Forty years ago, the late Metrobank Group founder Dr. George S.K. Ty envisioned an institution that would serve as a venue to share the benefits of Metrobank’s success with the community.

On January 8, 1979, Dr. Ty realized this by founding the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), armed with the vision for the institution to become the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation contributing a significant impact on social development. While the Bank has grown into an industry leader, MBFI has likewise built its own reputation through its various corporate social responsibility programs aimed at improving the lives of the disadvantaged and promoting excellence among key sectors of society.

“Excel. Engage. Empower.” became the roadmap in all its giving-back initiatives to communities and stakeholders. Four decades since its establishment, MBFI sustained its mission to create and propagate a culture of excellence among its beneficiary sectors, provide solutions to stakeholder needs, and serve at the forefront to reach out to communities.

A HEART THAT PERSEVERES IN EARNEST ZEAL FOR THE NATION

Guided by the theme, “Puso at Sigasig”, the heart for community that started it all continues to be MBFI’s rallying front, 40 years later. It is sustained by a greater zeal in order for the advocacies to move forward. The unique union of the heart and zeal forms the groundwork in the implementation of MBFI programs in public service excellence, education, healthcare, visual arts and heritage, and good governance.

“Forty years and hundreds of meaningful collaborations later, hope has not waned; rather it persists with tenacity that the goals we have set will be realized. We look forward to stronger collaboration and broader spaces for multi-sectoral involvement of generations to come,” said MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña.

In the years to come, the heart and zeal to build the nation and make a positive difference in the lives of many Filipinos remain strong and unchanging.

ACES & PEACE

To celebrate the occasion, a special gathering to honor distinguished individuals and institutional partners, and to commemorate, at the same time, the memories of its late founder Dr. Ty, took place on February 21 at the Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park, Pasay City.

A new batch of awardees were conferred the Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES). Chosen from the Foundation’s roster of awardees, they were recognized for their continuing excellence in the performance of their respective professions, substantive contributions to their chosen disciplines, and sustained outstanding service to their respective institutions and communities.

For their consistent adherence to the highest standards of performance and conduct of duty, these exceptional men and women have set a worthy example for everyone to emulate. Equally competent, compassionate, and patriotic, they stand as symbols of a true public servant. They are distinguished based on the recognitions they received at the national and international levels, the kind of mentorship they have instilled among their peers, and the concrete impact they have left upon their respective spheres of influence and communities.

They received the ‘Spiral’ medallion created by 1984 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) awardee Roberto Feleo.

Another highlight was the presentation of the Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE) to institutional partners from the government, non-government and socio-civic organizations, media, academe, and business. They received the ‘Kapit-Bisig’ trophy created by 2011 MADE awardee Architect Jonathan Dangue.

A TRIBUTE TO THE FOUNDER

The work that MBFI does is a reflection of the late Dr. Ty’s enduring legacy to make a difference in the lives of the citizenry and contribute to nation-building. MBFI’s programs and advocacies illuminate Metrobank’s core values: passion for results, integrity, teamwork, commitment to customer service and heart for community.

To commemorate Dr. Ty’s unparalleled leadership, generous spirit, compassionate heart, and outstanding contributions to nation-building, a special exhibit focusing on his being a pillar of the banking industry, corporate philanthropy, and as patron of the arts was put up.

“The humanitarian legacy he left behind would continuously live on and ripple a lasting impact across the many lives touched, individuals assisted, organizations empowered, and communities positively changed through MBFI’s corporate social responsibility programs. We honor our late founder and express utmost esteem for his invaluable contributions to nation-building and boundless heart for the Filipino community,” expressed Sobrepeña.

A sculpture entitled “Generosity” was presented which symbolizes Dr. Ty’s legacy in the industry and philanthropy.

Created by 2007 Metrobank Foundation Prize for Achievement in Sculpture (MPAS) awardee Juan Sajid Imao, the artwork shows several human figures with their hands interlocking in stylized form. Sajid chose copper for the sculpture’s medium as it is naturally reddish in hue as a reminder of Dr. Ty’s lifelong passion to cultivate excellence in the fields close to his heart such as the arts, military, police and the academe. The dynamic movement of the figures, on the other hand, shows how Dr. Ty’s legacy of excellence will continue to inspire Filipinos to work together to make this country a more progressive nation.

The exhibit also featured the milestones of MBFI in the last 40 years, together with dedicated photos and profiles of the ACES.

Tags: 2019 Press Releases