Giving back is at the core of the Metrobank Group’s goal in nation-building. More than the act of paying it forward is a reflection of the true value of service to both clients and the community. It is a shared passion to help and contribute to society, characterized by the presence of willing hearts and hands that work together in synergy for a common cause. 1 Message from the President of Metrobank Foundation, Inc. as the Convenor of the Metrobank Group’s CSR Coordinating Officers Dear Partners, Fellow Advocates, and Friends, A mid the on-going global economic slowdown, the issue of sustainability remains the biggest challenge for the corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement. It compels us at the private sector to rethink and revaluate our philanthropic efforts, and whether or not they are truly making tangible and lasting positive impacts on the people and communities we seek to serve. Over the past years, the Metrobank Group of Companies has taken serious steps to this end, harnessing our collective strengths and resources both human and capital, to go beyond traditional corporate giving to sustainable programs and advocacies, closely aligned with our respective business strategies and objectives while translating to real benefits for our partner communities and stakeholders. At the helm of this task is the Metrobank Foundation, which coordinates and organizes the group’s mutual CSR work that focuses on social development and nation-building. This report contains a brief overview of the consolidated CSR initiatives of the Metrobank Group of Companies for 2011. Among them is the nationwide simultaneous tree planting activity “You’re in Green Hands,” which gathered an unprecedented 1,854 volunteers from Metrobank and its member companies, who planted about 17,500 seedlings in nine sites across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The landmark project aptly symbolized the Group’s growing commitment to its responsibility as good stewards of the environment for future generations. Similar collaborations have also been made by the Group and its individual member companies in pursuit of our shared thrusts in education and healthcare, to name a few – all driven by passionate and hardworking employee volunteers and backed by the indispensable support of the organizations’ leadership. As the Metrobank Group continues to grow as one of the country’s biggest conglomerates – our parent company, the Metropolitan Trust and Banking Company marks its 50th founding anniversary this year – we will stay the course: pursuing sustainable CSR that brings about real change in the lives of our people, particularly the disadvantaged. Aniceto M. Sobrepeña President, Metrobank Foundation, Inc. For inquiries, please contact the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. 4/F Executive Offices, Metrobank Plaza, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave., 1200 Makati City Tel. No. (632) 857-5525; 898-8855 Fax. No. (632) 818-5656; 750-0837 Email: foundation@metrobank.com.ph Website: www. mbfoundation.org.ph 2 Partners for Change AXA Philippines believes in the power of synergy to effect positive change, and thus, its corporate social responsibility (CSR) endeavors center on supporting existing programs and institutions that share its goal of contributing to social development and nation-building. Foremost of these partnerships is AXA Philippines’ collaboration with “Gawad Kalinga” to promote holistic growth and development of its adopted community in Barangay Sto. Niño, Bagbag, Novaliches where it has donated 40 houses in 2006. Since then, AXA’s work in the community has expanded to GK Sibol, a community-based preschool program for children aged three to six years. Last year, it distributed school supplies to the 35 GK Sibol Scholars, who also enjoyed a storytelling activity led by members AXA Hearts in Action volunteer group. Integrating the company’s financial literacy advocacy in the activity, they read to the children a story entitled “Who’ll Feed Robby Rabbit”, which emphasizes the value of saving at an early age. To further help community members provide a better quality of life for their families and loved ones, AXA sponsored the GK Livelihood Program for the barangay. Participants learned about candle and soap making, sewing and tailoring, food processing, and other income-generating opportunities. AXA also celebrated the Holiday season with the community, giving away gift baskets during the annual Christmas party. Throughout last year, AXA likewise forged new ties with other organizations such as the Philippine National Red Cross, which it partnered with for a bloodletting activity; as well as the Young Focus International and Senior Citizens’ League Representatives from Axa Turkey visit Axa Philippines to learn the best practices from CARE, a risk management and disaster prevention project which the latter undertook. for their respective programs for the youth and the elderly. The company also teamed up with AXA Global for a risk management and disaster prevention project called CARE. Representatives from AXA Turkey visited the Philippines and reviewed risk management and disaster prevention programs implemented in rural areas particularly in South Luzon such as Naga. AXA believes the information is key to mitigating risk and lessening the damage wrought by natural disasters. Finally, as part of the Metrobank Group, AXA continued its active engagement in the former’s CSR initiatives, among them the unprecedented simultaneous tree-planting activity, with AXA Hearts in Action volunteers trooping en masse to two sites in Tanay, Rizal and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. They also joined the Group during the 2011 CSR Month festivities headed by the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF). AXA celebrates Christmas with the kids through a gift-giving project. 