The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the GT Foundation, Inc., together with partners Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines and Fluor Philippines, recognized this year’s batch of scholar graduates during the 20th Graduates’ Forum, held last June 22, 2018 at the Penthouse of Metrobank Plaza in Makati City.

With the theme “#PayIt4Ward: Service to 4Cs,” the event aims to highlight what makes a Metrobank scholar different—his or her commitment to serve Creator, Clan, Community and Country.

This year, a total of 33 scholars finished their undergraduate degrees from 7 universities and colleges across the country. They are the recipients of the following scholarship programs: MBFI-Manila Tytana Colleges-Youth for Excellence and Service (YES); MBFI-Pacific Paint (Boysen); Fluor-MBFI; ACCESS II (Assistance for the Completion of College Education for Superior Students); including graduates under the scholarship programs of GTFI. Out of the 33 scholars, 12 finished with Latin honors-6 magna cum laude and 6 cum laude. They were conferred with Metrobank medals and certificates of academic excellence.

The annual event is designed to inspire scholar graduates on the value of giving back as they jumpstart their professional careers. The 4Cs—Creator, Clan, Community and Country—outlines how scholars can pay forward the blessings they have received.
“The Foundation has been designing scholarship programs fitting to harness the significant role of the Filipino youth in nation building. We are hopeful that by giving you access to education, you are capable to give back to God, your family and country as the Foundation seeks to instill holistic growth to you through intervention programs with the help of like-minded institutional and academic partners” said MBFI executive director Nicanor Torres, Jr. in his welcome remarks.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Ida Talia Hernandez, a magna cum laude Architecture graduate from University of the Philippines-Diliman expressed gratitude for the help they received and for the experiences that molded them.

Ida never stopped in putting extra effort to prove she is a worthy scholar. Although initially challenged to excel and maintain high grades, the scholarship pushed her to become more diligent and hard-working—taking steps to improve not just academically, but socially and psychologically. Owing her strength to supportive family and friends whom she sees as her life’s blessings, Ida believes that one should always look for opportunities to be of service to loved ones and fellowmen.

Series of activities followed the awarding ceremony. During the “Where Youthful Energy meet Lifelong Experience” session, executives from the Metrobank Group and GT Capital Holdings gave tips over lunch to the new graduates related to the professional world. Scholars also shared stories of their life’s journey and of the people who helped them along the way. They outlined their future plans on vision boards to guide their next steps in life.

Among these graduate scholars was Abigail Leron, a BS Accountacy graduate, magna cum laude, from the Manila Tytana Colleges. Abi lost his father before graduating high school. Since her mother did not have a steady income, she knew she needed a scholarship to be able to continue schooling. The scholarship allowed her to pursue Accountancy without putting much burden on her family. She is now a Certified Public Accountant. She hopes to be successful in whatever career she will choose in the future—so she may be able to provide for her family and be involved in programs that will benefit the elderly.

Jed Patrick O’ Connor, a magna cum laude, BS Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate from the Manila Tytana Colleges, is a son of a solo parent. Jed grew up instilled with the dedication to always prioritize his family. Applying for the GTFI scholarship helped his mother to support his’ and his sister’s studies, and be able to save some money. Now that he has graduated, he plans to pursue his dream of being a pilot. In the meantime, he is working in the airline industry and is working hard towards his goals, alongside getting involved in various volunteer activities.

Meanwhile, Anjelica Nicole Hernandez, a cum laude BS Architecture graduate from the University of Santo Tomas shared that the scholarship did more than just helping her family with her education. It served as her motivation to always give her best and a constant reminder that God makes miracles in her life. Despite encountering difficulties in her academics, Nicole involved herself in various advocacies to promote architecture, such as heritage preservation and mural-making in public schools. In the future, she hopes to work and gain expertise in an international firm—after which, she will go back to the country to impart her knowledge to local architects.

Every year, the Foundation stages the Graduates’ Forum to recognize the academic and non- academic undertakings of its promising graduates from different scholarship programs. Reflecting Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty’s commitment to nurture the country’s future leaders, the two day-long event allows graduates to thank their benefactors and interact with their fellow scholars.

Since 1995, the Metrobank Scholarship Program has been awarding financial grants to support deserving students through college. To date, the program has produced over 1000 graduates in collaboration with its partner institutions and schools.
For more information on MBFI’s scholarship programs, please visit www.mbfoundation.org.ph.

Tags: 2018 Press Releases