation, ensuring the sustained creation of mutual value.
In San Marcelino, Zambales, we were able to create over 3,600 green jobs, prioritizing locals from Barangays Santa Fe, San Rafael and Aglao, providing an opportunity for indigenous peoples to actively participate in the country’s energy transition journey.
Strategic approach and SPI alignment
Philippines initiatives:
Employment and business support: The construction phases of our projects boost local employment and business opportunities, directly aligning with the SPI’s ‘Personal Freedom & Choice’ dimension. This economic stimulation extends to supporting local industries such as hospitality, transportation and supply chain services.
Solar Gulayan and agroforestry programs: These initiatives leverage project lands for agricultural purposes, providing food security and income for local communities and farmer groups, contributing to the SPI’s ‘Nutrition and Basic Medical Care’.
Skills development partnerships: Collaborations with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in San Marcelino, Zambales for scaffolding training and other skill-building programs enhance local workforce capabilities, supporting the SPI’s ‘Access to Advanced Education’.
Eco-tourism and community engagement: Initiatives like Solarlympics in Palauig, Zambales and the Tanod Watch program in Guimaras highlight our efforts to promote tourism and community safety, respectively, enhancing the SPI’s ‘Foundations of Well-being’ and ‘Personal Safety’.
Global contributions:
Indonesia’s tourism and agricultural support: The development of a Tourism Center at Sidrap Wind and support for coffee farmers and agrotourism projects in Salak and Darajat Geothermal exemplify our commitment to economic, environmental and cultural sustainability, aligning with the SPI’s ‘Foundations of Well-being’ and ‘Nutrition and Basic Medical Care’.
Community-based projects in Australia: Our engagement with local businesses through events and prioritization of SM in project procurement activities like New England Solar fosters economic growth and supports circular economy outcomes, contributing to the SPI’s ‘Employment’ and ‘Access to Basic Services’
In Indonesia, we collaborate with local farmers to engage in beekeeping activities aimed at restoring and conserving forests.
Ensuring inclusivity and sustainability
In addition to the highlighted initiatives, we also focus on inclusivity and sustainability in our livelihood creation efforts:
Support for fisherfolk: Initiatives like the distribution of fishing gear in Laguna and the construction of fiberglass boats in Quezon demonstrate our commitment to sustainable livelihoods for local fisherfolk, enhancing the SPI’s ‘Nutrition and Basic Medical Care’.
Educational and skills training: Our efforts extend to educational support, such as scholarships and training programs, which not only build skills relevant to our industry but also empower individuals to pursue diverse economic opportunities, aligning with the SPI’s ‘Access to Basic Knowledge’ and ‘Access to Advanced Education’.
Moving forward
We are dedicated to expanding our livelihood creation initiatives to include upskilling and promoting social entrepreneurship. Beyond providing income opportunities, we aim to equip community members with essential skills and support establishing social businesses. Through these efforts, we seek to empower individuals and foster economic self-sufficiency, creating a lasting positive impact on our host communities.
Empowering indigenous peoples
We are committed to protecting and empowering indigenous peoples across our markets. Our aim is to develop programs that ensure they have access to quality education, healthcare, economic opportunities while preserving their cultural heritage. Throughout our operations, we put importance in the integration of indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, with the goal of promoting resilience and inclusivity and cultivate meaningful collaborations.
Alignment to SPI:
Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Well-being, Opportunity
Contribution to SDGs:
1, 4, 5, 8, 10 16, 17
Indigenous peoples in San Marcelino, Zambales perform a traditional dance during a Padugo ritual ceremony symbolizing the community’s blessing to our 585 MW SanMar Solar project.
Strategic approach and SPI alignment
Philippines initiatives:
Preserving culture and creating livelihood opportunities: Our efforts to support the Yapayao Tribe in Ilocos Norte to construct their tribal hall and create green livelihood through agroforestry and agriculture contribute to SPI’s ‘Personal Rights’, ‘Environmental Qualty’, and ‘Nutrition & Basic Medical Care’.
Improving access to basic services: The donation of oxygen, water tanks, solar lamps, water pumps, medical equipment and motorcycle for transportation across our host communities in Zambales enhances the SPI’s ‘Nutrition & Basic Medical Care’ and ‘Water and Sanitation’.
Creation of an indigenous political system: Our assistance to the Ayta community in San Marcelino, Zambales on the development of an Indigenous Peoples Structure/Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPS/IPO), which establishes an indigenous political system among their group, aligns with the SPI’s ‘Opportunity’.
Global initiatives:
Cultural awareness program in Australia: Our New England Solar’s efforts in promoting cultural preservation and awareness foster deeper appreciation on indigenous heritage. Through our strong collaboration with Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) in pre-development stages, creation of aboriginal heritage management plan and monthly cultural awareness sessions led by First Nations group, we enhance the SPI’s ‘Access to Information and Communications’, ‘Personal Rights’, ‘Personal Freedom & Choice’ and ‘Inclusiveness’.