3 Helping Hands Charter Ping An Insurance Corporation’s Charter HelPING hANds CSR programs is just one of the projects to be nominated in the CSR Award Category of the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association, Inc. (PIRA) Awards. Charter Ping An Insurance Corporation’s CSR philosophy is deeply rooted in its company mission to make life’s necessities more accessible to every Filipino, especially the less privileged. This ideal is embodied in its move to donate P1 for every Christmas Personal Accident (PA) Card sold starting last year, allowing customers to chip in – no matter how small – to the Charter Ping An’s CSR activities, which will be funded by proceeds from the campaign. One of these is the “Feed Young Minds Project (FYMP)” in partnership with the Tahanan Outreach Projects and Services, Inc. Employee-volunteers conducted various activities such as storytelling and art sessions, fun games, magic shows, and gift-giving for poor and homeless children in Sta. Ana, Manila where the program was piloted. At the end of these activities, they received loot bags containing food items they could share with their families. Employee involvement is also central to Charter Ping An’s CSR thrust. To mark the Christmas season, its employees and officers led a gift-giving project dubbed “Bucket Meri ang Krismas? (Kasi it’s the time of giving!).” Combined cash and in-kind donations produced 220 buckets of Noche Buena treats, which were given away to needy families identified by the Makati Social Welfare Department. For these projects, Charter Ping An was recognized by the Philippine Insurers and Reinsurers Association, Inc. (PIRA) with a nomination to the CSR Award category in the 1st PIRA Awards held in October. 4 Growing with the Community Being in the real estate business, Federal Land, Inc. (FLI) takes its mandate to build and grow communities – both within and beyond its developments – seriously. In 2011, FLI continued to break new grounds with its innovative and sustainable projects while reinforcing its relationship with its partner communities through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) undertakings. In Cavite, the company made two major initiatives to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and community members. At the beginning of the year, FLI led a street-lighting activity, installing 20 sets of 120-watt LED lampposts. By illuminating the area, crimes and accidents are prevented, thus, ensuring peace and order in the community. With the same goal, the company also donated a brand-new unit of Toyota Vios to be used as a police car to the Municipality of General Trias. Towards the end of the year, FLI conducted a grocery distribution activity dubbed “Bags of Blessing” to celebrate the Christmas season. Inspired by an earlier Metrobank Group project of the same name to mark the Chinese New Year, it benefited 400 indigent families in three barangays in Paco, Manila. Finally, FLI remained a significant player in Metrobank Group’s CSR program last year, sustaining its support for the Metrobank Foundation’s annual arts and design competitions as well as mobilizing volunteers for the nationwide tree-planting mission in July. FLI president Alfred Ty leads the Bags of Blessing distribution at Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes in the City of Manila. Also in the photo are Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. Inclusive Health Care through GT-Metro Foundation As the family foundation of Metrobank Group Chairman, Dr. George S.K. Ty, the GT-Metro Foundation (GTMF) integrates the family’s philanthropic activities into programs that respond to the needs of the underprivileged—particularly, in the fields of health, environment and environmental health. Alignment with Universal Health Care Agenda Since its launch in 2009, GTMF has implemented various initiatives that intend to address relevant health issues at national and community levels. These initiatives include the annual Doña V. Tytana Memorial Lecture, which seeks to facilitate intellectual discourses that may lead to concrete developments in the country’s health care system. On the lecture’s third year, Department of Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona presented the Aquino administration’s health agenda through his lecture entitled “Kalusugang Pangkalahatan (Health for All)” at the Manila Doctors Hospital on June 15, 2011. the Salamin para sa Maliwanag na Bukas (Eyeglasses for a Bright Future) program to achieve nationwide presence and reach far-flung communities that are most in need of basic eye care services. In 2011, a total of 4,156 reading eyeglasses were distributed to indigent adults and elderly, and 307 to public school children, after the conduct of eye screening missions in 14 disadvantaged communities nationwide. Other beneficiaries included women in crisis and conflict areas. GT-Metro Foundation is registered as an Auxiliary Social Welfare and Development Agency with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and as a donee institution with the Philippine Council for NGO Certification. Moving forward, GTMF aims to operationalize programs under all its thrusts as a means of nurturing the legacy of the Ty family. The lecture inspired the creation of the Health Equity through Access to Life Services (HEALS), a program that seeks to help workers in informal sector, among other disadvantaged sectors, access medical services through sustained memberships in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). For the program’s pilot run in Pasay City, 368 tricycle drivers and operators belonging to the PAMBOTODA Transport Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PAMBOKOOP) were entitled to free PhilHealth’s premiums for one year along with other program benefits. Towards a Bright Future In addition, GTMF tapped the Metrobank Foundation’s network of past awardees—namely, The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Integrity, Excellence and Responsibility to Society (TOPSOLDIERS) and the Policemen Responsible for Organizing, Training and Empowering Communities (PROTECT) for Tricycle drivers and two dependents are given free full medical checkups by GTMF during the Unang Paghahandog First Philhealth Cards Distribution held on Pasay City. 5 CSR Brand that Inspires, Cares First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC) aspires to better manage the impact of its business not only on the finance industry, but more importantly, on the wider economic and social well-being of the community and the environment. It