Metrobank Foundation 32nd Anniversary:
Taking a Step for Tomorrow's Future
 

As the Metrobank Foundation Incorporated (MBFI) celebrates its 32nd year in recognizing excellence in the Filipino, with every award and awardee, it also brings about the energy of inspiring change. MBFI was envisioned as a professionally run, responsive, proactive and creative organization through which the Metrobank Group of Companies is also able to express its commitment to lead the private sector in fostering holistic human development in both the national and international arena, thereby effecting an empowered society whose members are able to realize their fullest human potential.

“Converging to Inspire Change” serves as the Foundation’s battle cry for 2011. After 32 years, MBFI shall continue to uphold values of excellence and champion our public servants, students, artists and the rest of our communities by strengthening ties with existing partners in both public and private sectors and develop new working relationships with individuals and key institutions that would provide more venues to further honor those who are able to reach their highest potential.

This has been exemplified in the recent celebration of its 32nd anniversary last January 7, 2011, with care for the environment as its theme. The Foundation took part in championing Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation’s advocacy for the environment by conducting a tree-planting activity last January 7, 2011 at the Toyota Forest, Toyota Motor Philippines in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. Officers and staff led by MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña and executive vice president Elvira Ong-Chan were welcomed by Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF) president Dr. David Go in an opening program highlighted by a ceremonial tree-planting with other key officials of TMPF. A total of 600 seedlings were planted of which are nearly rare species of Kalumpit (150 pcs.), Palosanto (150 pcs.), Tabon-tabon (200 pcs), Balukanag (50 pcs), and Balobo ( 50 pcs.).

“This year’s anniversary celebration is about helping save our Mother Earth and doing our share in order to preserve our natural resources for the generations to come,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña. “We have decided to partner with TMPF knowing their expertise in environmental conservation and at the same time further strengthen our working relationships being our partner in propagating Metrobank Group’s brand of CSR in education, basic healthcare, environmental conservation, and community services “he continued.

The Toyota Forest was conceptualized by Toyota Motor Philippines chairman and also Metrobank Group founder and chairman, Dr. George S.K. Ty to provide a model of a car manufacturing plant inside a forest. It measures 11.4 hectares located within the 82 hectares Toyota Special Economic Zone in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. “We want to lead forest conservation inside our own premises. Aside from our own environmental initiatives, we are maintaining a tree nursery to propagate tree seedlings for donation to various organizations that need tree seedlings for their own tree planting activities” said TMPF coordinating manager and education sector head Ronald Gaspar.

During the day, officers and staff of the Foundation were also toured inside the manufacturing plant of Toyota as part of the itinerary. Later in the afternoon, MBFI inaugurated the MADE Warehouse, which houses Dr. George S.K Ty’s art collections including winning artworks of the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) from 1984 to present.

The tree planting project is a prelude to the Metrobank Group-wide tree planting activity scheduled in July in support of the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) CSR Expo 2011. Simultaneous tree planting activities will be organized nationwide on July 2, 2011 by the Metrobank Group subsidiaries and affiliates as a response to mitigate the impact of climate change as a pressing issue of today. Identified venues include the Toyota Forest in Laguna and Metropolitan Park in Pasay City.

Place Mouse Pointer Over Image for Larger Display         Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña (3rd from left) and Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF) president Dr. David Go (4th from left) led the ceremonial tree-planting activity. They were joined (from left); MBFI executive vice president Mrs. Elvira Ong-Chan and executive director Nicanor L. Torres, Jr.; TMPF treasurer Blesilda Rodriguez and coordinating manager and education sector head Ronald Gaspar.

Place Mouse Pointer Over Image for Larger Display         Metrobank Foundation, Inc. president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña

Place Mouse Pointer Over Image for Larger Display         MBFI executive vice president Mrs. Elvira Ong-Chan

Place Mouse Pointer Over Image for Larger Display         Metrobank Foundation officers and staff

Place Mouse Pointer Over Image for Larger Display         Metrobank Foundation Metrobank Foundation officers and staff during the plant tour.

The Metrobank Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, was established by its chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty in 1979. With the theme “Excel. Engage. Empower.” the Foundation has promoted a culture of excellence among Filipinos through its various programs, such as the Search for Outstanding Teachers, the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence, The Outstanding Philippine Soldier, Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service, the Metrobank Math Challenge, and College Scholarship Program and the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lectures in partnership with the Supreme Court and the Philippine Judicial Academy. The Foundation also engages its partners and awardees in different activities geared towards giving back to the society. Through these initiatives, the Metrobank Foundation empowers its awardees and partners to become better citizens of the community.