Metrobank Group allots P1B for CSR projects

MANILA, Philippines - The Metrobank Group is putting up a P1-billion fund for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects over the next five years.

During the bank’s 50th anniversary celebration Wednesday, Metrobank chairman and founder George S.K. Ty pledged approximately $25 million to support the group’s CSR programs.

The fresh infusion will beef up the Ty family’s GT-Metro Foundation (GTMF), which was formed to integrate the philanthropic undertakings of the family specifically on the fields of health, environment and environmental health.

In response to the continuing need for humanitarian assistance for victims of current and future natural calamities, the first P100 million will be allocated to the GT- Metro Foundation Calamity Assistance Fund.

“With this generous pledge of donation of P1 billion, we feel even more committed to ensure that we channel the philanthropy of the Ty family towards initiatives that are relevant to the priority needs of our nation,” said GTMF executive director and Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña.

“With these fresh funds given to the Metrobank Group’s various CSR initiatives, we are certain that we shall truly live up to our mission to be not only the most trusted bank in the Philippines but also a bank with a heart,” he point out.

GTMF runs various health programs that seek to enable access to health care services among the poor and the disadvantaged.

One of these is the Health Equity through Access to Life Services or HEALS, which seeks to contribute to the government’s universal health care agenda through sustained PhilHealth memberships that will help protect the health of tricycle drivers and their families in Pasay City.

Another advocacy is the promotion of healthy lifestyle to help lessen the morbidity of the so-called silent but deadly non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which will be implemented in the coming years. GTMF shall also establish a grants facility to benefit future social development partners specifically on the provision of health care services to the poorest of the poor as well on the protection of the environment.

Meanwhile, Metrobank, on its 50th year, has allocated another P200 million to support the launch of new programs of the Metrobank Foundation.

One such recognition program – the Journalists of the Year or JOY Awards – recognizes excellence in journalism, in partnership with Probe Media Foundation Inc. It will recognize distinctive journalists who have produced quality work and can be upheld as role models in their fields.

Another program is the re-launch of the foundation’s scholarship programs to cater to financially-challenged yet excellent students – ACCESS II (Assistance for the Completion of College Education for Superior Students) in partnership with select private and state universities in the country: MBFI-MTC (Manila Tytana Colleges) College Scholarship Program and SAGE II (Share a Gift of Education) in cooperation with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.