launched its corporate social responsibility (CSR) logo and tagline “First Metro Inspires, Cares (FMIC),” highlighting the brand of CSR it espouses – that which inspires people and care for those who need and deserve it most. More than a catchphrase, it demonstrates the company’s core values and ethics, and puts forward the commitment of management in driving its CSR agenda. The new CSR brand focuses on three key advocacies – investment literacy, community outreach, and environmental sustainability. Investment Literacy First Metro’s investment literacy initiatives have been integrated in its business objectives and entrenched in the conduct of its business. As part of its commitment to be a prime mover of the Philippine capital markets, First Metro is steadfast in building awareness and educating people about the capital markets, using its core competencies as the biggest investment bank in the country. In 2011, it conducted 62 Investment Literacy Seminars in Metro Manila and select provinces, attended by around 3,600 investors and members of the general public. Piloted by subsidiaries First Metro Asset Management, Inc. and First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp, the seminars tackled various topics, from diverse personal investment opportunities in the capital markets to taking control of finances, investment strategies, portfolio management, and updated market landscape and outlook. After its successful launch in 2010, FMIC’s intercollegiate stock trading competition “Stock X Challenge,” gathered a new batch of young Filipino investors last year. 166 teams from different colleges and universities nationwide participated in the competition that aims to develop a new generation of Filipino investors through awareness, FMIC president Roberto Juanchito Dispo distributes prescription eyeglasses to elementary students of Comembo Elementary School for the company’s Bigay Liwanag Program education, and hands-on experience. As part of the program, they attended portfolio management seminars to facilitate their investment and trade strategies for the competition. These were conducted in various sites in Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao in partnership with the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Catholic Education Association of the Philippines. Outreach Community outreach is another component of First Metro’s CSR initiatives in which it seeks to make real and tangible difference. An example is the “Bigay Liwanag” program, a vision screening and eyeglasses donation initiative for public school children that has benefitted close to a thousand vision-impaired students since its inception in 2008. In 2011, a volunteer team of doctors conducted freeeye check-ups to students of Comembo Elementary School in Makati City, 266 of whom received specially made prescription eyeglasses. Last year, First Metro employees, led by President Roberto Juanchito Dispo and Investment Banking Group Head Justino Juan Ocampo, visited the Elsie Gaches Village (EGV) in Muntinlupa City – a government-run facility provides shelter, care, and rehabilitation to children and adults with special needs. The company donated household supplies and cash to be used to purchase medicines for the patients who have been neglected and abandoned by their families. Environmental Sustainability Student-participants of First Metro’s innovative program Stock X Challenge, an inter-collegiate stock-trading competition 6 First Metro embraces initiatives to protect the environment as an integral element of its CSR. In July 2011, FMIC employees joined the nationwide tree planting activity “You’re in Green Hands” of the Metrobank Group. In the coming years, First Metro will be supporting more sustainable projects that would address the growing concern on preserving our environment. Building an Environmental Legacy Since its establishment in 2006, Global Business Power Corporation (Global Power) has become one of the biggest independent power producers in the country, utilizing both clean coal technology and diesel fuel across its power plants in the Cebu, Panay and Mindoro. As it seeks better ways to provide clean and sustainable energy to empower communities, Global Power upholds its commitment to care for the environment. In 2011, it launched its biggest effort to this end: a five-year ecological park development and mangrove rehabilitation project in Iloilo City. Through its subsidiaries – Panay Energy Development Corporation and Panay Power Corporation – in partnership with the City of Iloilo, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI, and Barangays Ingore and Hinactacan in La Paz District, Global Power will develop a seven-hectare ecological park and rehabilitate and enhance a 35-hectare mangrove area which will later be known as the Iloilo City Bird Sanctuary and Wetland Park.The multi-sector initiative envisions the local community, through volunteers, as the prime mover towards sustainability. Indeed, not only will it provide a recreational area for the community to enjoy and gain from. Through the project, they can also learn about the protection and management of the sensitive ecosystem. Global Power looks at the project to help sequester the carbon emissions of its power plants, allowing it to deliver “greener” energy to the residents of Iloilo City and the Island of Panay. The 35-hectare mangrove stand is located beside Global Power’s two power plants, and occupies Brgys. Hinactacan and Ingore. The rehabilitation of the area will revitalize marine and create income opportunities for the residents of the barangays. On the other hand, the seven hectare eco-park is next to the Panay Power Plant of Global Power. Besides serving as a venue for developing conventional and improved approaches to environment conservation, it will promote coastal eco-tourism in Iloilo City. A special committee has been created to manage and supervise the implementation of the project. It is comprised of key members from the community, and representatives from partner people and non-government organizations. As a testament to its commitment to care for the environment, GBP together with the City of Iloilo envision a 35-hectare mangrove area dubbed as the Iloilo City