CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN ACTION
The Official Publication of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc.
July 2012
Number 20
The sesquicentennial Gawad Rizal (lone institutional awardee) conferred to the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) is presented to
Metrobank Group chairman and founder Dr. George S.K. Ty (center) by MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña (left), and joined by Metrobank
chairman Arthur V. Ty (right).
MMC hails this year’s
national champions
3
MADE winner rises
as one of CCP’s 2012
Thirteen Artists
6
MBFI-Boysen Scholars
graduate with honors
8
CNY Bags of Blessing brings
The Spirit of Rizal Lives
cheer to 10,000 families
In every organization, a midyear often marks an
assessment and evaluation report. This vital exercise
leads us back to the core of our organization’s vision
and mission, bringing us to introspect on what has
been done and what still needs to be done for the
remaining months of the year.
Thus, we welcome the midyear by sharing a piece
of good news - the National Historical Commission
has conferred the GAWAD RIZAL to Metrobank
Foundation as the lone institutional awardee during
the culmination of the 150th Birth Anniversary of
our esteemed national hero, Jose Rizal. This historic
achievement gives us much joy and pride as we are
also celebrating Metrobank’s 50th Anniversary this
year.
Living to the ideals of our national hero, the
Foundation has since committed itself to bring out
the best in the Filipino people and to drive them to
aspire for excellence. We are proud to say that
throughout the 33 years of Metrobank Foundation,
we have lived up to this Rizalian value and will
continuously do so in the years to come.
More than the recognitions and accolades that
come with receiving the Gawad Rizal, we are also
proud of the people whom we have engaged with.
Our day-to-day work in the Foundation is made
more meaningful as our stakeholders - beneficiaries
and development partners continue to inspire us
with bonds of cooperation leading to favorable
outcomes. We are proud to present to you some of
their stories in this issue.
We hope that people whom we have chosen to
empower and whose lives were gradually changed
will likewise do the same in their respective spheres
of influence.
Read on and be inspired!
Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S. K. Ty (3rd from left) led the distribution of
Bags of Blessing during the Chinese New Year. With him are: (from left) MBFI president
Aniceto Sobrepeña, Federal Land president Alfred Ty, DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman,
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, and Metrobank chairman, Arthur Ty.
In celebration of the Chinese New Year, “Xin Nian Hao” which means
“Happy New Year” in Mandarin was said in many different ways but all
with a smile by 10,000 underprivileged families in selected sites as they
received the food packages from officers and employee-volunteers of the
Metrobank Group.
Metrobank Group chairman, Dr. George S.K. Ty, thought of a more
meaningful way of celebrating the Chinese New Year by distributing Bags
of Blessing (BOB) as a way of expressing his philanthropic commitment to
give back to society. Now on its second year, the Bags of Blessings has
since become a part of the Metrobank Group’s celebration of the Chinese
New Year. The distribution was spearheaded by Metrobank, GT-Metro
Foundation (GTMF), and the Metrobank Foundation, along with Global
Business Power, Federal Land, with the support of the Armed Forces of
the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which
determined the names of the beneficiaries through the National
Household Targeting System.
Volunteers from the Metrobank’s Purple Hearts Club, AXA Philippines,
Toyota Motors Philippines, Manila Tytana Colleges, Federal Land, PSBank,
First Metro Asset Management, Inc. (FMAMI), and ORIX also helped out in
giving out food packages composed of rice, canned goods, milk, coffee,
sugar, noodles, and a snack pack for children.
Aniceto “Chito” M. Sobrepeña
President
Aside from the BOB distribution held in Manila, Pasay, Pasig, Marikina,
Quezon City and in Makati, Metrobank also mobilized its local branches
for the simultaneous distribution held on January 28 in select regional
sites in Meycauayan, Bulacan; Batangas City; Santiago City, Isabela;
Cauayan City, Isabela; Dagupan City; Iloilo City; Cebu City; Toledo City;
Tacloban City; Bacolod City; San Jose, Antique; Davao City; Zamboanga
City and Butuan City.
MetroCSR News is published semi-annually by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc.
Editorial Board: Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, Nicanor L. Torres, Jr.
Metrobank Foundation, Inc.
