exceletterThe Official Bi-annual Publication of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc.

What's inside

ISSUE NO. 30 | JUNE 2017

6Professorial Chairs Program:‘Tsinelas’ leadership is antidote to the nation’s ills—VP Robredo

Art Made Public:Art beyond the galleries

1652nd Anvil Awards:Accolades earned, advocacies validated

ON THE COVER Elisea, 10, is a student of Cabarasan Daku Elementary School in Palo, Leyte - one of the Metrobank Foundation's beneficiary schools.

12

an investment for the nation

education,

READ STORY ON PAGE 8

EXCELETTER is a chronicle

of excellence. It is only

fitting that we strive to

be nothing short of it.

“

ANICETO M. SOBREPEÑA

Message from

the President

Mabuhay!

We bring you the June 2017 issue of ExceLetter, our bi-annual supplement specifically published to share with you the strides we have made in our relentless pursuit of building the nation.

Inside, you will find a mixture of features and visuals that—we hope—are relevant and informative, but above all inspiring. On the cover, we present you with a story on the philanthropic activities on education of none other than our Metrobank Group founder and chairman, Dr. George S.K. Ty.

We feature the story of one of our scholars who is distinguished not only for her academic achievements but more so for being an active game-changer in her school and community. We profile the lives of our Metrobank Math Challenge national winners—two young math wizards who, despite having failed to win the first time, did not give up on their dreams and so emerged victorious this year.

Advocating for transformative, people-oriented governance, we also have a story on the ‘Tsinelas’ Leadership lecture of Vice President Leni Robredo, our 2017 recipient of the Professorial Chair for Public Service and Governance.

Also in spotlight is a profile of one of our social development partners, the Good Neighbors International Philippines. We partnered with them in providing young Filipino learners with access to quality instruction and learning.

On another front, we have a photo essay on the fruits of the Bags of Blessing program, an annual Chinese New Year celebration done through the distribution of goods to several families nationwide, undertaken together with GT Foundation.

Finally, we present you with a story on our month-long art exhibition and lecture series across the country—a conscious effort to upraise public appreciation for art.

As you browse through this issue, we encourage you to share with us your feedback. ExceLetter is a chronicle of excellence, and so it is only fitting to be committed to continuously improve with each issue. We will strive to be nothing short of it.

Sincerely yours,

exce l e t t e r JUNE 2017PAGE 2

exceletter

EDITORIAL BOARD

Nicole Q. CortezED I TO R- I N-C H I E F

AR T A N D LAYO U T ED I TO R

Laarnie T. LunaDarwin M. MasacupanAlmira C. Villanueva

RE P O R T E R S

Ray Chen S. BahintingCO N T R I B U TO R S

SUPERVISING COMMITTEE

Christopher L. BugaoanCO R P O R AT E CO M M U N I C AT I O N S HE A D

Irene D. LabitadAS S I S TA N T EX E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R

Nicanor L. Torres, Jr.EX E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R

Aniceto M. Sobrepeña PR E S I D E N T

ADDRESS: 4F Executive Offices, Metrobank Plaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., 1200 Makati CityTELEPHONE: (02) 898 88 55 | 857 59 18TELEFAX: (02) 818 56 56 | 750 08 37EMAIL: foundation@metrobank.com.phWEBSITE: http://mbfoundation.org.ph

@MBFIPhilsMetrobank_FoundationMetroBnkFoundation

MetrobankFoundationOfficial

contact us

dear reader,

May the stories in this issue equip you with enough inspiration and willpower to share in the ever-onward goal of building a progressive nation. Do share your comments and suggestions through our contact channels.