Bird Sanctuary and Wetland Park. The Community as an Extended Classroom In 2011, the Manila Tytana Colleges (MTC) has redefined its framework of Community Extension Program in delivering social services. Being an educational institution, MTC has chosen to direct its extension efforts to a holistic and complementary literacy program, harnessing the strengths of its different academic curricula to enable transfer of technology to its partner communities. of participation, directing resources (human, intellectual, and capital) for diverse target groups and beneficiaries, essentially contributing to both human and social development of its partner communities and society at large. Under this new framework, partner communities are set to gain from the expertise of the Manila Doctors College of Nursing which concentrates on healthcare management, the College of Accountancy and Management which focuses on livelihood training, and College of Arts and Sciences which provides support in nutrition and wellness programs, reading and writing programs, and counseling initiatives. As extended classrooms, partner communities, on the other hand, will provide avenues for social involvement to MTC students, faculty, and staff. The MTC Community Extension Program seeks to involve all members of the MTC community in various nature and levels MTC students faculty and staff conduct the college’s community extension program 7 A Social Vision for Healthcare In 2011, Manila Doctors’ Hospital (MDH) takes a step higher in integrating its corporate social responsibility (CSR) into its operations by adopting a social vision for the institution. It represents hospital’s reinvigorated commitment to leadership in the field of healthcare by making more MDH bags an Excellence Award from the 2011 Asian Hospital Management Awards for its community health program in San Andres, Manila. accessible to patients, especially to the marginalized and the underserved, therefore creating greater social impact. Over the years, MDH has been implementing numerous CSR interventions such as medical-surgical missions, community health and school health programs, and hospital services. In the past year, these undertakings served more than 33,000 beneficiaries which included outpatients, inpatients, and those who received free Medical missions of MDH doctors have been a practice for the hospital. 8 surgery and treatment for cleft lip and palate, ovarian and uterine tumors, and cataract, among others. The hospital also continued to reach out to its stakeholders in the City of Manila by bringing its community health program to yet another impoverished barangay in the metropolis. It signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the City Mayor of Manila, adopting for another 3 years a new barangay, Brgy. 662 in Paco, Manila. With the aim to build self-reliant community partners, the comprehensive program focuses on building the capacity of community health volunteers and empowering community members to take charge of their health and well-being. Validating the sustainability of these programs are the strings of citations and accolades the hospital collected last year. Foremost of which is the Excellence Award from the 2011 Asian Hospital Management Awards that recognized its successful implementation of the abovementioned community health program in Brgy. 737 in San Adres, Manila. MDH also won an Anvil Award of Excellence for its Recyclables Program and a Philippine Quill Merit Award for its Oral Health Program for Grade 2 students of Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Singalong, Manila. As MDH pursues its social vision in the coming years, it will continue to come up with more equally strategic, relevant, and engaging CSR programs that impact real lives in positive and lasting ways. Manila Doctors Hospital president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim during the Memorandum of Agreement signing between MDH and the City of Manila for the former’s community health program in Barangay 662 in Paco, Manila Fairy Cardholder: MCC Makes Wishes Come True Wishes do come true. Just like in the past, Metrobank Card Corporation (MCC) has been playing the role of fairy godmother to children with life-threatening illnesses, giving them hope by granting their wishes through Make-A-Wish Foundation. Oftentimes as simple as day in a theme park, the children’s wishes are granted through pledges and donations made by MCC and its employees, who spearhead several wish-granting events each year. In 2011, they raised funds sufficient enough to grant the wishes of 30 kids. Led by its President Riko Abdurrahman, Metrobank Card made their wishes happen in fun-filled days in such venues as Museo Pambata and Manila Ocean Park. Storytelling sessions have also been conducted to make the children and their families appreciate the value of reading. As Make-A-Wish Philippines gears to grant its 1,000th wish this year, Metrobank Card will continue its commitment to give hope and happiness to sick and underprivileged kids the organization helps. The company’s partnership with Make-A-Wish Philippines is just one of its philanthropic efforts, which also include a cardholder engagement program in which shoppers can convert their rewards points to cash donations to a selected social initiative. In partnership with Metrobank Foundation, MCC likewise supports a wide range of projects that promote MCC’s thrusts in education and the environment. MCC employees grant the wishes of the underprivileged through a partnership with Make-A-Wish Philippines. Last year, MCC sponsored a fashion show featuring bags designed by Oliver Tolentino and woven by women from Payatas in Quezon City under the “Rags 2 Riches” livelihood project that recycles used tarpaulin into unique bags and accessories. Encouraging its cardholders’ participation in the cause that effortlessly combines style and sustainability, MCC offered them Triple Rewards Points, when they shopped for Rags 2 Riches items. For 2012, Metrobank Card is set to do bigger projects with “Rags to Riches”, among them the launch of a new collection by Rajo Laurel, in time for the re-launch of a major credit card product. Driven to Serve Service is at the heart of both Toyota