The Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) recently conducted the 19^th Graduates’ Forum for the 91 graduates of its managed scholarship program. The event is conducted annually to recognize the academic and non-academic achievements of the Foundation’s outstanding graduates. This year’s ninety-one graduates were awarded by Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña (7^th from left) and Metrobank president Fabian Dee (6^th from left).

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), together with the GT Foundation, Inc., recognized this year’s batch of scholar graduates during the 19th Graduates’ Forum, held last June 23 and 24, 2017 at the Metrobank Plaza and at the University of Sto. Tomas Auditorium, respectively. With the theme “#PayIt4Ward: Service to 4Cs,” the event aims to highlight what makes a Metrobank scholar different—his or her commitment to serve Creator, Clan, Community and Country.

This year, a total of 91 scholars finished their undergraduate degrees, representing 21 universities and colleges across the country. They are the recipients of the following scholarship programs: MBFI Manila Tytana Colleges-Youth for Excellence and Service (YES); MBFI-Pacific Paint (Boysen); Fluor-MBFI; ACCESS II (Assistance for the Completion of College Education for Superior Students); including graduates under the scholarship programs of GTFI. Out of the 91 scholars, 23 finished with Latin honors and were conferred with Metrobank Medals and Certificates of Academic Excellence. Merla Nugas, a BS Information Technology graduate from the University of the East, finished Summa Cum Laude. Meanwhile, a total of 6 scholars finished Magna Cum Laude and 16 graduated Cum Laude.

The two-day event was designed to inspire graduates with the value of giving back as they begin their professional careers. The 4Cs—Creator, Clan, Community and Country—outlines how scholars can pay forward the blessings they have received. Noting that millenials are often branded as the ‘selfie’ generation, MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña challenged the graduates “to think beyond yourselves and focus your energies to worthwhile endeavors that build the nation.” He encouraged them to offer everything to God, support their families, contribute to the well-being of communities, and serve the country.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Nugas expressed gratitude for the help they received and for the experiences that molded them. She called on her fellow scholars to make a difference in the lives of others, saying that “Receiving our diplomas does not mean it is the end of our respective journeys. In fact, it is the beginning of a journey towards a greater purpose. Now is the time to work together for the betterment of our country.”

For the first day, a series of activities followed the awarding ceremony. During “Where Youthful Energy meet Lifelong Experience”, executives from the Metrobank Group of Companies gave tips over lunch to the new graduates related to the professional world. Scholars also shared stories of their life’s journey and of the people who helped them along the way. They outlined their future plans on vision boards to guide their next steps in life.

On the second day, scholars gathered for a series of team-building activities. The major highlight was the activity entitled “I’m A Hero, You’re a Hero, We are All Heroes,” which gave them the chance to reflect on their individual heroic deeds and their personal heroes. They also listened to inspirational talks by Sabrina Ongkiko, an Ateneo de Manila University alumna now teaching at a public elementary school, and tax advocate Raymond Abrea, Chief Strategy Officer at the Abrea Consulting Group. Scholars were then encouraged to write their commitments on serving the country in their own way.

Always seeking to improve herself, Merla Nugas successfully balanced her academic life with extracurricular activities and other commitments. She envisions herself as a leader at the forefront of innovation in the Philippines. Her dream is to build a startup that will create technology products for the benefit of her countrymen.

Among this year’s standout graduates is Rolyne Dominique Patron, a BS Accountancy student from Ateneo De Zamboanga University who finished Magna Cum Laude. She helped organize activities such as Operation Shoebox Campaign, where she led fellow scholars in distributing sets of school supplies to children all over the Zamboanga peninsula. Patron dreams of becoming a Certified Fraud Examiner so that she can be an agent of positive change in the corporate world.

For his part, Ronald Gil Bilang (BS Petroleum Engineering, Palawan State University) did not let the financial losses suffered by his family during the 2013 Zamboanga Siege affect his desire to finish his studies while serving others. A Youth Ambassador for Japan’s JENESYS Program, he also worked with the Department of Health to set up a medicinal garden for fire victims and conduct seminars on preparation of herbal medicine. Bilang envisions himself contributing to the promotion of renewable energy in the country.

Every year, the Foundation stages the Graduates’ Forum to recognize the academic and non- academic undertakings of its promising graduates from different scholarship programs. Reflecting Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty’s commitment to nurture the country’s future leaders, the two day-long event allows graduates to thank their benefactors and interact with their fellow scholars.

Since 1995, the College Scholarship Program has been awarding financial grants to support deserving students through college. To date, the program has produced over 986 graduates in collaboration with its partner institutions and schools.

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

Tags: 2017 News