In celebration of its 57th anniversary, the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), through its corporate social responsibility arm—Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the Ty family foundation—GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), awarded PhP35 million worth of development grants to 40 socio-civic organizations during the annual Anniversary Grants Turnover Ceremony on September 4, 2019 at the Metrobank Plaza Auditorium in Makati City.

The turnover ceremonies were led by Metrobank and MBFI chairman Arthur Ty, MBFI trustee and GTFI president Alfred Ty joined by MBFI president and GTFI executive director Aniceto Sobrepeña. Serving as guest of honor is City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.

The Grants and Social Development Partnerships program of MBFI aims to contribute significant and sustainable solutions to the country’s social development challenges and help in raising the quality of life of the poorest, most vulnerable, and underserved sectors of society. A framework to achieve a more strategic and responsive approach in addressing development concerns in the areas of heal, education, arts, and livelihood (HEAL) has been institutionalized as a response to the global call in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since its inception in 2009, GTFI, on the other hand, implements strategic development programs that empower communities, primarily in the sectors of Health, Environment, and Education (HEED).

“This is the very essence of today’s event–partnerships. As our two foundations mature, MBFI and GTFI try to explore ways to make our projects more strategic in generating the desired impacts. We want to be able to determine if our efforts in fact contribute to nation-building, and in what way.” expressed Sobrepeña in his message. “In order to do this, we rely on you, our partners and stakeholders. If we are to succeed, we need your commitment, not just to carry out project deliverables, but to provide relevant solutions to stakeholder needs; to assess the undertaking; and make sure the next one is even more meaningful and impactful,” he continued.

Heeding the Call for Healthier Communities

Among the beneficiaries under the health thrust is the PGH Medical Foundation, Inc. established to assist the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in achieving its mission to provide excellent healthcare to indigents. As the premier government hospital, more than half a million patients are served annually, 98% of whom are indigent.

GTFI sustains partnership with Plan International, on the other hand, for the construction of three (3) barangay health stations with birthing facilities in Western Samar and Maguindanao aimed at improving the access to health services of at least 10,000 individuals. Plan International, as a humanitarian and child development organization, advances children’s rights to education, protection, health care and a high quality of life.

Providing Access to Quality Education for the Marginalized

Beneficiaries for the thrust on education include Children of Asia—a child caring institution that provides educational opportunities to the underprivileged children in the slums of Cebu City. MBFI, through an educational sponsorship program, is supporting 11 ninth grade students in Alegria, Cebu as they complete junior high school and prepare for senior high school.

GTFI, for its part, aims to equip out-of-school youth and other marginalized students with skills that will help them gain immediate employment under its Scholarships for Technical-Vocation Education (STEP) program. Over the years, GTFI has been supporting scholars from some of the best technical-vocational education and training schools in the country with industry tie-ups for guaranteed employment.

To elevate interventions in catering to this sector, 3 institutional partners were added. These include: Don Bosco Academy of Pampanga for the improvement of their technical-vocational facilities; FPTI-Habihan School to support the 24-month technical-vocational education of 15 women; and MFI Polytechnic Institute to support 25 students enrolled under its Automation and Mechatronics Technology course—a 2 year technical training under the Dual Training System. The partnership with Toyota Motor Philippines School of Technology (TMP Tech) continues, through which full scholarship grants for select students under the 2-year General Job Automotive Servicing Course.

Supporting Art Causes

For the art thrust, MBFI supports ArtPsyche Circle for its project “Pahingalayan ng mga Bayani,” a creative retreat series composed of 6 half-day art therapy sessions to benefit soldiers-wounded-in-action undergoing medication and healing process at V.Luna Hospital in Quezon City.

Another organization supported is the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS Philippines) for the implementation of a 5-day course on photogrammetry¾a low-cost method of 3D documentation where the input is a photograph and the output is a 3D image. This will address the shortage of trained documentation professionals in this field.

Livelihood Opportunities for those at the Margins

MBFI endeavors to provide individuals and communities with sustainable livelihood opportunities.

One of the beneficiary organizations under its livelihood thrust is the MicroVentures Foundation (HAPINOY), a social enterprise organization. MBFI supports its Samahang Pinoy “Business Friends Forever” program. Sari-sari store owners are organized into a local peer support network serving as venues to learn from each other’s business experiences and help each other in addressing challenges faced by thriving micro-entrepreneurs.

Development grants were also extended to the World Surgical Foundation, International Bazaar Foundation, DFA Ladies Foundation, Du30 Cabinet Spouses Association, Congressional Spouses Foundation, Senate Spouses Foundation, and the Philippine Red Cross.

Tags: 2019 News