Editorial Team: Clair M. Aliño, Christopher L. Bugaoan, Jed B. Alegado, Louise Lane A. Calicdan, Kristina Mae I. Misajon
(The Official Page)
Address: 4/F Executive Offices Metrobank Plaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City 1200 Philippines
Contact Nos: 898-8855 / 857-5918
Telefax: 818-5656 Email: foundation@metrobank.com.ph
Website: www.MBFoundation.org.ph
2
July 2012
MMC 2012 hails Math Champions
Following the gruelling stages of the competition, 17 math
geniuses were declared winners during the national finals
of the Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC) held
last April, at the Metrobank Plaza Auditorium in Makati City.
Farrell Eldrian Wu of MGC New Life Christian Academy
(Taguig City) placed first in Grade 6 Individual Competition,
while Dann Lawrence Llabore of General Santos City (SPED)
Integrated School and Errol John Suarez of Bicol University
College of Education Integrated Laboratory School were
second and third, respectively.
For the Grade 6 Team Competition, Nathan Joseph
Oranga and Andrea Jessica Jaba of St. Jude Catholic School
Manila were the 1st placers; Errol John Suarez and Charlotte
Advincula of Bicol University College of Education
Integrated Laboratory School (Daraga, Albay) were 2nd
placers; and Vince Walter Domasig and Cynthia Marie
Avecilla of Pasong Tamo Elementary School (Quezon City)
were 3rd placers.
For the 4th Year Individual Competition, Russelle
Guadalupe of Valenzuela City Science High School bagged
the gold medal. Mark Joseph Abang of BHC Educational
Institution, Inc. (San Fernando City, La Union); and Marcia
Butastas of Tabunan National High School (Almeria, Biliran)
bagged silver and bronze medals, respectively.
In the 4th Year Team Competition, Sean Timothy
Cheng and Carl Lester Tan of Grace Christian College
(Quezon City) were 1st placers, Brandon Chan and Julius
Christopher Doolittle of Philippine Cultural College –
Caloocan were 2nd placers; and Dave Didal and Jude
Matthew Bernal of Potter’s Place School (El Nido, Palawan)
2012 MMC First Placers in the Grade 6 and 4th Year Individual and Team
Competitions (From left) MBFI executive director Nicanor L. Torres, Jr., MBFI
executive vice-president Elvira Ong-Chan, MBFI vice chairman Dr. Placido Mapa Jr.,
the , MTAP president Sr. Iluminada C. Coronel F. M. M. , DepEd Usec. Yolanda S.
Quijano, and MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña
were the 3rd placers.
National winners received trophies, medals and cash - P25,000 for the 1st
placer, P20,000 for the 2nd placer and P15,000 for the 3rd placer for the
elementary level while P50,000 for the 1st placer, P40,000 for the 2nd
placer and P30,000 for the 3rd placer for the fourth year level amounting
to a total of P540,000 worth of cash prize. Half of the cash prize received by
the winners has allowed them to open an account through the Metrobank
Fun Savers Club — a special savings account designed for kids 17 years
and below. Fun activities and gift items being offered by the product
encourage young members to save.
Presidential Adviser Sec. Ging Deles
talks about the peace process
The Metrobank Foundation, together with the Ateneo School of Government and
Ateneo de Manila University’s Department of Political Science, held the Metrobank
Foundation Professorial Chair Lecture entitled "Reflections on the Peace Process".
The Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair for Public Service and Governance is
awarded to servant-leaders who have become models of ethical and effective public
leadership in the country.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Teresita “Ging” Deles, the
Professorial Chair awardee, spoke before an audience that is composed of students
and members of the academe. Through her lecture, Secretary Deles gave an
overview of the current state of the peace process of the government. Atty. Cesar
Villanueva from Pax Christi Pilipinas and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair,
Loretta Ann Rosales delivered their message afterwards.
Presidential adviser on the peace process Sec. Teresita
“Ging” Deles (center) receives the 2011 Metrobank
Professorial Chair for Good Governance from Metrobank
Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeńa (right) and
Ateneo School of Government Dean Antonio G.M. La Viña
(left).
Guided by the belief on the importance of continuing research to further
strengthen the key professions, the Metrobank Foundation established Professorial
Chairs in the areas of law (PhilJA), medicine (UST and UP Manila), and public service
and governance (ADMU). Past recipients of the Professorial Chair award were Justice
Secretary Leila de Lima in 2009 and Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
Commissioner Rene Sarmiento in 2010.
3
Historical Commission Confers “Gawad Rizal” to Metrobank Foundation
During the recent celebration of the 151st birth anniversary of Dr.
Jose Rizal, Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), represented by its
president, Aniceto M. Sobrepeña received the distinguished
sesquicentennial Gawad Rizal (Institutional Category) from the
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
The awarding was held right at the national hero’s birthplace
in Rizal Shrine, Calamba City, Laguna and was attended by
distinguished guests from government, 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.
MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña accepts the award from National
Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chair Dr. Maria Serena
I. Diokno (right) and Emmanuel Herbosa (left), representing the family of
Rizal
“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,”
said Sobrepeña.
“…It is this commitment in recognizing excellence and
engaging every Filipino that has paved the way for the spirit of
Rizal's ideals to remain in our midst “
The award was conferred by NHCP chair Maria Serena Diokno
and 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,” said Herbosa in his message.
He commended the awardees for they have been chosen
because they have proved 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.
Sec. Armin Luistro, FSC
DepEd
Instrumental to the nomination of the MBFI to the Gawad
Rizal was Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Armin
Luistro, FSC 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 ideals to remain in our midst”, expressed Luistro.
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 the country at large, in light of
Rizal’s teaching and way of life; or promoting and
encouraging civic competence and integrity.
Mr. Sobrepeña with MBFI officers and staff (from left) – Likha Lakan M.
Delos Reyes, Clair Moran-Aliño, Irene D. Labitad, and Amor Lynn D.
Macalalad
4
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 the Martial Law, fulfilling his duties with utmost
integrity, nationalism, and dedicated service.
Jose Rizal’s Spirit Lives On!
Below is the response given by Mr. Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, president of the
Metrobank Foundation during the Conferment Ceremony of the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines’ Rizal Awards last June 19.
It is a privilege to stand this morning in the birthplace of a
man, who even after 151 years, is cause of pride for a
nation. The sesquicentennial of Jose Rizal has become an
occasion to
remember his legacy by honoring those
who embody the ideals for which he lived and died.
Nationhood. Love of country. Excellence. Hope. These are
at the core of the Metrobank Foundation and the award
today brings to the fore not just an organization but the
men and women who, over three decades, have chosen a
path much like our national hero.
We have heard that our people today are looking for
heroes. Some look to the past and recall great men like
Gat Jose Rizal. They remember his intelligence, his
patriotism, his courage and sigh for a past. There are
others who are more circumspect. They see Rizal as a man
for his times and set a standard for men, no matter their
time. Persons after him have risen to the challenge of
becoming nation builders within their milieu. Some have
gained prominence as statesmen, industrialists,
businessmen and professionals. Others have done the
same but more quietly, under the radar but with as much
passion and commitment as these whose names are
etched in the annals of our history.
These are the men and women the Metrobank
Foundation has sought to hold up for close to thirty years.
Our work has been to find them, who sought nothing
more than to contribute to the best of their capacity in
the fields of education, peace and security, law
enforcement and the visual arts.
The search for
outstanding teachers, soldiers, policemen and artists is a
“The spirit of Rizal lives when men choose to be
selfless and generous, compassionate and
forgiving. It lives where men continue to hope and
believe in the Filipino as Rizal did. As we all do.”
recognition that there are heroes among the ranks. This is
a nation of heroes, many unsung. They aren’t looking to
become famous or powerful, only to do for others in their
particular vocations. And not just to do but to do it
excellently, even at great personal cost.
One of our pioneer awardees in 1985, Dr. Araceli
Villamin of the Philippine Normal University, exhibited her
passion for teaching that even when war was raging in
her hometown in Gasan, Marinduque in the 1940s, she
continued to conduct classes in makeshift classrooms.
Now retired, Cely continues to conduct outreach classes
and write textbooks. Another awardee in 1995,
Mrs. Victoria R. Pamienta of the Cavite Provincial High
School, travels several hours everyday and crosses a
hanging bridge to a remote barangay in Maragondon,
Cavite to teach in a public school bereft of basic
necessities that would make for a conducive learning
atmosphere.
