MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Publicis Groupe Philippines, through its global “Working with Cancer” (WWC) initiative, has signed a Memorandum of Association (MOA) with Ayala Healthcare Holdings (AC Health) and the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) establishing the three companies as the founding partners to drive the WWC Pledge forward in the market.
The signed MOA represents the firm pledge and collaboration between these organizations to create a more supportive professional environment for all cancer fighters, caregivers, and survivors, providing them with the essential job security and care they need throughout their careers.
The WWC Pledge was originally unveiled earlier this year in Davos, spearheaded by Arthur Sadoun, Global Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe. Arthur has been open about his cancer diagnosis and created the Pledge to push for significant concrete organizational action when it comes to supporting those dealing with chronic disease. The initiative is also supported by leading cancer charities and organizations, including the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), MacMillan Cancer Support, and the Gustave Roussy Institute.
Joanne Abrihan-Ty, Representative of Publicis Groupe Philippines, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to formalize our alliance with AC Health and PMAP as we move to rally the most influential companies to build the most open, supportive, and recovery-forward work cultures for employees. In a world where one in every two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, we believe that WWC should be a movement for all businesses, big or small.”
PMAP, founded over 59 years ago, is a professional, non-stock, not-for-profit organization of over 1,800 member companies and individual management executives engaged or interested in Human Resource Management (HRM) and Industrial Relations (IR) work. For PMAP President Ma. Elizabeth Nasol, being a part of the MOA stems from a mission to improve organizations’ support for their people.
She said, “This cancer support initiative, born out of the collaborative effort of the founding partners, carries a profound message, that cancer should never be a personal problem. PMAP, as an influential organization in people management, recognizes that it has the power to shape corporate practices and people’s lives. In line with this influence, we affirm that the WWC movement is not merely an initiative but a reflection of our values of empathy, compassion, and unity. Through this collaboration, we pledge to encourage our member organizations to provide comprehensive support in the face of cancer – a shared challenge that ensures that those affected by it will never have a solitary journey.”
Established in 2015, AC Health is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Ayala Corporation that aims to provide every Filipino with accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare. “It’s an honor to be a part of the Working with Cancer initiative,” Paolo Borromeo, President and CEO of AC Health, shared. “At AC Health, we’ve always been committed to finding better solutions to problems across the healthcare sector – a passion that has led us to initiatives like the opening of the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, the first dedicated cancer hospital in the country, and the roll-out of our Connected Care Circle Program for Oncology across our entire Healthway Medical Network. We are excited about our role in helping the WWC movement grow because we recognize our responsibility and obligation, as providers and employers, to provide the best care and environment to our employees for cancer screening, treatment, and recovery. Together, we can do much to revolutionize cancer care in the workplace setting.”
Jaime Ysmael, President and CEO of the Healthway Medical Network (AC Health’s Hospitals and Clinics group), added, “Making this cancer awareness movement grow and getting more support from the employer side is a big step in the right direction. As part of the Ayala Group, we’re always deeply concerned about employee welfare, and we feel that a company is only as strong as its people. So, we need to get more involved in their care and provide them with the right support, especially as they continue to fight the disease. Together, indeed, let’s fight the stigma.”
Dave Drilon, Chief Digital Officer of Publicis Groupe Philippines, further shared, “With the intent of providing better cancer care in the workplace, there’s certainly a need for greater awareness and action. We must work closer with companies to ensure these programs get implemented. The formalization of the pledge with our founding partners AC Health and PMAP is but the first step to growing this movement in the country, something we will nurture for many years to come, and we look forward to working with more businesses and institutions in this undertaking.”
