Manila, Philippines - In line with the recent celebration of 151st birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal last June 19, Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) received the distinguished sesquicentennial Gawad Rizal (Institutional Category) from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
The event served as the culminating activity of “Rizal@150” which was launched a year ago by NHCP. The awarding was held right at the national hero’s birthplace in Rizal Shrine, Calamba City, Laguna which was attended by distinguished members of government offices, local government units, academe, business, Rizal’s family descendants, and locals.
As the lone institutional awardee, MBFI was cited for its promotion of excellence in service and performance among professionals in the fields of arts, education, peace and security as well as the ingenious use of bank resources in implementing relevant programs that inspire and empower Filipinos, thus, contributing to a stronger nation.
In his acceptance speech, MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña expressed gratitude that comes with the award.
“This award is too wonderful to claim as our own. It also belongs to the many other foundations and NGOs who are working to improve lives, empower people, uplift the dignity of men. We share this with them too and doing so, we enlarge a capacity for hope that our collective efforts will contribute to a better Philippines,” Sobrepeña said.
The award was conferred by NHCP president Maria Serena Diokno, who was assisted by BPI senior vice president Emmanuel Herbosa, a close descendant of Rizal.
“We have an institution, the Metrobank Foundation which has been inspiring professionals from all walks of life to become modern day Rizals,” Herbosa said in his message. He commended the awardees for they have been chosen because they have proven, that like Rizal, very ordinary Filipinos can achieve extraordinary feats if one has the non-negotiable passion to work for the welfare of the country and its people.
Instrumental to the nomination of the MBFI to the Gawad Rizal was Education Secretary Armin Luistro, who has been a consistent supporter of the advocacies of MBFI.
“Dr. Rizal’s spirit lives on in the present, I have no doubt that MBFI’s impact is likewise enduring. It remains to be the catalyst for nation-building beyond the confines of business interests, through its core values and programs that unleash the hero within every Filipino. Both legacies echo a lasting hope to the Philippines... It is this commitment in recognizing excellence and engaging every Filipino that has paved the way for the spirit of Rizal’s ideas to remain in our midst,” Luistro said.
Launched during the commemoration of Rizal@150 in 2011 by NHCP, Gawad Rizal seeks to recognize individuals and institutions that have unassailable track record of stimulating and encouraging works toward the Rizalian concept of love of country and fulfillment of duties of Filipino citizenship; meritorious achievement, individual or institutional, in a profession that has displayed strong orientation toward service to the community and/or country at large, in light of Rizal’s teaching and way of life; or promoting and encouraging civic competence and integrity.
Other recipients of the award include Dr. Paul Arvisu Dumol – a renowned playwright, historian, and educator whose works have been greatly inspired by the life and works of Rizal and a posthumous award to Cesar Climaco – a former Zamboanga City mayor who championed the rights of his people during martial law, fulfilling his duties with utmost integrity, nationalism, and dedicated service.