Launching dreams: Metrobank Foundation celebrates 35th anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), celebrated its 35th anniversary last Jan. 29 at the Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park, Pasay City.

The theme of the celebration was “Launching Dreams.” Through its recognition and social development programs, Metrobank Foundation has continuously strengthened, supported, and assisted Filipinos in their endeavors. The theme used kites, an object symbolically representing flight towards greater heights.

The festivities opened with the unveiling of the Dream Exhibit, which took the spectators on a journey of how Metrobank Foundation has helped launch the dreams of men and women who have excelled in their respective fields through its excellence awards programs. The exhibit also paid homage to the Filipino people, who have proven that despite recent calamities, the nation forges on. The interactive exhibit encouraged attendees to write their respective dreams, which were posted on a Dream Board.

The celebration was highlighted by the conferment of the Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) and the presentation of the Partners in Empowerment, Advocacy and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE).

The Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) was presented to the past awardees of various excellence recognition programs of MBFI — the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT); Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE); Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS); and The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) who continuously excel in their respective professions and in the sectors they represent, thereby raising the bar of excellence through their invaluable contributions and inspiring their peers and their respective communities.

On the other hand, the Partners in Empowerment, Advocacy and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE) was given to institutions from the academe, business, non-government and socio civic organizations, national government units, and diplomatic mission whose commitment in uplifting the lives of the least in society and in recognizing the best of the Filipinos mirrors that of the Foundation.

The Philippine STAR is one of this year’s PEACE recipients, recognized for “its invaluable support and contribution to Metrobank Foundation’s advocacy in promoting excellence among Filipinos by featuring stories of inspiration, courage, heroism, bravery, resourcefulness, and innovativeness of the awardees of its various excellence recognition programs, including other newsworthy features about its programs on education, social development, healthcare, and calamity assistance.” STAR president Miguel Belmonte received the recognition on behalf of the organization.

Cardiinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle graced the occasion as guest of honor, along with guests from national and local government, the academe, business, diplomatic, non-government and socio-civic organizations.

The premier Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), under the direction of Prof. Arturo Molina, serenaded the guests with beautiful music throughout the evening.

The festivities capped off with the conferment of the Grand Exemplar Medallion to Metrobank Foundation chairman Dr. George S. K. Ty for “”his distinguished leadership, generous spirit, compassion, and outstanding achievements” that have contributed to the growth of the nation. The medallion is accorded by the MBFI oard of advisers, presidents of the Foundation’s alumni organizations, communities and organizations that have benefited from Dr. Ty’s philanthropic endeavors.

Also for the first time in the foundation’s history, the Distinguished Leadership Award for Service to Humanity was presented to the late president Corazon C. Aquino, who was cited for “her compassion for humanity” and “her resolute advocacies” that shaped the programs of the foundation, of which she served as chairperson of the board of advisers from 1993 until her death in 2009. Presidential daughter Pinky Aquino Abellada received the award on behalf of the Aquino family.

Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña expressed that the Foundation continues to seek ways to further empower the Filipino people. “While the past five years of the MBFI have brought us much pride as an institution, our board knows that a lot of work still needs to be done in the next five years. While there is a future full of challenges, our initiatives will always be guided by the philosophy of our visionary group chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty, that leadership in business means leadership in community service as well.”