Metrobank Foundation recognized in the Hall of Fame at the 60th Anvil Awards Gabi ng Parangal

Written by Harry Creo on February 4, 2025. Posted in About Metrobank Foundation, Press Release, Uncategorized

Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña (left) and executive vice president Philip Francisco U. Dy (right) present the Foundation‘s most recent awards to The Metrobank Group chairman Arthur V. Ty (center).

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) solidified its excellence in public relations at the 60th Anvil Awards Gabi ng Parangal, garnering four Silver Anvils among a record-breaking 750 Anvil entries. MBFI was also acknowledged as a Hall of Famer in an event recognizing exceptional PR programs and tools organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) at The Manila Hotel.

Among the honors received were four Silver Anvils for MBFI’s programs and tools titled:” A Heart that Serves: The Metrobank Foundation 45th Anniversary Celebration” for Special Event Milestone category; “Sibol: Cultivating Partnerships for Cultural Growth” for Best Use of Partnerships; “Sibol: An Art Exhibition that Moves, Inspires, and Grows” for Special Event Launch; and Guro, Pulis, Sundalo na may Galing, Puso, at Sigasig (GPS²): Empowering Pag-asa Island by Leveraging Multi-Sectoral Government Relations” for Best Use of Government Relations.

The Metrobank Foundation delegation holding the four Silver Anvil Awards led by assistant executive director Joyce Dyan A. Tee (fifth from the right), presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines president Ma. Luisa P. Sebastian, APR (rightmost) and vice president for external affairs Norman A. Agatep, APR (leftmost).

As tribute to the Anvil Awards’ Diamond Anniversary, MBFI received a Hall of Fame recognition for its three previously lauded programs: Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) in 2016, Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge in 2018, and National Teachers’ Month in 2020. A commemorative video showcased notable Grand and Platinum Anvil winning entries throughout history, including Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) in 2010, National Teachers’ Month Campaign in 2011, and the impactful Supplemental Aid to Community Pantries in 2022.

The 32 exceptional awardees conferred with the Metrobank Foundation’s Award for Continuing Excellence and Service during the 45th Anniversary Celebration.

Metrobank Foundation’s 45th Anniversary Celebration
The Silver Anvil recognizing excellence in special events was awarded to MBFI’s 45th anniversary celebration with the theme, “A Heart that Serves.” Distinguished leaders in the academe, military, police, visuals arts, and media, along with the esteemed MBFI scholars and dedicated partner institutions, were recognized for their consistent commitment to community service, aligning with MBFI’s mission of cultivating a culture of providing impactful contributions to the society.

MADE partners receive specially designed brass sculpture entitled “Binhi” (seed), designed and sculpted by two-time MADE awardee, Ar. Jonathan Dangue.

MADE’s “Sibol” 40th Anniversary Exhibition
Two Silver Anvils underscore the resounding success of MADE’s 40th anniversary celebration titled ‘Sibol’. One Silver Anvil for “Sibol: An Art Exhibition that Moves, Inspires, and Grows” recognized the program’s four decades of growth through the innovative and sensorial display of 40 MADE art collections and 24 contemporary works with interactive elements, attracting over 3,000 visitors and inspiring excellence among the next generation of Filipino artists.

Another Silver Anvil celebrated the impactful collaborations forged for “Sibol: Cultivating Partnerships for Cultural Growth.” By leveraging its partnerships with esteemed institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Samsung Philippines, and Foundation University of Dumaguete, “Sibol” effectively demonstrated how art can drive community growth, strengthen collective identity, and engage a broader audience in nation-building. Furthermore, the collaboration with Katha Pilipinas and the National Teachers’ Month Secretariat empowered 475 young creatives and art educators, fostering the growth of the next generation of Filipino artists. Its powerful media impact reached over 65 million individuals through print, broadcast, and online platforms.

Delegation led by MBFI and the alumni networks of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos went to Pag-asa Island for the (GPS2) program.

Guro, Pulis, Sundalo na may Galing, Puso, at Sigasig (GPS²)
Under the Public Relations Programs – Government Relations category, this award highlighted the 2024 GPS² initiative, which mobilized key government agencies—Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Department of Education, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission—to deliver healthcare, education, and essential services to the residents of the geo-politically exposed and resource-scarce Pag-asa Island, Palawan in the West Philippine Sea. The “GPS² Empowering Pag-asa Island by Leveraging Multi-Sectoral Government Relations” initiative demonstrated the power of multi-sectoral collaboration and government relations in addressing the needs of remote communities. Through medical missions and assistance distribution, the GPS² initiative’s two-phase outreach benefited 223 residents, 83 students, 10 teachers, and 107 military and uniformed personnel. Extensive media coverage amplified awareness of Pag-asa Island’s needs, inspiring hope and support for its development.

“We are deeply honored to receive these prestigious Anvil Awards,” said Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, MBFI president. “These awards are a testament to our dedication, together with our awardees and partners in social development, to creating impactful social development programs that inspire, empower, and uplift communities.” Sobrepeña likewise paid tribute to his corp of veteran program implementors and corporate communications specialists who prepared the winning entries. “We are delighted that the PRSP continues to recognize our collective efforts,” he added.

A Legacy of Excellence

These latest achievements add to MBFI’s impressive Anvil Awards track record. To date, MBFI has won 102 Anvil awards, including: the Company of the Year Award at the 51st Anvil Awards in 2016; Three (3) Grand Anvils for the Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) in 2020, National Teachers’ Month Campaign in 2011, and Metrobank Foundation’s Supplemental Aid to Community Pantries in 2022; and Two (2) Platinum Anvils for “Launching Dreams The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. 35th anniversary Celebration” in 2015 and “Empowering Filipinos, Building the Nation,” the 2014 Metrobank Foundation Annual Report in 2016.