Cubao, Inc (TCI) and Toyota Marikina Service Station’s (TMSS) business. It is also the crux of the organization’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts that concentrate on promoting wellness and education. A joint CSR committee implemented several projects and activities in 2011, starting with the annual bloodletting drive in February. TCI and TMSS employees generously donated their blood to the Philippine Blood Bank (PBB) and the Philippine National Red Cross. In response to the increased need for blood donors after a series of dengue outbreaks in the country, they again participated in another blood donation activity in June. In March, the CSR committee likewise organized an outreach program for orphaned, abused, and abandoned children sheltered by the B.A.T.A. Foundation in Marikina City. They distributed toiletry kits and taught them the importance of personal hygiene. At the start of the school year, a similar activity was held for 100 indigent students from ESCOPA 2 and IVC Compound in Cubao, who received educational materials like pads and art papers, pencils, crayons, and rulers. TCI and TMSS employees also took part in the landmark expression of the Metrobank Group’s commitment to the environment: the “You’re in Green Hands” tree-planting activity. Together with more than 1, 800 volunteers from the Metrobank Group affiliates and subsidiaries, they planted close to 18,000 tree seedlings in 12 sites across the country. They vowed to work with the communities in these areas in protecting and nurturing these saplings of hope for future generations. Capping its CSR undertakings is the committee’s involvement in the Reach Youth Ministries, Incorporated’s (RYMI) Christmas Meal gift basket distribution endeavor for indigent communities in Makati City. RYMI is a nongovernment organization established to share God’s love with poor people, particularly children, through values formation and feeding activities under its “Hands-To-Street-Kids” (HSK) program. Toyota Marikina and Toyota Cubao’s converge towards CSR activities that promote wellness and education. 9 From CSR to Social Investments Since its inception more than three decades ago, Metrobank Foundation, Inc. has been the vanguard of Metrobank Group of Companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) pursuits, transforming its interventions into critical social investments. Whether recognizing excellence in public service and the arts, or forging partnerships for sustainable development, the Foundation has been redefining its philanthropic agenda to be able to bring about broader and more relevant social impact. Cultivating a Culture of Excellence presented a new crop of promising visual artists, architects, and designers, who demonstrated sophistication in styles and techniques, but also audacity in the choice of themes with majority of the winning works serving as commentaries on the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of the country. As a result of conducting a more aggressive information campaign and a reflection of public’s sustained interest in the program, entries across all categories of the competition were at records high, coming from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Foundation continued to seek and reward excellence in 2011, presenting a new crop of inspiring and exemplary individuals through its Excellence Awards Program for the country’s finest teachers, police, and soldiers. Collectively called “Outstanding Filipinos,” the awardees were formally presented to President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who hailed them for their invaluable contributions to nationbuilding. He further highlighted how the awardees embody the values of honour and duty in public service that his administration seeks to restore through its “Matuwid na Daan” campaign for good governance. The year 2011 marks a milestone for the Metrobank Math Challenge as it celebrates its 10th year of honing the mathematical skills of Filipino students. Converging for a Common Cause 2011 Metrobank Foundation outstanding teachers, policemen and soldiers with President Benigno S. Aquino III during the yearly conferring of medallions to these exemplary public servants. The youth is a pivotal sector in the Foundation’s thrust of cultivating a culture of excellence. They are at the heart of the Foundation’s interventions in education: the College Scholarship Program (CSP) and the annual Metrobank Math Challenge (MMC). In 2011, 28 new scholars graduated from the various scholarship programs implemented by the Foundation together with partner schools nationwide. Meanwhile, the annual competition for young Math geniuses gathered more than half a million students in its 10th year, upholding its stature as the most prestigious and widely participated competition among elementary and high school students in the country. The Foundation recognizes and promotes the inimitable creativity of Filipinos through its pioneering Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) competitions. Last year, MADE 10 As the CSR champion within the Metrobank Group, the Foundation leads group-wide efforts, mobilizing volunteers from different affiliates and subsidiaries. In celebration of the CSR Week, Metrobank Foundation led the Metrobank Group’s nationwide simultaneous tree planting activity dubbed “You’re in Green Hands.” The event gathered an unprecedented 1,854 volunteers, who planted about 17,500 seedlings in nine sites across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Earlier in the year, the Foundation also spearheaded the Group’s special gift-giving drive, “Bags of Blessings.” Instead of hosting a lavish party for its clients, Metrobank Group chose to celebrate the Chinese New Year with the less fortunate by distributing P10-million worth of bags of goods to 10,000 poor families all over the country including those who were affected by natural calamities in 2011. Beyond the Metrobank Group, the Foundation’s network of partners extends to numerous institutions from the government and non-government sectors it works with for multi-sector initiatives such as the annual Teachers’ Month Campaign (TMC). Honoring the unique role of teachers in educating the youth, TMC continued