Metrobank kicks off rehab program with Metrobank Center groundbreaking

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) has kicked off its economic rehabilitation program in Palo, Leyte with the groundbreaking of the Metrobank Center.

This two-story commercial complex aims to energize the Palo economy by encouraging local businesses to start over, thus creating employment which will generate income for the local residents.

Announced during the ceremony was the allotment of P50 million by the Metrobank Group through Metrobank Foundation and GT-Metro Foundation for education, health and livelihood interventions in the various areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

The Metrobank Center is the bank’s initial rehabilitation project. Of the P50-million pledge, an initial P22.1 million will be allotted to Palo for its next rehabilitation projects.

The projects include the construction of a rural health unit and birthing facility, about 20 new classrooms and 50 bancas benefiting fisherfolk in the Palo community.

Earlier, Metrobank also announced a pledge of P5 million to the Archdiocese of Palo for the restoration and redesigning of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Metropolitan Cathedral.

In his message during the ceremony, Metrobank president Fabian Dee enjoined other companies to help rebuild Leyte.

“It is our fervent hope that our rebuilding efforts will pave the way for other private organizations to embrace the same commitment to help rebuild Leyte, most importantly, matulungan natin ang ating mga kababayang makabangon muli,” Dee said.

Archbishop of Palo John Du, together with Msgr. Jaime Villanueva, blessed the site as witnessed by guests from the government led by Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Secretary Panfilo Lacson, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, representatives of the Leyte government, Gov. Dominic Petilla, Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Mayor Remedios Petilla.

Metrobank was represented by Dee, group vice chairman Antonio Abacan Jr., vice chairman Francisco Sebastian, executive vice president Bernie Tocmo, and Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña.