San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) have signed an Integration Agreement to connect the Arca South on and off ramps into the Skyway system via the upcoming South East Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME) or Skyway Stage 4 project.

The collaboration marks a significant milestone in addressing the growing need for efficient transportation and connectivity in Metro Manila.

SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang, Ayala Corp. President Cezar P. Consing, and ALI President and CEO Anna Ma. Margarita B. Dy, signed the agreement.

The integration of Arca South on and off ramps into the Skyway Stage 4 project, is set to commence construction in 2024 and will enable seamless access from the Skyway to Arca South.

SMC Infrastructure is the concessionaire for the 32.66-kilometer Skyway Stage 4, that connects the Skyway system at the Arca South all the way to Batasan Complex in Quezon City. The expressway will provide an alternate route from the South to the Eastern parts of Metro Manila including Rizal province.

With interchanges at Ortigas Avenue Extension, Marcos Highway, and Tumana Bridge towards the Batasan complex, it is seen to ease traffic congestion on major arteries such as EDSA and C5, and enhance connectivity throughout Metro Manila’s Eastern corridor.

The partnership will also significantly boost transportation, as it enhances future connectivity to other major infrastructure projects planned within Arca South, including the Taguig Integrated Terminal Exchange (Taguig-ITX), North-South Commuter Railway, and Metro Manila Subway Project.

This will significantly benefit commuters and contribute to the overall improvement of transportation in the region, aligning with SMC and ALI’s commitment to nation-building and infrastructure development.

“We are pleased to announce our collaboration with San Miguel Corporation which will allow for the integration of Arca South into the SEMME,” Cezar Consing, Ayala Land vice chairman said. “This collaboration will improve connectivity, benefiting not only the Arca South community but various stakeholders in Taguig as well,” he added.

For his part, SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said. “We are grateful for this opportunity to work with Ayala Land. This also supports the vision for Arca South to create more jobs, new business opportunities, and deliver more residential and lifestyle options for Filipinos–while dispersing economic growth and easing traffic congestion.”

He added: “This partnership shows that when major companies work together, the potential for driving positive change is immense. By combining our resources and expertise, we will be doing more than just building infrastructure. We will pave the way towards a more connected Metro Manila, where people have a better chance to thrive, prosper, and enhance their quality of life,” Ang added.

Ayala Land’s focus on accessibility, particularly for its Central Business Districts such as Makati, BGC, and Arca South, is underscored by the strategic integration of Arca South into the Skyway Stage 4 Project.

Arca South, launched by ALI in 2014, is a testament to Ayala Land’s dedication to creating vibrant and sustainable communities. The 74-hectare mixed-use master-planned development serves as a central business district, featuring six residential projects, commercial lots, and various components such as Ayala Malls Arca South, Landers, a football field, and an events area.

The Philippines is a country with tight-knit family relationship. In fact extended family is evident. There may be four generations living under one roof. Living from a distance may not be a practice. Families of overseas Filipino workers tend to live nearby. 

In provinces, seeing huge property lot with several houses may be a common sight.  I saw how happy a big family of 20 people staying in a 7-bedroom house. 

The Philippines is a FUN place indeed.

Getting into business, statistics will show we have more, which had begun within the family. The likes of Ayala, Gokongwei, Sy, Tan, Razon are examples of giant conglomerates that started business roots from the family. 

Growth of a business is not a walk in the park. There are challenges, which come along the way. As a franchise business mentor together with my spouse Lyndah, have been witnesses to roller coaster rides of family businesses.

Family Members: An Obligation vs. Options

Having a son or daughter active in managing a family business is a sight to behold. What is wrong is to obligate and with no choice at all. On the other hand there are parents who are open-minded. There are options presented. 

Years ago, there was a family of three who applied for a franchise business. The eldest daughter just resigned from her job in a bank. From what appeared the father wanted to get his daughter an existing franchise business. The daughter and her mother agreed with him. In short they obtained a nice location and began to operate the business. 

Six months passed, there was an urgent call from the franchisor. The daughter who was in charge of managing the business was missing. She left a letter addressed to her parents. The letter was brief and to the point. She could not anymore be living under their dictates. Further she did not really like the idea of getting the business. She was just pleasing her dad. The girl went abroad and till this day never established communications with her family. 

The franchise business was pre-terminated with the franchisor managing the branch.  

On the other hand, there was this couple with three children. They all chose to find jobs and even went abroad. A few years after, one of the children approached his mother. The job he took could not meet his family’s needs. He was not there to ask for financial support. What he wanted is to see possibility of joining the family business. 

He was accepted on certain conditions. First he had to undergo the basic training as normally given to every employee. The son had to struggle in working at production, riding delivery trucks and attending to customer service. The mother wanted to communicate being a member of the family is not an automatic rise to a managerial position. 

Today the son understood every aspect of the business. The other two came back after experiencing difficulties abroad. The parents are now proud to have with them all active in their respective field.

My Advise: Get Into A Dialogue

Parents to set the tone of the dialogue.  Allow children to say what they have in mind. Parents on the other hand may explain the vision. Example the current plans for the business. The dialogue is not expected to end with a definite commitment. In fact dialogue may be done on a regular basis. Ensure the atmosphere is conducive and avoid including too many in the dialogue.