Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña (center) together with Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos and cooperating institutions visit Kampo Ranao in Marawi City.

In time for this year’s celebration of Metrobank Foundation’s 40th anniversary, its roster of Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, through their respective alumni organizations – NOTED (Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators), TOPSOLDIERS (The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Integrity, Excellence and Responsibility to Society), and PROTECT (Police Officers Responsible for Organizing, Transforming and Empowering Communities) launched a pay-it-forward project called Guro, Pulis at Sundalo na may Galing, Puso, at Sigasig (GPS²). As the first ever collaborative project of these three sectors, GPS² aims to extend assistance to the City of Marawi in the process of rehabilitation.

To formally launch this undertaking, a visit was held on January 15 in the war-ravaged city through the assistance of the Department of Education (DepEd), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP). The delegation was led by Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña, joined by a number of Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos which among include: MGen. Romeo Poquiz (Ret.); BGen. Alex Tamondong (Ret.); BGen. Ariel Caculitan; Col. Elmer Suderio PA; PCSupt. Mario Rariza, Jr.; PSSupt. Pascual Muñoz, Jr.; PSSupt. Alex Sintin; PSupt. Carlo Manuel; PCI Rosalino Ibay; Dr. Ernelea Cao; Dr. Mary Ann Serrano; Dr. Mark Torres; Dr. Ruben Abucayon; Dr. Rizal Vidallo, Olivia Caling among other awardees.

A situational briefing was first conducted by 2013 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino and Commander of Task Force Ranao and 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army Colonel Romeo Brawner, Jr. at Kampo Ranao. This was followed by a visit to one of the largest temporary schools–the Marawi Sagonsongan Pilot Elementary School.

They were welcomed by assistant schools division superintendent Anna Zenaida Unte Alonto of the DepEd Division of Marawi City. Awardees conducted simultaneous storytelling sessions. Teddy bears were also distributed to kindergarten and grade one learners courtesy of Metrobank Card Corporation. The group also visited Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School where a brief ocular inspection and conversation with faculty members took place.

To further its assistance to reach out to affected educators and schoolchildren of Marawi City, NOTED, TOPSOLDIERS, and PROTECT launched a call for donation (both in-kind or cash) last December 2018 to support GPS². Proceeds will fund the establishments of libraries and WASH (Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation) facilities and provision of teachers’ and learners’ kits to benefit affected educators and learners. Donations can be deposited through the NOTED (Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators) Metrobank account 636-3-63600717-0 or PROTECT (Police Officers Responsible for Organizing, Transforming and Empowering Communities) PSBank account 091102-00072-4. For further inquiries, please call the MBFI Excellence Awards Unit at telephone number 898-8757 or mobile numbers 0917-562-9980 or 0933-309-9585.

The visit to Marawi City was made possible by the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service; DepEd Division of Marawi City; Philippine Air Force; AFP Office of The Adjutant General; 103rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army; PNP Office of The Chief Directorial Staff; PNP Directorate for Logistics; PNP Police Regional Office 10; Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office; Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office and Marawi City PNP.

Tags: 2019 News