JUNE 2017 exce l e t t e r PAGE 3

in this issue

Metrobank Math Challenge:

Not a walk in the park

4

Professorial Chairs Program:

'Tsinelas Leadership' is antidote to nation's ills—VP Robredo

6

Metrogold Scholarship Program:

Stronger beyond any measure—

A scholar shares the role of struggle in success

7

George Ty's Legacy Beyond Business:

Education, an investment for the nation

8

Bags of Blessing:

'Ang paos' for Filipino families

10 12

Art Made Public:

Art beyond the galleries

14

Mbfi Grants Program:

Hope in (and for) our youth

16

52nd Anvil Awards:

MBFI bags 7 Anvils

managed to beat them with the smallest of margins, thus losing their chance to advance to the MMC National Finals.

They were not discouraged though. They chose to train harder and try again next year.

Redeeming themselves from last year’s loss, they emerged as first placers in the 2017 MMC Grade 6 Team Competition.

It was the19th of February, 2016—the day of the Regional Team Finals of the Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC), the most widely

participated math competition for elementary and high school students nationwide.

Chiara Tan-Gatue and Kian Chua of St. Jude Catholic School had their hopes and confidence steady. But as the difficult round rolled in, they slipped and got an answer wrong. Eventually another team

Metrobank Math Challenge:

Not a walk in the park

STORY BY DARWIN M. MASACUPAN

exce l e t t e r JUNE 2017PAGE 4

IN THE PHOTO MMC 2017 National Winners Chiara Tan-Gatue and Kian Chua of St. Jude Catholic School.

Since 1998, the Metrobank Math Challenge (MMC) has had a proud history of nurturing the youth’s

potential, with winners and finalists coming from all walks of life. The competition has consistently been at the forefront of proving that math can be for everyone.

Tracing the history:

MMC through the years

1997MBFI entered into a tripartite partnership with MTAP & DECS-NCR.

1998Conducted the first MMC from Gr. 1-6

and 1st-4th year students in NCR.

2001The Foundation took a giant step forward by expanding the competition to include all public and private elementary schools nationwide, while maintaining the high school competition in NCR.

2003The competition was further expanded to cover all elementary and high school students across

the Philippines.

2004MMC received its first international recognition: the Asian CSR Award for Most Outstanding Project in Education.

2014Mathew, MMC’s own

mascot was introduced. “Operation MATHew” was

launched providing MMC winners an opportunity to

pay-it-forward.

2015MBFI used digital technology in the conduct of the National Finals, for the 1st time in the history of MMC.

A CHILDHOOD DREAM

“Mathematics has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” said Chiara. Her earliest memory was counting numbers long before she formed words. She credits her mother, an avid math buff, for nurturing her passion for the subject.

This was also the case for Kian, who started joining the MMC since second grade. Aside from his parents, he was inspired to join the competition because of his first trainer, Mrs. Francisco, who, as Kian recalled, “taught me the foundation of mathematics.”

Imagine thus their pride at being able to represent their school in the MMC. Chiara said, “It was such a great honor to be selected as participant in such a prestigious and well-known competition.”

A VICTORY, SO SWEET

The road to the National Finals was not a walk in the park, though. Chiara and Kian had to train really hard to keep their stance against other established schools. They went through many training sessions, where they were asked to answer difficult questions with speed and accuracy under extreme pressure.

Their coach, Betty Mijares, also made sure they were prepared to absorb the emotional toll of the competition.

“We taught them about the realities of every competition—that victory is sweeter if they truly worked hard for it and true courage is best shown through a dignified acceptance of defeat,” Mijares shared.

For Chiara and Kian, everything was worth it. “Not only are we pushed to do our utmost, but I noticed

even our teachers are bringing their A-game to keep up. MMC is really helping us bring out the best in ourselves,” Chiara said.

Since 1998, the MMC has had a proud history of nurturing the youth’s potential, with winners and finalists coming from all walks of life. The competition has consistently been at the forefront of proving that math can be for everyone.

“MMC made me realize excelling in math is not just a test or a contest, but an unforgettable journey,” Kian said.