We have found many such as them and we will continue to find them
because this is a nation of heroes. As you bestow this award on
Metrobank Foundation, we share it with them whose lives are
making a difference because they continue to believe, as Rizal did, in
the greatness of our people and of our country, and expand
themselves towards something bigger than themselves. It speaks of
hope that someday every Filipino will have quality of life, equal
opportunity, be accorded dignity and contribute to the growth and
stability of our country.
Ang parangal na ito ay hindi lamang para sa amin. Ito ay para sa
lahat ng mga pribadong organisasyon at institusyon na nagtutulongtulong at nagkakaisa upang mapabuti ang pamumuhay ng bawat
Pilipino, lalong lalo na ang mga maralita at kapus-palad. Ibinabahagi
namin ito sa kanila, at sa pamamagitan nito ay pinalalawak at
pinalalawig namin ang alyansa para sa isang masagana at maunlad
na Pilipinas..
(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.)
Ang diwa ni Jose Rizal ay mananatiling buhay habang may mga tao
at mga samahan na patuloy na yumayakap at nagtataguyod ng
kahusayan at kagalingan. Magpapatuloy ito habang tayong mga
Pilipino ay handang mag-alay ng oras, talino, at yaman para sa kapwa
at sa bayan. Ang diwang ito ay tulad ng ipinakita at ipinadama ng
ating bayaning Jose Rizal.
(The spirit of Jose Rizal lives on for as long as there are people who are
willing to become their best selves, settling for nothing less than
excellence, holding themselves to the highest standards in their lives,
their work, their dealings with fellowmen. It lives when men choose to be
selfless and generous, compassionate and forgiving. It lives where men
continue to hope and believe in the Filipino as Rizal did.)
Maraming salamat po at magandang umaga sa ating lahat.
(Thank you and have a pleasant morning.)
5
2005 MADE winner Jan Leeroy New named as
one of CCP’s 2012 Thirteen Artists
Sculpture is one of the oldest art form dating back 35,000 years ago even before the Greeks celebrated the aesthetic form of the
human body. Since then, the art of sculpting has evolved and is still in the process of transition as it embraces the fast changing
modern world –changes in the abundant medium and meaning conveyed. Artworks by young sculptor Jan Leeroy New, 2005 Grand
Prize winner of the MADE Sculpture Competition, embodies this duality of shock and artistry amidst modernity. The young artist
recently made it to the headlines as one of the 2012 Thirteen Artists by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Emerging from MADE
Metrobank Foundation embarked on the challenge of launching a sculpture
competition in 2004 aimed at supporting young sculptors and launching their
careers. It was in 2005 that MADE awarded the Grand Prize to Jan Leeroy New
for his sculpture entitled “Cradle” made of wood, sawdust and
galvanized iron. Leeroy’s vision as an artist is reflected in his succeeding
artworks which not only blew into gigantic proportions but also became
wearable and playable.
Public Art
The Shock of the New: 2012 CCP Thirteen Artists
Awardee Jan Leeroy New with one of his “Creatures”
Following his statement of art as his eulogy to nature, one of Leeroy’s early
public art works, which created an impact in the seemingly quiet grounds of
Ateneo, is the “Balete”. Made of tangerine plastic conduit tubes and cable ties,
the Balete is an installation art hovering over the whole façade of the Ateneo
Art Gallery. Following the style and materials used in the Balete, the young
artist is starting to create this signature style. He was able to showcase other
varieties of this installation in bigger public venues like his exhibit
“Psychopomp’s Reef” at Bonifacio Global City. This year, on the sand dunes of
Paoay Ilocos Norte, Leeroy joined other Filipino artist in celebration of the La
Milagrosa Festival entitled “Himala sa Buhangin”.
Wearable Performance Art
There’s no stopping this 25 year-old sculptor in exploring mediums and
public venues of showcasing his artistic creations. In 2009, Leeroy
collaborated with fashion designer Kermit Tesoro by providing grotesque
and interesting head sculptures for Tesoro’s 2009 spring collection. The
following year, they had another collaboration for a sci-fi inspired collection
which was presented in the Philippine Fashion Week.
