Metrobank Foundation | Non-Profit Organizations in the Philippines

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) recognized this year’s Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) awardees in a ceremony held on September 19, 2019 at the Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park in Pasay City. Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda and Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat graced the event as Guests of Honor. On its 35th year, MADE chose the theme “UNLEASH” to reflect MBFI’s continuing advocacy to seek out and exalt Filipino visionaries—young individuals who bring vibrancy to the evolving art scene whether they are working with a blank canvas or a space waiting to be transformed.

Tracing its humble beginnings in the year 1984, the annual Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) was conceived by late Metrobank Group founder and chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty at a time when the nation was at the throes of economic crisis and socio-political unrest. The Filipino people were in search for meaning and hope beyond the uncertainties at that time. While many took their struggles to the streets, Dr. Ty discovered much promise and potential in Philippine visual arts as an alternate creative bullhorn for people to be heard.

The members of the Senate of the Philippines unanimously adopted Senate Resolution Number 10 “Resolution Posthumously Honoring Dr. George S.K. Ty for his Philanthropic Contributions” on September 9. After his passing on November 23, 2018, Dr. Ty’s heart for community and lifelong mission to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos and contribute to nation-building through the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) are passed on to his family. Receiving the resolution from Senate president Tito Sotto and the rest of the senate members are: Dr. Ty’s wife Mary Vy Ty (9th from left), sons Arthur V. Ty (8th from left) and Alfred V. Ty (7th from left), and daughters Anjanette T. Dy-Buncio (6th from left) and Alesandra Ty (5th from left). Meanwhile, the House of Representatives similarly adopted House Resolution Number 10 “Resolution Honoring the Achievements and Contributions of Dr. George Siao Kian Ty, an Outstanding Filipino, Philanthropist, and Business Leader” on the same day.

The Senate of the Philippines commended this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos—comprised of four (4) teachers, three (soldiers), and three (3) police officers—in a plenary session held last September 9, 2019.

“More than 23 years ago, I sat down with a man who had a vision. He shared ideas of what the future could look like, imagining a society where people were enabled to pursue noble dreams and aspirations. We toasted over tea, and I came onboard in a position that gave me a vantage view of how a visionary realizes a better world, one project after another.”