JUNE 2017 exce l e t t e r PAGE 5

IN THE PHOTO (L-R): MBFI trustee Elvira Ong-Chan, MTAP president Sr. Iluminada Coronel, Kian, Chiara, Saint Jude Catholic School coach Betty Marie Mijares; Manila Tytana Colleges president Dr. Sergio Cao, and MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña during the awarding ceremonies of MMC last April 22, 2017.

is conferred annually to individuals who have shown outstanding records in public service. Past recipients include Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales for public service and governance, and Associate Justice Magdangal de Leon for law.

A CONTINUED ADVOCACY

‘Tsinelas’ leadership was first advocated and practiced by Vice President Robredo’s late husband—then Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo.

In the 20 years her husband served as mayor, Robredo saw how important it is for leaders to immerse themselves in the community, sharing power and authority with the people.

“Jesse would go around the city, in his bicycle, wearing slippers. He cleaned the streets and joined garbage trucks. All his constituents knew his cellphone number. He was always accessible,” Robredo shared to the

audience at the Ateneo Professional Schools auditorium.

When Jesse passed away, Leni continued the torch of ‘tsinelas’ leadership in her capacity as the country’s second-in-command.

A VEHICLE FOR EMPATHY AND HOPE

“It has become clear to me that 'tsinelas' leadership is truly the vehicle for empathy,” Robredo said.

After assuming the Vice Presidency post, Robredo created an Anti-Poverty program called ‘Angat-Buhay’.

With Metrobank Foundation as partner, the program helps craft solutions for the 50 poorest, farthest, and smallest towns in the country, with the involvement of local settlers.

One of those towns is Agutaya, a 10-hour boat ride from Coron, Palawan and one of the greatly affected towns during the supertyphoon Yolanda.

“This place is so far away that people cried when we arrived. It was the first time they had been visited by a national government official,” she said.

Four years after Yolanda, the small town has yet to rise from the fall. The local school is still unusable; children are stunted and malnourished; and their only source of livelihood, harvesting seaweeds, has been overrun by commercial boats.

Robredo said, “It is not enough we just send help. If we want to serve our people, we have to go where they are.”

Empathy is the key for this, she said. “Empathy requires us to act swiftly.

When the poor speaks and lets us into their lives, the window of service opens,” Robredo said.

exce l e t t e r JUNE 2017PAGE 6

Professorial Chairs Program:

STORY BY RAY CHEN S. BAHINTING

'Tsinelas' Leadership as antidote to nation's ills

Vice President Leni Robredo thinks of leadership like a 'tsinelas':

a commitment to keep everything simple and to serve as close to the grassroots community as possible.

As chairholder of the 2017 Metrobank Professorial Chair for Public Service and Governance last March 14, VP Robredo said empathy through the ‘tsinelas’ leadership is what today’s Filipino leaders must arm themselves with, as it can serve as the antidote to the nation’s prevalent culture of populism, fear and polarity.

“Political leaders must have ears to the ground, feet planted in reality, really big hearts and lots of patience,” said Robredo, the 2017 addition to the esteemed roster of recipients of the Professorial Chairs Program.

The program is a joint initiative of the Ateneo Professional Schools and the Metrobank Foundation, which

It is not enough to just send help. If we want to

serve the people, we haveto go where they are.

- VICE PRESIDENT LENI ROBREDO

“

For the Filipino, the ‘tsinelas’ (slippers) is a symbol of humility, helping one

reach unchartered paths while keeping both feet planted on the ground.

IN THE PHOTO VP Leni Robredo during one of her routinary community visits in an urban shantytown.

Photo from VP Robredo's website.

JUNE 2017 exce l e t t e r PAGE 7

Her story started with a tragedy. Yet our protagonist,

bright as she is, has found ways to turn all the tragic into magic. In her words, it’s a tale “filled with typhoon-shaped obstacles rimmed with hope and inspiration.”

She is Bon Yannicka Chua, an Accountancy graduate from the University of the East (UE)

and a recipient of the scholarship program ACCESS II of MBFI and GT Foundation, the Ty family foundation.

