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Richmond Mercurio - The Philippine Star
February 21, 2025 | 12:00am
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — Business titans Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Ramon S. Ang welcomed the inclusion of their respective companies in the recently released top 500 companies in Asia Pacific of TIME.
“We are honored at Ayala Corporation to be recognized in TIME Magazine’s inaugural list of the World’s Best Companies for 2025 in the Asia-Pacific region,” Zobel, chairman of Ayala, said in a social media post.
Ayala, the country’s oldest conglomerate, emerged the highest-ranked Filipino company in the list at the 46th spot. Also included was Ayala-led Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. at the 364th spot.
“Our deepest gratitude extends to our partners and stakeholders, whose trust and collaboration have been integral to our success. Most importantly, we thank our employees – whose passion and commitment have been fundamental in bringing Ayala’s purpose to life. This recognition belongs to all of you,” Zobel said.
Three companies under the San Miguel Group, meanwhile, made the top 500 companies in the Asia Pacific list.
Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and its subsidiaries Petron Corp. and Ginebra San Miguel Inc. have all been included in the World’s Best Companies of 2025 in the Asia Pacific list by TIME and Statista.
SMC was the second highest-ranked Philippine company in the list at the 85th spot. Petron ranked 216th and Ginebra placed at 345th.
A total of 29 companies from the Philippines were able to make the list, which was based on employee satisfaction, financial performance and sustainability transparency.
Ang, SMC chairman and CEO, said the recognition reflect the group’s commitment to excellence in business and social responsibility.
“This recognition sets the stage for an even stronger 2025. It continues to prove that Filipino companies can compete on the global stage and make meaningful impact beyond business,” Ang said.
SMC said that the recognition is the latest in a string of global awards for the company.
In 2024, it was named among the World’s Best Companies by TIME (463rd) and Forbes’ Best Employers (89th), the highest-ranked Philippine firm in the latter’s top 100.
SMC continues to lead in nation-building through its diverse portfolio of businesses, with major initiatives in infrastructure, energy and the environment.
Over eight million tons of waste from nine river systems in and around Luzon has been removed by the company so far through its Better Rivers PH project.
Its infrastructure network including expressways and airports, meanwhile, strengthen connectivity and economic growth.
SMC also supports food security through partnerships with local farmers and operates Better World community centers that address hunger, education and healthcare gaps.