to grow bigger in 2011, with increased support and participation of major players of the campaign and the public helping institutionalize the month-long celebration throughout the country. Responsibility to Society (TOPSOLDIERS) for its part, embarked on a disaster management training project that aims to train select members of the AFP in preparing for and responding to disasters and other natural calamities. Investing in the Future Former President Fidel V. Ramos and Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty during the launch of the Teachers Month Campaign last September 5. The Foundation also carried on its Professorial Lecture Chair series in the areas of law, medicine, and public service and governance, working with premier institutions such as the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Philippine Judicial Academy (PhilJA), among others. Last year’s Professorial Lectures tackled some pressing public interest issues such as the legal nuances to the Philippine ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC); corporate rehabilitation in the Philippines; and the 2010 automated elections and electoral reforms. In pursuit of its social development goal, the Foundation, through its Grants Program, has been investing in organizations and programs engaged specifically in alleviating poverty, improving health care, and enhancing access to education. In 2011, the Foundation set its sights to contributing to the achievement of the country’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), investing nearly Php 10 million in institutions working to deliver on the Philippines’ commitment to the MDGs, specifically those engaged in the critical areas of poverty reduction, improvement of maternal and child health, and universal access to education.Representatives from these NGOs, socio-civic groups, and LGUs personally accepted the Foundation’s donation during the annual Grants Turnover ceremonies in September. On the other hand, the Foundation teamed up with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the “DiplomART: Cultural Diplomacy through Philippine Visual Arts” project to be part of DFA’s Cultural Diplomacy Program, which seeks to establish, develop, and sustain foreign relations through culture, arts, and education. Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia (center) receives the calamity assistance check for typhoon Quiel from MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña (left) and MBFI Senior Adviser Dr. Antonio S. Abacan, Jr. (right). DFA Undersecretary Delia Albert (seated, left) and MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña (seated, right) put their initials on the MOU as DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario and MBFI chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty look on. The alumni organizations of the Foundation’s awardees and beneficiaries remain important players in its advocacies. Throughout 2011, they initiated outreach activities and training programs such as the “Pulis Ko, Teacher Ko at PROTECT Ako” project of the Policemen Responsible for Organizing, Training, and Empowering Communities (PROTECT) and Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED) to teach Grade 6 and 1st Year High School students on responsible citizenship. The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Initiative, Excellence, and The Foundation joined the international community in responding to call for humanitarian operations for the thousands of victims of the tsunami triggered by a powerful earthquake in Japan in March. Following the Php 10 million donation from the Metrobank Group, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. and Mitsui & Co. Pte. Ltd, the Foundation made a Php 1 million additional assistance through the Philippine Embassy in Japan. The Foundation remained equally responsive to emergency and relief operations for Filipinos affected by calamities that wrecked havoc in different parts of the country, donating a total of P7 million to victims of tropical storms “Pedring,” “Quiel,” and “Sendong.” Undeniably, 2011 was another milestone year for Metrobank Foundation, with the success and achievements of its programs and activities further validated by the strings of recognitions and accolades it received from its peers within and beyond the development arena. Throughout the past year, the Foundation garnered awards from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, to name a few. In the true spirit of giving back, the Foundation regards every citation and accolade as an opportunity to share its learnings, and best practices with other institutions engaged in social development. 11 A Culture of Community Service The Purple Hearts Club (PHC), the organization of Metrobank employee volunteers, takes the lead in implementing the Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR), by building a culture of community service within the organization through its various employee volunteerism programs. In 2011, PHC carried on its signature education initiatives – Kuwentong Bata Beyond Storytelling Program and Library Enrichment project – partnering with Gawad Kalinga Village in Calbayog, Mandaluyong, My Father’s House in Paranaque, New Faith Family Children’s Home (NCCF/The Home), and Rotary Club Paco, Manila. The Kuwentong Bata program aimed to teach the basics of reading to five to six-year old children in the community through a series of storytelling sessions conducted by PHC volunteers. On the other hand, the Library Enrichment project was designed to equip communities and partnerinstitutions to support these activities through book donations. A total of 134 children from these four new community partners benefited from the programs, which will run for three years. PHC volunteers interact with kids for their signature “Kuwentong Bata” read-along and storytelling session. printer to San Roque Elementary School in Marikina City. To mark the second year of PHC Volunteerism Day, the club highlighted its commitment to the preservation of the environment, leading colleagues and peers from the entire Metrobank Group of Companies in the nationwide tree-planting mission “You’re In Green Hands”. Fortifying its engagement in the