Metrobank Group, Plan Int’l inaugurate new school buildings in Palo, Leyte

MANILA, Philippines - As part of its initiatives to contribute in the rehabilitation of communities affected by super typhoon Yolanda, newly built disaster-resilient school buildings were inaugurated by the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) in a series of turnover ceremonies recently in Palo, Leyte.

“We’re happy with our new classrooms. We can already organize our teaching materials properly. It’s inspiring to teach in a beautiful classroom,” said Arado Elementary School teacher Ligaya Abella, who now occupies one of three newly-constructed typhoon-resilient classrooms donated to the school.

Recipients of the latest school buildings include Caloogan Elementary School, Palo National High School, and Arado Elementary School.

These represent the last batch of schools that were inaugurated by the Metrobank Group following previous turnovers held in the municipalities of Balangiga and Guiuan in Eastern Samar and in the municipalities of Cabarasan Daku, San Isidro and San Antonio in Palo, Leyte, making it a total of 25 classroom donations. 

“We made sure that we will be able to visit your area as we turn over these school buildings to cater to the needs of the students and help build their future,” said Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) president Aniceto Sobrepeña, who personally spearheaded the turnover along with other stakeholders.

“Education has always been one of our important thrusts. The school buildings are also intended to provide our beloved teachers with a conducive facility that will hopefully inspire them to deliver high quality education to our students. We hope that you will ensure the proper maintenance of the facility so that it will last to serve more generations in the future,” he continued.

Also present during the inauguration were MBFI executive vice president Elvira Ong-Chan; Orix Metro Leasing and Finance Corp. president Protacio Bantayan; Orix Metro Leasing and Finance Corp. director Fumihiko Sato; Toyota Motor Philippine Foundation assistant vice president Ronald Gaspar; Metrobank senior vice president and Visayas region head Vicente Jandayan.

The local government unit was represented by Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla; while Plan International was represented by its interim country director Maja Cubarrubia.

‘No small roles’

“There are no small roles in the recovery process of Haiyan-affected communities. Without everyone’s support, we will not overcome the various challenges we face. We must build, rebuild and sustain our efforts for the future of our children,” Cubarrubia said.

“Together with the community, government, and partners such as the Metrobank Foundation, we’re able to reconstruct damaged schools and health facilities. Through this partnership, children will have access to a safe and comfortable learning environment. Building a strong and effective partnership is a great opportunity for everyone to move forward and build back better, stronger, and together. We live in a country prone to various kinds of disasters – typhoons, landslides, earthquakes. We must be prepared and constantly learn from one another to build a resilient tomorrow, “she added.

Department of Education Eastern Visayas regional director Dr. Luisa Bautista-Yu also on hand to grace the proceedings.

Barangay health stations

Meanwhile, MBFI’s sister foundation, GT Foundation Inc. (GTFI), the family foundation of Metrobank founder and group chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty to integrate the philanthropic activities of the Ty family and invest in strategic programs that fall under its development priorities, also inaugurated a barangay health station (BHS) with birthing facilities in San Joaquin, Palo, Leyte, in partnership with the Department of Health. GTFI had turned over two barangay health stations in Mercedes and Guiuan, Eastern Samar in June.

These were also built in partnership with Plan International Philippines to address the rehabilitation of damaged health facilities and restore vital health services in select areas affected by the super typhoon.

More than P2.3 million worth of medicines was given to the health stations, Pope Francis Center for the Poor and other selected public hospitals.

Legacy of assistance

The Metrobank Group has donated a consolidated amount of P55 million, P25 million of which was used to support relief operations, while the rest was allocated for the rehabilitation of schools, health facilities, including livelihood opportunities in affected communities.

The super typhoon left an estimated damage amounting to P1 billion for health facilities alone in the region. Thus, BHS with birthing facilities were constructed in select municipalities. On the other hand, to help restore fisherfolk’s livelihood activities, 500 new fishing boats were extended to select beneficiaries in 13 municipalities in the Visayas.