AFP honors Metrobank Foundation

Metrobank Foundation receives AFP civilian award

For its continuous commitment to the Philippine soldiers, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was recently honored by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on the occasion of its 73rd anniversary held at the AFP Grandstand, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The event was graced by Her Excellency, President and AFP Commander-in-Chief Gloria Macagal-Arroyo, together with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro (second from left) congratulates Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña after receiving a plaque of appreciation for the Foundation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the recent AFP Day. They are joined by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano.

The AFP Civilian Award represents AFP’s sincere appreciation to the Metrobank Foundation for its continuous support to the military institution for more than two decades, specifically by providing grants benefiting the AFP and honoring the crème de la crème of the Armed Forces of Asia’s first republic.

Metrobank Foundation, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati Metro, annually holds the search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS). The competition celebrates excellence in the military profession and serves as the avenue of the private sector to appreciate and recognize the gallantry, professionalism, sacrifices and heroism of the members of the AFP. For this noble undertaking, MBFI set-up a P10 million endowment fund specifically for the recognition of exceptional and outstanding achievements of active officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP.

Aside from TOPS, Metrobank Foundation has supported various programs and activities for education, health and livelihood for the members of AFP and their families. Among them are the computerization and connection to the Internet of the Philippine Military Academy, where the Foundation also established a professorial chair; the purchase of computers and books for the AFP Joint Services Command and Staff College; the computerization of the Philippine Air Force Tactical Training School; the “Botica sa Kampo” project in Mindanao; and the purchase of sewing machines for the livelihood programs for soldiers’ families and similar programs of the AFP Officers’ Ladies Club.

“Metrobank Foundation will continue to be a reliable partner of the AFP in bestowing honor to our valiant men and women in uniform as well as in further strengthening of the institution,” MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña said after receiving the award.

The Metrobank Foundation is the corporate social responsibly arm of the Metrobank Group of Companies. Over the last 29 years, it has promoted a culture of excellence among Filipinos through its various programs notably 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. The Foundation also has a grants program that assists NGOs and government in the fields of education, healthcare, and the arts. Metrobank Foundation celebrates Filipino excellence and presents wellsprings of hope in the future of our nation.

Nomination forms can also be downloaded here.

Read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about TOPS here.

go to program: The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS)

go to 2008 News and Announcements Archive