The Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) and the three alumni networks of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos have returned to the Pag-asa Island, located in the municipality of Kalayaan, in the West Philippine Sea to fulfill its second leg of the multi-sectoral outreach program under the Guro, Pulis, Sundalo na may Galing, Puso at Sigasig (GPS²) initiative on November 15-16, 2024. 

This effort, spearheaded by MBFI, marked the continuation of its commitment to address the needs of the people of Pag-asa Island in an outreach activity that benefitted over 345 residents (including 15 teachers, 107 students) and 125 military and uniformed personnel. The diverse range of initiatives and donations aimed at improving the quality of life and supporting the educational, health, and community needs of Pag-asa Island, were the results of the first leg of the GPS² in April 2024, when a smaller delegation visited the island.  

GPS² is a collaborative effort with three distinguished alumni networks of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos: Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED), The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Integrity, Excellence, and Responsibility to Society (TOPSOLDIERS), and the Police Officers Responsible for Organizing, Transforming, and Empowering Communities (PROTECT). With the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), GPS² aims to recognize and empower outstanding individuals in education, policing, and the military, while addressing the critical needs of remote communities, such as Pag-asa Island. 

 

Residents of Pag-asa Island received a range of support from the GPS² initiative, including mental health sessions for teachers, EENT consultations, Dr. George S.K. Ty’s Bags of Blessings (food packages), and educational assistance through the establishment of a multimedia room. 

Among the key activities, a mental health session was conducted by Dr. Maria Regina Hechanova-Alampay, a psychology professor at the Ateneo de Manila University and 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher, and her husband, Dr. Randy Alampay from the University of the Philippines Diliman, for the 15 teachers of Pag-asa Integrated School. This session focused on promoting well-being and managing stress, which is vital for educators in the remote island community. Additionally, the teachers received training in utilizing technology in teaching, training in book organization and in storytelling facilitated by Winona Diola, 2016 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher and her husband, Jay Diola, from De La Salle Santiago Zobel. Additionally, the TOPSOLDIERS, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati Metro, Rotary Club of Makati F. Zobel, and the Rotary Club of Rizal West, held a basic self-defense training for 107 students of Pag-asa Integrated School. They also distributed PE uniforms and sports equipment to encourage physical activity and well-rounded development among students. A self-defense training for all the learners and a football clinic was also organized for the Pag-asa Football Team, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. 

The outreach program also prioritized addressing the immediate health and well-being needs of the community. Dr. Gil M. Vicente of St. Lukes Medical Center, led consultations for eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, ensuring that essential healthcare services reached even the most remote areas. Doctors and medical professionals from the PNP Health Service furthered the health initiative by conducting educational sessions on oral hygiene, organic farming, hands-only CPR, basic first aid and mental health sessions for the military and uniformed personnel. They also distributed family oral care packs along with Polident denture care packages to residents who need them. 

A heartfelt portion of the outreach included the distribution of Dr. George S.K. Ty’s Bags of Blessings, an initiative of GT Foundation of the Ty family, which provided food packages worth PhP 1,000 each to 99 families and 101 military and uniformed personnel. Additional donations included 75 sacks of rice, solar flashlights from One Meralco Foundation, as well as crutches and walkers, which were provided to pre-identified residents by the Rotary Club of Makati Metro. These items were distributed to the island’s families, teachers, and military and uniformed personnel. 

Recognizing the critical role of education, the program also provided much-needed support to Pag-asa Integrated School. A multimedia room was established with donations of 31 boxes of books, 4 bookshelves, 7 desktop computers, and 5 projectors, enriching the learning environment for students and teachers. 

A ceremony on the second day was organized, where local officials and partners came together to express their gratitude for the support received. Hon. Roberto del Mundo, Mayor of Kalayaan, Palawan, welcomed the delegates and thanked them for their unwavering commitment to the island community. Solidarity messages were delivered by PMGEN Edgar Alan Okubo, PNP’s Acting Chief of Directorial Staff, representing the police officers’ alumni organization; LtGen Raul del Rosario PAF (Ret), representing the soldiers’ network; and Dr. Nelson Agoyaoy, representing the teachers’ alumni network. 

“Kami po sa Metrobank at Metrobank Foundation ay lubos na nagagalak sa inyong taos-pusong pagtanggap sa amin. Dalangin po namin na sana ang kaunting ambag na aming dala ay makatulong sa inyo upang magpunyagi para sa mas mataas na antas ng tagumpay. Pagkatandaan niyo po, sa gitna ng ugong at ingay patungkol sa West Philippine Sea, kayo pong mga taga Pag-asa ang nagbibigay ng tunay na pag-asa, lakas ng loob, at inspirasyon sa sambayanang Pilipino,” (“We at Metrobank and Metrobank Foundation are truly delighted by your heartfelt welcome. We pray that the small contribution we brought may help you in your efforts towards achieving greater success. Remember, amidst the challenges about the West Philippine Sea, it is you, the people of Pag-asa, who provide true hope, courage, and inspiration to the Filipino people.”) said Kenny Ralph Fernando, MBFI’s Head of Excellence Awards Unit. 

The GPS² program, which was launched in 2018 in celebration of MBFI’s 40th anniversary, aims to recognize and uplift outstanding Filipinos in the fields of education, policing, and the military. By providing comprehensive support in health, education, and community development, the program fosters a culture of excellence, compassion, and solidarity, strengthening the bonds among the nation’s teachers, uniformed personnel, and the communities they serve. 

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Featured photo: The Metrobank Foundation, together with the three alumni networks of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos namely NOTED, TOPSOLDIERS, and PROTECT, successfully implemented the second leg of the GPS² program in Pag-asa Island on November 15-16, 2024. They are joined by representatives and partners from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Manila Water Foundation, One Meralco Foundation, Rotary Clubs of Makati Metro, Makati F Zobel, Rizal West, and Camp Crame. 

Tags: 2024 News, GPS, NOTED, Outstanding Filipinos, PROTECT, TOPSOLDIERS