POWERING THROUGH LIFE'S STORMS

The eldest of three children, Bon was born and raised in Binondo. When his father’s business went bankrupt, their family moved in with relatives in Tacloban City. It was there that they came face-to-face with supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013.

On that fateful day, terrifying winds blew away their roof, while the raging waters swept through their house. Amid the chaos, Bon managed to help her siblings climb over to their neighbor’s roof, thus saving their lives.

She recalled, “I felt so tired. We all stared blankly at the still rising waters, not even thinking about what the future would hold—only the present, with hunger and shivers.”

In one month, Bon was able to transfer to UE and obtained a short-term scholarship. But it was not enough, as her parents were deeply traumatized by their Yolanda experience and found it difficult to find a job.

She thus applied as a part-time clerk at a garments factory. She was also accepted as a GT Foundation scholar with the help of their guidance counsellor, a former scholar herself.

PICKING HERSELF UP

Bon doubled her efforts when it came to academics, seeing education as a ticket to a better life. A consistent dean’s lister, she felt honored by the trust given by her benefactors.

“Their faith has given me light and hope,” she said.

Juggling roles and responsibilities became second nature to Bon. As a member of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), she handled designs for events and

An MBFI scholar shares the role of struggle in sucess

Stronger beyond any measure —

STORY BY DARWIN M. MASACUPAN

Metrogold Scholarship Program:

emerged as champion at an impromptu speech competition. She even found time to intern with MBFI, giving generously of her time and skills to help the Financial Services Unit.

With the blessings she received, Bon could not help but be compassionate herself. When she learned that a classmate who did not eat lunch with them couldn’t afford to do so, she and her friends took turns in shouldering his meals at school.

“I knew how it feels to skip meals while studying; it’s hard to focus,” she shared.

STEPPING FURTHER

Bon recently graduated cum laude and is now taking review classes in preparation for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure exams in October. She also plans to pursue law and become a CPA-lawyer.

Looking back at those difficult moments in her life, Bon has this to say: “Seeming misfortunes are present in our lives to remind us not of our shortcomings, but of the fact that we are stronger beyond measure. We can choose the easy way out and give up, but the victory won't feel as sweeter.”

IN THE PHOTO Bon, during the Q&A portion of 2016

NCR Mr. and Ms. Ambassador of Goodwill. She's

hailed as the Ambassadress of

Sportsmanship.

exce l e t t e r JUNE 2017PAGE 8

No question—Metrobank Group chairman and founder Dr. George S.K. Ty is one of the country’s greatest banking magnates.

What started as a small bank in the outskirts of Binondo, Manila's chinatown, has flourished into a strong business conglomerate, spreading its roots from banking to financial services, travel, car manufacturing, insurance, and real estate.

The steady growth of Dr. Ty’s corporate ventures through the years is, by itself, a legacy of historic proportions.

But beyond business, Dr. Ty would always say he wants to be remembered for his philanthropy. “Leadership in business entails leadership in community service” has since been his credo.

“Philanthropy is not an afterthought, not something I started only after banking became profitable. It is part of Metrobank’s guiding spirit and philosophy,” he said, back when he was awarded as the “MAP Management Man of the Year” in 2006.

TY'S EDUCATION PHILANTHROPY

Recognizing education as a driving force in nation-building, George Ty initiated programs and grant-making activities through the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, and the GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), the Ty family foundation, to help uplift the education sector of the country.

Since the founding of MBFI and GTFI, Dr. Ty has invested more than Php1.5 billion in grants, both large and small, to bridge gaps in the Philippine educational system. This act of extraordinary generosity has benefited over 500 schools; and tens of thousands of educators and students nationwide—especially those in towns most in need of quality learning.

“Education funding is not merely charity or selective altruism. It is an investment in the nation's future,” he said.

