The 21st edition of the annual Graduates’ Forum was held on June 28, 2019 at the Penthouse of Manila Doctors Hospital in the City of Manila. A total of 38 scholars finished their respective undergraduate degrees. Of the 38 scholars, 17 finished with Latin Honors–6 magna cum laude and 11 cum laude. They were joined by Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines officials seated in front row from 4th to 8th: MBFI asst. executive director Irene Labitad; MBFI executive director Nicanor Torres, Jr.; MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña; Boysen vice president Engr. Ruben Cueto; and Boysen office manager Natalie Lee.

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), together with partner Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, recognized this year’s batch of scholar graduates during the 21st Graduates’ Forum, held last June 28, 2019 at the Penthouse of Manila Doctors Hospital in Ermita, Manila.

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

This year, a total of 38 scholars finished their undergraduate degrees from four (4) universities and colleges across the country. They are the recipients of the following scholarship programs: GTFI- Manila Tytana Colleges Youth for Excellence and Service (YES); MBFI- Manila Tytana Colleges Youth for Excellence and Service (YES); and MBFI-Pacific Paint (Boysen). Out of the 38 scholars, 17 finished with Latin honors—six (6) magna cum laude and 11 cum laude. They were conferred with Metrobank medals and certificates of academic excellence.

The annual event is intended to highlight among the scholars 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.

“We believe that one’s generosity is instrumental in other’s success. After all, success is best savored when other people benefit from it. We hope that you will treasure the ideals you have learned in your respective institutions as well as the experiences gained from your journey,” said MBFI executive director Nicanor Torres, Jr. in his welcome remarks.

Julian Andrei Imperial, Bachelor of Science in Architecture graduate, magna cum laude, from the University of the Philippines Diliman, delivered a message of gratitude on behalf of his fellow scholars. Drawing inspiration from this year’s theme, he emphasized how all them gathered in that room may have different stories and circumstances, but they are bound by several similarities: how their benefactors have helped them pursue their dreams through their respective scholarship programs, as well as their common duty now as graduates to pay-it-forward through their craft and being the best version of themselves.

Imperial was able to finish his degree with the financial aid from the MBFI-Pacific Paint (Boysen) Scholarship Program. He is set to undergo apprenticeship in line with his aspired track of becoming an architect and future urban planner.

A series of activities followed the awarding ceremony. Scholars shared their stories and life journeys, and recalled the people who helped them along the way. They outlined their future plans on vision boards to guide their next steps in life.

During the “Where Youthful Energy meets Lifelong Experience” session, executives from the Metrobank Group and GT Capital Holdings shared tips over lunch to the new graduates related to the professional world.

Ma. Jabba Baquirquir, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, magna cum laude, from the University of San Carlos in Cebu, also addressed the forum’s participants during her speech after the session. She shared how she always dreamed of becoming a teacher at such a young age, inspired by the thought of following in her mother’s footsteps. She recalled the days when this dream seemed too difficult to achieve, given the financial constraint experienced by her family. Prior to being accepted as a GT scholar, her studies were financed by her grandmother using the meager income from running a bakery.

Baquiquir’s passion for teaching never waned despite challenges. What reaffirmed this was her participation in various community extension programs such free tutorial sessions for youth in conflict with the law. In the future, Baquirquir sees herself as a teacher who will share the gift of education, the same gift that was extended to her by her benefactors.

A consistent achiever, Bonita Gracia S. Gutierrez took up BS Nursing at the Manila Tytana Colleges to bring to life her dream of being part of the healthcare industries. Her aspiration is to help those in need by providing them free medical services. She recently passed the Nursing Licensure Examination, and is preparing to land a job that will enable her to practice her profession. She also plans to continue on this path by taking up Master’s Degree in Nursing as well as Medicine.

Every year, the Foundation holds the Graduates’ Forum to recognize the academic and non- academic accomplishments of its promising graduates from different scholarship programs. Reinforcing the vision of the Metrobank Group’s late Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty to nurture the country’s future leaders, the event allows graduates to meet 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 1,000 graduates in collaboration with its partner institutions and schools.

For more information on MBFI’s scholarship programs, please visit www.mbfoundation.org.ph.

Tags: 2019 Press Releases