‘Care Day’ shows companies’ shared commitment to making social impact

Cebu | 3 May 2024: Avolon and Cebu Pacific (‘CEB’) have forged a partnership to renovate a community centre in a rural village on Cebu in the Philippines. The centre is run by a local charity - the City Gates Academy - and helps to feed under-privileged children who are often orphans or have parents struggling with addiction.

Over 50 Avolon and CEB staff took part in the project to build the centre a new kitchen, dining area and outdoor play area.  The team also upgraded indoor areas, built a vegetable garden, and provided funds to cover the running costs of the centre for the next year.

This partnership marks a milestone for both organizations, with CEB becoming Avolon's first airline partner in a community development program. Both companies are leveraging their strong partnership to achieve goals beyond their day-to-day commercial activities, putting their shared approach to CSR and community engagement to work.

The centre is located in the village of Lang Lang, Cebu in the rural heart of the island from which the airline takes its name. Avolon and CEB are both committed to CSR strategies with a strong social commitment that prioritises engagement with local communities. Avolon’s ‘Care Days’ are an annual company-wide activity, but this was the first time it has worked alongside one of its key customers in their country of operations.

The event was attended by CEB’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Szücs, alongside all the airline’s senior management team and other staff members. They were joined by Avolon’s Chief Operating Officer Felipe Campos together with representatives from Avolon’s Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai offices.

Felipe Campos, Chief Operating Officer, Avolon commented: “Supporting communities is a core element of our CSR strategy and as a global business it was exciting for us to partner with a key customer whose values and social goals are aligned with our own. It has been an uplifting experience working together to improve the lives of the children who benefit from the important work of the City Gates Academy. Today’s efforts will leave a lasting legacy and I know this visit to Cebu is something that the Avolon team will remember for the rest of their lives.”

Felix Lopez, Chief Human Resources Officer, Cebu Pacific commented: "Cebu Pacific has always believed in giving back to the communities we serve. We are grateful for partners like Avolon who share our passion for making meaningful impact and actively promote volunteerism among their employees. This partnership not only shows our deep commitment to social responsibility but also highlights the power of collective action in driving lasting change.”

Cebu and Avolon have worked together since 2012. Avolon is a leading global aviation finance company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and CEB is the leading carrier in the Philippines.