This amount excludes million-peso funding for the annual education programs of MBFI, such as the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT), the Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC), the MetroGold Scholarship Program (MSP), and the National Teachers’ Month (NTM). Excluded as well are education legacy projects of Dr. Ty done through MBFI and GTFI, such as major donations to infrastructure and facilities-building in Philippine Science Highschool, University of the Philippines, Asian Institute of Management, among others.

DISASTER-RESILIENT SCHOOLS

For 10-year-old Elisea, having a classroom with adequate facilities is essential to learning. This, she could personally attest to.

A student of the Cabarasan Daku Elementary School in Palo, Leyte, Elisea was one of the thousands left vulnerable when supertyphoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in 2013. Her school was severely destroyed: roofs were ripped away; chairs were ruined; and books became nothing but a muddy slur of lost words.

MBFI, together with Plan International Philippines, came to their aid—rebuilding classrooms more equipped and disaster-resilient than ever before.

“My classmates and I can better concentrate on our studies because we have nice and clean classrooms now. The walls are stronger and we even have a restroom inside,” she said.

Education, an investment for the na

LEGACY BEYOND BUSINESS:

STORY BY NICOLE Q. CORTEZ

Beyond business, George Ty would always say he wants to be remembered for his philanthropy. This, he takes very seriously—especially through the uplifting of the education sect

This has always been Dr. Ty's overarching vision of an empowered Philippines—that, where each and every Filipino is given the opportunity to build the future they deserve.

“

IN THE PHOTO Elisea (right), one of MBFI's student- beneficiaries.

JUNE 2017 exce l e t t e r PAGE 9

Elisea is but one of the many, many others who benefited from Dr. Ty’s desire to support students who lack the means to get through school.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES EDUCATION

George Ty has also actively supported like-minded organizations in the pursuit of holistic Philippine education through the grant-making initiatives of MBFI and GTFI.

Case in point is the Cartwheel Foundation’s education program for the Higaonon people at Barangay Sinakungan in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. One of the thriving ethnic groups in Mindanao, the Higaonons of Sinakungan are burdened by the lack of an indigenous education program, thus curtailing their dreams of ensuring a brighter future for their youth.

In 2012, MBFI supported projects to address these needs. It funded Cartwheel's education program; particularly, the indigenization and integration of the Higaonon’s culture, beliefs, and practices into the school curriculum.

The grant enabled Cartwheel to conduct trainings for para-teachers in the community. A Tribal Education Council was also formed—creating a culture of sharing among community members, especially the young and the old, who are encouraged to gather and celebrate their indigenous identity.

Last year, MBFI once again supported Cartwheel—this time, in support of their Early Childhood and Elementary Education (ECEE) program. The ECEE focuses on facilitating access to culturally-relevant learning for 54 Higaonon children for school year 2016-2017.

The rehabilitation of “tologan,” a gathering area culturally significant for the Higaonon, is one of ECEE’s unique components. It is envisioned to benefit not only the learners, but all the other 126 community members of Sinakungan in keeping sacred their traditions and cultural celebrations.

“The grant does not only benefit the students but the whole community, for it has given them much hope for the future,” said Cartwheel’s Education coordinator Bricks Sintaon.

tion, or the nation

eyond business, George Ty would always say he wants to be remembered for his philanthropy. This, f the education sector of the country.

EDUCATED CITIZENRY, EMPOWERED COUNTRY

To date, George Ty has given out P185 million worth of scholarships, alleviating the plight underprivileged but deserving students far and wide.

A total of P74.5 million worth of grant-based educational interventions has also been supported by Dr. Ty, helping elevate standards of education in hundreds of rural and urban communities nationwide.

For Dr. Ty, these educational interventions are investments for the nation. This has always been his overarching vision of an empowered Philippines—that, where each and every Filipino is given the opportunity to build the future they deserve.

He said: “The path to social change is a long, gruelling journey. But by persistently bolstering public awareness and participation in what we do, we have rallied more and more Filipinos to join us in our efforts to build this nation.”