Going International
After winning the MADE competition, Leeroy continued on to seek
exposure not just in the local market but also bringing the "Shock of the
New" to the international audience in his succeeding international
exhibitions: 2009 Fukuoka Triennale in Japan, 2008 Singapore Biennale, and
La Trobe Visual Art Center in Australia, among others.
Leeroy’s artistry and grotesque aesthetics caught the attention of
international pop icon, Lady Gaga, who used Leeroy’s “muscle dress” as her
design inspiration for her costume which Gaga wore on the cover of her
“Marry the Night” album. Currently, Leeroy is also part of the production
team of the Dr. Anton Juan’s opera, Madame Butterfly as set and costume
designer.
One of CCP’s Thirteen Artist Awardees
Recently, he was named as one of the 2012 Thirteen Artist Awardees,
one of the most prestigious art awards given to professional artists by the
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) which Metrobank Foundation also
supported this year. The award is given to artists who “took the chance and
risk to restructure, restrengthen, and renew art making and art thinking”.
The Thirteen Aritsts Award (TAA), which started in 1970, is the oldest award
given by CCP, two years ahead of the esteemed National Artist Award.
6
Made of indigenous materials, “Chrysalis” represents the
galleon which brought La Virgen de Milagrosa to Paoay
“Shock of the New”
The young artist had a concrete statement in
mind – a statement which can be consistently
seen in the images, installations, fashion and
theatrical pieces that continues to leave the
audience in a state of awe and wonder. Without a
doubt, Jan Leeroy New consistently delivers the
"Shock of the New" from winning the MADE
sculpture competition during his amateur years to
his quest for new mediums and avenues of
exhibition.
Photo Credits: Vincent New (cover), (top left) Facebook page,
“Creatures from Jan Leeroy New’s Imagination”, (above) Jan
New Leeroy
2012 GRANTS ROUNDTABLE:
Development Partners converge to share their experiences
As part of nurturing its engagement with its
stakeholders, the Grants Unit of the MBFI
recently held its annual Grants Roundtable
Discussion wherein development partners and
grantees are invited to attend and to share the
impact of Metrobank Foundation’s support on
their respective organizations.
This year’s theme, Realizing Development
Endeavors through Government
Partnerships, highlights
the
working
relationship between government and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) particularly
on specific programs supported by the
2012 Grants Roundtable Participants with MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña (Standing row,
Foundation
in line with its thrusts on
center), MBFI Executive Director Nicanor Torres Jr. (Standing row, 2nd from left) and MBFI
education, healthcare, poverty alleviation and
Grants Unit
disaster risk reduction. Attendees were
beneficiaries which received their grants last
year including local government units affected by typhoons Pedring and Quiel as well as other local government units (LGUs) and
NGOs which include the Municipalites of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro; Del Carmen, Siargao, Surigao del Norte; and San Miguel,
Bulacan; the Provinces of Bataan and Pampanga; Alalay Sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI) Philippines and ASKI Global; Children for
Breastfeeding; Hope Worldwide Philippines; Community Development Society of the Philippines; and Gabriel’s Symphony
Foundation.
Aligned with its mission, the Foundation extended support to the participants’ various initiatives which include financial
assistance to typhoon victims of Pedring and Quiel; the construction of toilets in selected elementary schools; an education program
for OFWs and their families; parenting and day care programs; a regional workshop on disaster risk reduction and management; and
a reading program for mothers.
STRENGTHENING LEADERSHIP AND TEACHING EXCELLENCE SKILLS(SLATES)
Outstanding Teachers level up thru AusAID
“It was very informative, truly inspiring and motivating.” This is how 2011
Outstanding Teacher Lora Escarro Ańar described her two-week study visit in
Australia together with nine fellow outstanding teachers. She hopes to establish a
capability-building program for her colleagues in Bukidnon.
In the pursuit of encouraging continuous excellence among our educators, the
Foundation has formed partnerships with different academic organizations for
professional development for the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding
Teachers .
MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña (front row, 3rd from right) and Australian
Ambassador, His Excellency Bill Twedell (front row, center) together with SLATES 2012
Participants at the Graduation and Closing Ceremony.