Moving forward
We will continue to enhance our initiatives for indigenous peoples across multiple domains, encompassing infrastructure, healthcare, livelihood and training. Working closely with community leaders, we will customize programs to meet their distinct needs and aspirations, thereby providing significant assistance for the well-being and cultural preservation of indigenous populations. Our objective is to establish an enduring relationship in the communities we engage with.
Health and wellness
We place utmost importance on improving the health and well-being of our communities.
By forging strategic alliances with local organizations, our goal is to establish a diverse array of health and wellness programs to cater different segments of the population, including school children, youth, senior citizens, women and other community members.
Alignment to SPI:
Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Well-being
Contribution to SDGs:
2, 3
Strategic approach and SPI alignment
Philippines initiatives:
Improving health access: Our medical missions and bloodletting initiatives in collaboration with local government units, local organizations , Philippine Red Cross and Generika, across our plants in Luzon and Visayas, our supplemental feeding program and donation of supplies, medicines, medical equipment and COVID-19 packages in Zambales, and HIV awareness campaigns in Laguna contribute to the SPI’s ‘Nutrition & Basic Medical Care’, ‘Health & Wellness’ and ‘Access to Information and Communication’.
Championing sports-related activities: Our annual wellness and sports events, like the Bike with the Wind and Run with the Wind in Ilocos Norte, Solarlympics in Zambales, that support tourism and community health contribute to SPI’s the ‘Health & Wellness.
Global contributions:
Breast cancer awareness and community-led initiatives in Australia: Our efforts to support well-being of all members of the community including the elderly, and our awareness campaign on breast cancer increase the SPI’s ‘Foundations of Well-being’. We also contribute to the SPI’s ‘Health & Wellness’ for our funding of community-led activities and festivities aimed at promoting wellness for the youth, elderly and all members of the community.
Health awareness programs in Indonesia: Our activities aimed at reducing stunting in our host communities, blood donation drives and donation of equipment to local health centers enrich the SPI’s ‘Nutrition & Basic Medical Care’. Meanwhile, the construction and improvement of existing open spaces and playground facilities for children in schools and local communities boost the SPI’s ‘Personal Safety’ and ‘Health & Wellness’.
Health assistance initiatives in Vietnam and Lao PDR: Contributions made to assist emergency health cases, maintenance of equipment in local hospitals, distribution of sports equipment and construction of a playground, and organizing sports events for the youth, enhance the SPI’s ‘Nutrition & Basic Medical Care’ and ‘Health & Wellness’.
Moving forward
We will remain steadfast in implementing programs aimed at improving health and sanitation practices and promoting hygiene education within the communities we serve. These initiatives will play a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases and fostering overall well-being within the communities we serve, especially in a post-pandemic world.
Climate change and emergency preparedness, mitigation and adaptation
The Philippines, our home market, is among the high risk countries in terms of climate change. That’s why we always place paramount importance on disaster preparedness and environmental conservation. Our efforts on environmental conservation are supported by initiatives on skills and capacity-building for our host communities to make them resilient to climate change and prepare them for other emergencies.
Alignment to SPI:
Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Well-being
Contribution to SDGs:
11, 13, 17
Indigenous peoples in San Marcelino, Zambales perform a traditional dance during a Padugo ritual ceremony symbolizing the community’s blessing to our 585 MW SanMar Solar project.
Strategic approach and SPI alignment
Philippines initiatives:
Safety awareness and skills training programs: Across Luzon and Visayas, our efforts to strengthen the disaster response capabilities of our host communities before, during and after natural disasters and emergencies, including the distribution of equipment and relief aid increase during calamities, strengthen the SPI’s ‘Personal Safety’, ‘Nutrition & Basic Medical Care’ and ‘Access to Information & Communications’. These efforts are in collaboration with local governments, local schools, protection services like the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, local disaster risk reduction and management councils, and the Ayala group’s disaster council.
Global initiatives:
Strengthening watershed management in Australia: Our support to improve watershed health in Mudgee through our Social Investment Program aligns with the SPI’s ‘Environmental Quality’.
Natural disaster prevention in Vietnam: We have provided funding support through the government’s Natural Disaster Management to support communities during natural disasters in Dai Phong, donated firefighting equipment in Than Linh District, distributed fires extinguishers to women in Thien Nghiel Commune, extended financial support to build charity houses in Ninh Son District and renovate houses in Dai Phong and provided materials for local traffic & safety in Khan Hoa and Dak Lak . These efforts contribute to SPI’s ‘Basic Human Needs’ and ‘Personal Safety’.
Moving forward
We will continue to fortify our collaborations with stakeholders and local partners to devise and execute initiatives that strengthen disaster preparedness measures and build community resilience. Through investments in education, training and necessary equipment, our goal is to empower both individuals and families to adeptly address emergencies and champion environmental conservation efforts.