Php74.1 milliongrant-based interventions for schools

Php228.3 milliongrant-based interventions for teachers and students nationwide

619beneficiary schools

4,315student and teacher beneficiaries

Php 1.5 billionconsolidated amount of various education interventions of George Ty

Education funding is not merely charity or

selective altruism. It is an investment in the

nation's future.

“

- DR. GEORGE S.K. TY

IN THE PHOTO Cartwheel Foundation's and MBFI's student-beneficiaries.

*Data only covers 1994-'95, '97-2003, '05-'06, '09-2016; data for other years cannot be accessed.

exce l e t t e r JUNE 2017PAGE 10

Chinese New Year 'ang paos' for Filipino families

Bags of Blessing:

Ushering the Chinese New Year through the spirit of giving,

the Metrobank Group, led by chairman and founder Dr. George S.K. Ty, continues a commitment that’s been growing since 2011: the Bags of Blessing (BOB) initiative, implemented by the GT Foundation and the Metrobank Foundation.

Through the BOB distributions this year, a total of 10,000 indigent families in 22 sites nationwide received 10,000 food packs amounting to P10 million.

The sites visited were Antipolo and Cottolengo in Rizal, Pampanga, Baguio, Bataan, Cavite, and Laguna for Luzon; Cebu, Leyte, and Ilo-ilo for Visayas; Zamboanga, Davao, Cotabato, and Tawi-Tawi for Mindanao; and Caloocan, Makati, Manila, Marikina, Navotas, Pasay, Quezon City, and Taguig for NCR.

Each bag contained five kilos of rice, cooking oil, noodles, coffee, milk, sugar, and assorted canned goods, including a snack pack for kids.

The 2017 Bags of Blessing was carried out with the support of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine National Police.

On the day of the Chinese New Year, Taguig City was the first stop for BOB. The distribution was led by Dr. Ty and his family, Mayor Lani Cayetano, and Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

Volunteers from AFP exhibited utmost dedication from start to end. There were a lot of bags to be moved and carried during the BOB distributions, but not once did they lose their smiles.

STORY BY DARWIN M. MASACUPAN / NICOLE Q. CORTEZ

JUNE 2017 exce l e t t e r PAGE 11

Our Metrobankers would not be outdone. Taking a break from usual desk work, they volunteered their time in helping the beneficiaries, especially women, carry the bags back to waiting families.

No one was left behind. Persons with disabilities and senior citizens were prioritized in the selection of beneficiaries and distribution of goods.

PNP volunteers donned strength and endurance as they courteously strived to live up to their motto, “to serve and protect” during the BOB distributions.

Joy radiated from our brothers and sisters in Cotabato City as they received big 'ang paos' in time for the Chinese New Year.

Mothers and their kids bring home bags and smiles after the BOB distributions. Each bag is enough to sustain basic needs for at least a week.

Art- beyond the galleries

Art MADE Public:

The time has come to break the age-old myth that art is exclusive only to those who have the capacity to visit museums and galleries. Art is,

and should be for everyone—and this is an advocacy the Metrobank Foundation has actively supported and promoted since 1984.

STORY BY ALMIRA C. VILLANUEVA

exce l e t t e r JUNE 2017PAGE 12

IN THE PHOTO A participant in one of the public art exhibitions under the Art MADE Public initiative.

This year, the Metrobank Foundation through its pioneering art recognition

program—Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE)—launched a month-long traveling art exhibition and lecture series called the “Art MADE Public” in time for the National Arts Month celebration last February.

Taking art beyond gallery walls and bringing wider public access to art, this year’s installment of Art MADE Public kicked off on February 3 at S Maison, the newest lifestyle destination at the podium of Conrad Manila. It carried the theme “Past meets Present”—a visual ode to the artistic evolution of former MADE awardees by featuring their winning artworks alongside their recent masterpieces.

“We remain committed to our goal of bringing art to the common man. We are confident this selection will introduce works of enduring quality and may encourage the public to delve more into the world of art,” said Lalaine Calicdan of the Art & Design Unit of MBFI.

