Metrobank Hails Its Graduate Scholars
 

Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), held its 13th Graduates’ Forum, honoring the graduates of its Class 2011 scholars, at the Metrobank Plaza in Makati City. The Graduate’s Forum is an event enabling the students from different scholarship programs to interact with one another as well as with their benefactors. The occasion also allows them to relay their future plans to the Foundation, particularly on how they intend to give their gift of education back to their respective communities.

Photo shows: Metrobank Foundation Inc (MBFI) vice chairman Dr. Placido L. Mapa (2nd from left, 1st row), MBFI president, Aniceto M. Sobrepeña (3rd from left, 1st row), MBFI executive vice president Elvira Ong Chan (2nd from right, 1st row), MBFI executive director, Nicanor L. Torres Jr. (1st from right,1st row) and Pacific Paint Inc. technical manager Romeo Bautista (1st from left, 1st row), together with the graduates of Class 2011 scholars of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. Elvin B. Cruz, who graduated Magna cum laude with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of the Philippines (UP)- Diliman delivered the scholar’s response on behalf of the Class 2011 scholars. He shared to fellow scholars and guests and how his drive to succeed despite of poverty helped him achieve his dream. “The Foundation believed in our potentials more than we believed in ourselves. They have invested on us not just money, but more importantly, gave us the encouragement we need to keep striving for excellence,” Cruz said. He thanked Metrobank Foundation for its continuing efforts in giving to the less fortunate but bright and deserving students like him, the hope to succeed.

A total of 28 scholars graduated this year, three (3) of them are Engineering graduates under the MBFI-UP scholarship program; two (2) Accounting graduates under the Grants in Aid of College Education (GRACE) assistance program; six (6) Engineering, two (2) Computer Science, four (4) Entrepreneurial Management, and three (3) Accounting graduates under the President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) scholarship program; and eight (8) Architecture graduates are under the MBFI-Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc. college scholarship program. A magna cum laude and five (5) cum laudes, topped this year’s graduates.

MBFI Scholarship program is implemented through its various partner universities and colleges such as the University of the Philippines (UP), University of Santo Tomas (UST), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Notre Dame University.

In addition to covering 100% of the tuition and allowances of financially incapable yet deserving college students, the Foundation’s College Scholarship Program encourages its scholars to participate in community projects that benefit the less fortunate. This is aimed to build the character of social responsibility and stewardship.

One of the highlights during the Graduates’ Forum was the lecture on Jose Rizal as a Hero. In commemoration of Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary, the scholar graduates’ pledged their individual commitment to the ideals of our National Hero.

During the forum, the graduate scholars shared their experiences in various community activities. “I’ve seen in the eyes and smiles of children how eager they want to learn,” said Raihanah D. Abdulsalam, a scholar from Notre Dame University in Cotabato City with a degree of BS Accounting and Finance Management. Raihanah became involved in the activities of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) - Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) of their school. She went to the community of Dapdap, Cotabato City and helped in the feeding programs, clean-up drives and tutorials for kids in day care centers.

“We at Metrobank Foundation, through our corporate social responsibility programs, initiate and support leading edge programs that uplift the people’s lives and inspire the best in the Filipinos. In line with our theme -Excel, Engage and Empower, we recognize remarkable individuals to engage with their communities, to aspire more and to give back to society,” said Aniceto “Chito” Sobrepeña, Metrobank Foundation, president.

Since 1995, the Metrobank College Scholarship Program (CSP) has been assisting outstanding students in their college education. Over the years, the CSP has produced a total of 804 graduates more than 500 are now licensed professionals and about 700 scholar graduates working in some of the country’s top corporations.

Place Mouse Pointer Over Image for Larger Display     Photo shows: Metrobank Foundation Inc (MBFI) vice chairman Dr. Placido L. Mapa (2nd from left, 1st row), MBFI president, Aniceto M. Sobrepeña (3rd from left, 1st row), MBFI executive vice president Elvira Ong Chan (2nd from right, 1st row), MBFI executive director, Nicanor L. Torres Jr. (1st from right,1st row) and Pacific Paint Inc. technical manager Romeo Bautista (1st from left, 1st row), together with the graduates of Class 2011 scholars of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc.     Photo shows: Metrobank Foundation Inc (MBFI) vice chairman Dr. Placido L. Mapa (2nd from left, 1st row), MBFI president, Aniceto M. Sobrepeña (3rd from left, 1st row), MBFI executive vice president Elvira Ong Chan (2nd from right, 1st row), MBFI executive director, Nicanor L. Torres Jr. (1st from right,1st row) and Pacific Paint Inc. technical manager Romeo Bautista (1st from left, 1st row), together with the graduates of Class 2011 scholars of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc.

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 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.

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