campaign, PHC signed up for a three-year adoption program of 14 reforestation priority sites. The Club also continued to implement its longstanding thematic activities such as the Nationwide Dugong Metrobank Bloodletting Activity, Meme na Bunso Touch Therapy integrated in basic child care, and Byaheng ABKD Tutorials. Volunteer efforts in all these endeavors continued to rise in the past year with the formation of new PHC chapters, bringing the total to 46 volunteer groups with membership at 4,878 (49% of the 2011 manpower complement of 10,055). In support of the Metrobank Foundation-led Teachers’ Month Campaign, PHC donated computers with licensed software and printer to teachers of San Roque Elementary School in Marikina City. In support of the Teachers Month Campaign, PHC conducted a fundraising activity dubbed “Mga Puso Para sa Guro: PHC Bachelor and Bachelorette” to provide computers with licensed software and a 12 2011 saw one of the highest honors bestowed upon PHC as it received the 2010 National Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA). The recognition is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Metrobank Purple Hearts Club volunteers, PHC’s exemplary employee volunteerism programs and Metrobank’s dedication and commitment to public service and human development. Education, Excellence Top PSBank’s CSR Efforts PSBank’s philanthropic initiatives focus on strengthening two key pillars of the society: the youth, by providing them access to education; and the police force, by recognizing their role in promoting public safety and responsible citizenship. The 2011 scholar-graduates of PSBank from World Vision PSBank president Pascaual M. Garcia III leads the bank officials in the MOA signing with the association of Chinese Filipino Schools in the Philippines (ACFSP) for PSBank yearly scholarship grants to its member schools. In 2011, PSBank renewed its commitment to support deserving scholars under its Educational Assistance Program implemented by partner institutions. 50 new elementary, high school, and college students from member schools of the Association of Chinese Filipino Schools in the Philippines (ACFSP) received scholarship grants, bringing the bank’s total donation to the program to P1.7 million since 2008; while 10 college students from Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC) shared P200,000-worth of educational assistance. The bank likewise celebrated the achievements of its scholars last year, hosting the graduation rites of its 20 scholars from World Vision. Hailing from as far as Misamis Occidental, Palawan, Aklan and Cebu, the graduates represented over 2,000 World Vision scholars nationwide sponsored by PSBank through its annual donation to the organization. Besides World Vision, the bank also supports organizations that take care of the needs of indigent, visually impaired, and special children, encouraging their customers to do the same by donating to the former’s PSBank accounts. PSBank continued to be a valuable program partner of Metrobank Foundation in honoring the selfless acts and public service of the country’s finest men and women in uniform through the Search for the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS). Tapping its extensive branch network, the Bank assists in the program’s information campaign, accepting nominations in all its branches nationwide. This year’s winners were feted by President Benigno Aquino III, together with other outstanding Filipinos during Metrobank’s 49th anniversary celebrations. For their part, PSBank volunteers were mobilized for two of Metrobank Group’s biggest CSR projects in 2011: the nationwide tree-planting activity “You’re in Green Hands;” and the “Bags of Blessing” food bags distribution during the Chinese New Year. They also took part in a nationwide bloodletting campaign in cooperation with the Philippine Children Medical Center (PCMC), which named PSBank as among its top partners during its annual recognition program. Since 2009, PSBank has been holding blood donation drive for the benefit of PCMC and the Philippine Red Cross. In 2011, close to 200 PSBank volunteers from Manila, Bulacan, Batangas, Iloilo, Davao, Cebu and Naga, generated enough blood volume to save 776 lives. Finally, they also joined in the “Run for Literacy” organized by the Millicent Foundation to raise funds for its scholars and to gather textbooks for day care centers in Manila. PSBank was recognized for having the most number of participants in the event which started at 5:30 am at Rajah Soliman, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. Now on its tenth year, the Search for the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service is one of the socio-civic projects being supported by PSBank. 13 Environment Warrior The centerpiece of ORIX Metro Leasing and Finance Corporation’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) is its commitment to care for the environment. Earlier this year, ORIX Metro launched a mangrove reforestation project at the untamed shores of San Miguel Bay, in Barangay Cagsao, Camarines Sur. Through the assistance of Center for Ecosystems and Protected Area Management, a non-profit, nongovernmental organization, ORIX Metro donated 100,000 propagules to reforest the diminutive mangrove trees in San Miguel Bay. Started in May, the mangrove planting was completed last June 16, led by employee volunteers from the company’s head and branch offices, with the assistance of local barangay personnel, Sangguniang Kabataan members, and students living in the said area. Orix Metro Leasing and Finance Corporation (OMLF) head office and branch employees with volunteers from the Sangguniang Kabataan and local government of Cagsao in Camarines Sur Preserving the mangrove forest is very critical especially for residents who risk losing their homes and livelihoods. The dense thickets protect shorelines from soil erosions and acts as a buffer from typhoons and storm surges, waves, and floods. It also serves as a nursery area for fish and other marine animals and other species that can be utilized by the community. The mangrove plantation is ORIX Metro’s very first largescale CSR project in pursuit of a more sustainable and responsible development