The month-long exhibition visited 17 sites nationwide, consisting of 10 colleges and universities, one cultural institution, and five SM Supermalls. Among the places visited were the University of Sto. Tomas, Far Eastern University, Philippine Women’s College-Davao, University of Mindanao, and Angono, Rizal.

Over 500 participants joined the Art MADE Public lectures and workshops while a total of 83,000 foot traffic was recorded in SM Supermalls.

The Art MADE Public also conducted art workshops for teachers and students, lecturing them on basic art techniques as well as the benefits of the arts when used as a form of therapy.

JUNE 2017 exce l e t t e r PAGE 13

Good works inspire. If you can [promote art] on a consistent basis,

then it will continue to inspire others.

- MARK JUSTINIANI1990 Grand Winner

MADE Painting Competition

“

The Attack of the Righteous, Marky Andy Garcia

Tampuhan, Elmer Borlongan

Among the paintings featured at the exhibition was Tampuhan, Elmer Borlongan's winning entry to then 1992 Metrobank National Painting Competition. Set at a typical Filipino household, the piece depicts various emotions and poses of bald human figures, a signature style of Borlongan's works.

Borlongan is a two-time 2nd place winner of the MADE program and has since then held solo exhibitions here and abroad.

Another exhibited artwork is Mark Andy Garcia’s 2007 grand-prize winning painting, The Attack of the Righteous. The work combines together elements of good and evil, like rumbling tanks, church awaiting destruction, and a robotic monster.

Other former awardees whose works were featured included Mark Justiniani, Jan Leeroy New, Salvador Ching, Anton Del Castillo, Ferdinand Doctolero, and Andrew Tan. Like other members of the MADE-Network of Winners, the alumni organization of MADE, they too have started as young artists of their time and are now making their names in the local and international art scene.

As Mark Justiniani, 1990 MADE Painting grand winner, once said: “Good works inspire. If you can do it on a consistent basis, which is very difficult to do, then it will continue to inspire others.”

IN THE PHOTO Mallgoers enjoy the sight of the Art MADE Public exhibit at SM Lazaro, Manila, showcasing the paintings of previous MADE awardees.

TOOLS FOR LITERACY

Under GNIP’s education program, young Filipino learners are provided with access to quality instruction and learning—an opportunity still out of reach especially to the poor in far-flung rural communities.

“Every child has the right to education. We promote this, not just through the distribution of school resources to students; but more significantly, through support in implementing quality and sustainable education,” said Marivic Ong, GNIP’s program manager.

In 2016, GNIP partnered with MBFI for a bicycle provision project in two of their community development project areas that need them the most: Prieto Diaz in Sorsogon, and Guiuan in Eastern Samar.

Rizal's quote lives on at the core of what the Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP)—one of Metrobank Foundation’s social

development partners—has been doing for the welfare development of every Filipino child, especially those marginalized.

Established in 2008, the non-profit humanitarian organization plans, implements, and raises funds for the provision of basic services to disadvantaged Filipino children through integrated and child-centered programs on education, health, and disaster risk reduction and management, among others.

It is one of the most enduring quotes of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Its impact may have been softened—or

clichéd, even—by frequent reiteration through time, but the philosophy behind it still rings true today.

ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.(The youth is our

nation's hope.)

exce l e t t e r JUNE 2017PAGE 14

IN THE PHOTO Some of the youth beneficiaries under GNIP's education program.

Hope in (and for) our youth

STORY BY NICOLE Q. CORTEZ

PHOTOS FROM GOOD NEIGHBORS INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES

MBFI Grants Program:

JUNE 2017 exce l e t t e r PAGE 15

PARTNERSHIPS TOWARDS QUALITY EDUCATION

During the 34th MBFI Grants Roundtable discussion—an annual gathering of social development organizations supported by MBFI—held last May 3, Ong stressed the significance of partnerships in improving the lot of young Filipino learners.

“What make our projects sustainable are the partnerships we built through the years. Much remains to be done to ensure that children have access to basic education, but GNIP is hopeful and lucky to have partners that pursue a vision similar to what we have,” she said.

The Grants Roundtable discussion is MBFI’s way of engaging its partners through sharing of experiences in social development work.

According to MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña, “Building the nation is something that cannot be done alone. Through partnerships, we can embark on greater endeavors since we can adapt best practices from one another.”

MBFI's Grants Program actively forms partnerships among institutions and organizations whose social development programs are aligned with

the Foundation’s main priority thrusts, captured by the acronym HEAL—health, education, arts, and livelihood. Along with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), HEAL serves as the guidepost for MBFI's partnerships, ensuring that its efforts are targeted towards those most deserving of it.

With schools located far from their homes and with no regular transportation available, children in these towns have to walk a distance of at least 2.5 kilometers every day just to attend class. For these children, bicycles are thus a tool for literacy.

“Lack of transportation and high fares are leading causes of school absences in these towns. The bicycle project significantly reduces their travel time and encourages them to perform better at school,” said Ong.

Over 80 students—69 from Prieto Diaz and 18 from Guiuan—were given bicycles as an alternative form of transportation to school, easing their access to education and learning.

Alongside this, a bicycle safety seminar and a training session were conducted for the students and their parents, wherein safety measures, road signs, and proper bicycle usage were discussed.

Mark Anthony Abarollo, 15, of Guiuan National High School, had his heart full of gratitude when he was chosen to be one of the 80 selected students who will receive a bicycle.

“When I received the bike, I felt motivated to study hard. There is no reason for me to not go to school because I don’t have money to spend for my fare. I’m so thankful to Good Neighbors and Metrobank Foundation for this project,” he said.

With schools located far from homes and with no transportation available,

children in these towns have to walk 2.5 km daily to attend school. For them, bicycles are

thus a tool for literacy.

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A validation of its choice of advocacies, the Metrobank Foundation took home seven trophies at the 52nd Anvil Awards by the

Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) held on March 10 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

“We are greatly humbled and honored to receive these awards because it is a validation that we are heading towards the right track—and that the programs and initiatives of the Foundation really contribute to the pursuit of nation-building,” said MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña.

MBFI was awarded with three Gold Anvils and four Silver Anvils—Gold Anvils, for the successful conduct of its flagship programs in 2016, the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, the Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge, and the National Teachers’ Month; and Silver Anvils, for the program Bags of Blessing, unified souvenir programs of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos titled “Aspire. Inspire. Stand Out.”, Metrobank Foundation 2015 Annual Report titled “Dreams. Journeys. Discoveries.”, and lastly, the audio-visual presentation titled “HEALing the Nation, One Grant at a Time”.

“We see these awards as a responsibility to live up to the recognition by sustaining—surpassing our current efforts. It's a challenge to go beyond excellence and exceed our own successes,” Sobrepeña said.

The Anvil Awards is an annual public relations awards bestowed by the PRSP to select businesses, firms, and non-profits of exemplary performance in the field. Year on year, thousands of prominent firms submit their Anvil entries—a thorough documentation of their PR programs and tools, which are scrupulously screened by a distinguished multi-sectoral jury.

MBFI has been winning Anvil awards since 1985. To date, it has won 71 Anvil awards for its various programs and

public relations tools, including the much coveted Grand Anvil gaining the record as the first corporate foundation to win a back-to-back Grand Anvil (2009 and 2010) and another back-to-back Platinum Anvil (2014 and 2015) in the history of the Anvil Awards.

Metrobank Foundation bags 7 Anvils

Accolades earned, advocacies validated:

STORY BY LAARNIE T. LUNA

These awards validate that we are heading towards the right track of nation-building. But more so, it challenges us to sustain, even surpass our current efforts.

- ANICETO SOBREPEÑA, MBFI PRESIDENT

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