path by bringing down the current global carbon concentration. The first propagule planted by OMLF signifies its care for the environment 14 Bringing Smiles to Children For Toyota Financial Services Philippines (TFSP), it is the little things that count such as seeing the smiles on the faces of underprivileged kids. As part of its philanthropic activities last year, TFSP held an outreach activity for the children of Virlanie Foundation. More than 50 TFSP team members spent the whole morning with the kids taken care of by the Foundation. They distributed food and conducted fun games and activities. The kids, who had been victims of domestic and sexual abuses as well as human trafficking received bags and school supplies. TFSP team members literally bring smiles to underprivileged kids in an outreach activity conducted with the Virlanie Foundation TFSPH likewise showed its support for the protection of the environment by joining the Metrobank Group nationwide tree planting activity in July. It also participated in a similar activity conducted by Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) later that month. Coming Together for a Common Cause A shared sense of purpose among its employees is instrumental in the continuous success of Toyota Manila Bay’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) undertakings and advocacies. Each year, members of Toyota Manila Bay’s Purple Hearts chapter come together to implement and support initiatives towards the company’s key advocacies in health, education, and the environment. Kicking off their activities for the past year was the club’s participation in Metrobank Group’s “You’re in Green Hands” tree-planting mission in July 11 that covered 12 locations across the country. On the same month, members of the Purple Hearts marked the Toyota Manila Bay’s 12th anniversary by conducting an outreach program for the Aloutte Foundation of the Philippines in Pasay City. Some 70 children taken care of by the Foundation received school supplies as well as slippers, umbrellas, and raincoats. They also demonstrated their talents and skills in a poster and slogan contest that the volunteers prepared as part of the program. Towards the end of 2011, Toyota Manila Bay employees participated in a bloodletting activity led by the Red Cross Cavite Chapter in Toyota Dasmariñas in November, and in a donation drive for victims of Typhoon “Sendong” in December. They raised nearly P46, 000 in cash and 19 boxes of used clothes and canned goods, which Purple Hearts turned over to ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya. For its CSR activities, TMBC partners with Metrobank Purple Hearts Club 15 Toyota Revs up CSR Sustainability As one of the country’s top vehicle manufacturers, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP), together with its network of dealers and suppliers, have made an impact in terms of investments, taxes, labor opportunities, and technology transfer. Beyond these economic contributions, Toyota has made it a mission to ensure that its operations benefit the development of the Filipino people through programs implemented by its social and humanitarian arm, Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, Inc. (TMPF). Toward this end, Toyota has applied a more holistic, socially-aware and socially-relevant approach. Taking care of its local constituents An example of this holistic approach is Toyota’s programs in its adopted school, Pulong Sta. Cruz Elementary School (PSCES) in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Aside from ensuring that the school’s facilities are in order, TMPF also runs programs for the development of the students and school personnel in terms of aptitude and skills, health and nutrition, environmental awareness, and safety. Some of TMPF’s programs include an annual Quiz Bee and educational tour for students, teachers’ training, annual physical exam for faculty and staff, and support to “Brigada Eskwela”. Toyota also provides quality healthcare services to constituents of its host communities – Santa Rosa, Laguna and Parañaque – by conducting a Medical and Dental Outreach Program (MDOP) twice a year. Toyota gathers its partners Makati Medical Center, Makati Dental Society, Manila Doctor’s College, and Drugmakers Laboratories - to provide free consultation, laboratory services, and medicines to thousands of local constituents. Since it started in 1992, the program has served over 95,000 patients. Aside from education, Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF) also considers health as its priority area. They conduct Medical and Dental Outreach Program (MDOP) twice a year. 16 The pioneering Toyota Automotive Education Program continues to hone the skills of automotive students in the leading technical schools nationwide. Empowering the youth The Toyota Automotive Education Program, in partnership with the country’s leading technical schools nationwide, continues to produce skilled, highly-trained workers for the automotive industry both here and abroad. The program provides state-of-the-art tools and equipment and instructors’ training for young Filipinos, making them more productive and useful in their respective communities and contributing to the development of the industry. Transforming communities Work on the Philippine Peñablanca Sustainable Reforestation Project (PPSRP) in Cagayan province continues to help restore the delicate balance between nature and humanity. A US$3-million joint project of Toyota and Conservation International, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the local government, PPSRP targets to complete the reforestation of the 2,500-hectare area by 2013. The project is likewise envisioned to provide a sustainable source of livelihood for locals. Programs related to road safety and drivers’ education have also grown out of Toyota’s partnership with the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and the UP-National Center for Transportation Studies. Most noteworthy is the establishment of the UP Traffic Safety Model Zone in UP Diliman, which promotes safe and responsible motoring benefitting both motorists and pedestrians alike. A long-run nationwide application of the said project is in the pipeline.