The Foundation forged a partnership with the
Australian Agency for International Development
(AusAID) in 2011 by launching a leadership training
and benchmarking activity dubbed as “Strengthening
Leadership and Teaching Excellence Skills (SLATES)”
under MBFI’s Fellowship for International
Understanding Program. SLATES is a joint undertaking
with the Philippines Australia Human Resource and
Organisational Development Facility (PAHRODF) which
provided
select members of the Network of
Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED) the
opportunity to participate in a study visit to Australia.
The training program is conducted by Queensland
University of Technology (QUT).
SLATES is an innovative learning approach which
involves cross-border mentoring and sharing of
knowledge and learning to further strengthen skills of
the awardees of the Search for Outstanding Teachers
as leaders in the classroom and the community they
serve. The program increases knowledge and capability
in education leadership as well as establishes networks
and relationships among education organizations and
institutions.
7
PARTNER-IN-FOCUS: Bringing Educational Innovation Closer to Home
The first of its kind in the Philippines and
in Southeast Asia, the One Laptop Per
Child (OLPC) program was launched in
the Municipality of Lubang, Occidental
Mindoro .
On its second year, OLPC-Lubang distributed 110 units of 1.5 XO laptops to 110
Grade IV pupils from Maligaya Elementary
School and Lubang Central School.
The Metrobank Foundation, together
with other donors, has supported the
OLPC-Lubang project through a
partnership with the Municipality of
Lubang, National Computer Center
(NCC) Employees Outreach Program, the
eKindl ing-Phil ippine s, and the
Department of Education. The project
was conceived to create a meaningful
learning experience by bringing
technology-based, educational
innovations to children and teachers.
The program provides free laptops
as aids in studying Math, Science,
English, and Makabayan to students in
Grades IV to VI. Each student can bring
the laptop home, do his/her
assignments, and share the laptop with
his/her siblings and parents. The
students can keep the laptop for
three years until he/she
finishes
elementary.
The project aims to reach as many
students in Lubang as possible so
assistance from donors was solicited.
One of the project’s initial major
donors is Metrobank Foundation
which supported the purchase of
fifteen (15) laptops in two years.
DepEd secretary Bro. Armin Luistro,
FSC graced the first launch, while Sen.
Juan Ponce Enrile and Maricora M.
Maningat, Branch Head of Metrobank
Balayan, Batangas attended its
second launch.
The project attained encouraging
results as the beneficiary schools
achieved zero dropout rate among its
students.
2012 scholars shine during the MBFI-Boysen Graduates’ Forum
“I hope you get to really listen to your inner voice, your
intuition and find out what your life’s purpose is, what you
really want to accomplish, and have the courage to follow
it. Don’t let other people’s thoughts or opinions stop you
from achieving that,” said Pacific Paint (Boysen)
Philippines, Inc. vice president Johnson Ongking in his
inspirational message during the recently held MBFI
Graduates’ Forum.
A total of nine (9) architecture scholars from the
University of the Philippines-Diliman and University of
Santo Tomas (UST) graduated under the Metrobank
Foundation, Inc. - Boysen College Scholarship
Program, with 3 of them receiving Latin honors.
“To become one of the chosen few recipients of the
scholarship program is an honor and I have always
thought of it as a mission that was entrusted to me in order
to do well in school and eventually serve others the best
way I can,” said UST’s Abigail Ko who delivered the
response on behalf of her fellow scholars.
The Graduates’ Forum is an annual assembly of the
Foundation’s graduate scholars where they get to meet
and interact with each other, as well as, their
benefactors. The event also serves as a venue for the
Foundation to give due recognition for the scholars’
achievements and to hear their plans for the future,
particularly in what way they intend to “pay- it-forward”
for the gift of education that the Foundation and Boysen
bestowed on them.
8
The 2012 scholar graduates with MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña (standing, 4th
from left), executive director Nicanor Torres, Jr. (3rd from left), senior program
manager II, Irene Labitad (2nd from left) and Boysen VP for Operations, Johnson
Ongking (3rd from right) and technical manager, Engr. Romeo Bautista (2nd from
right).
Since 2005, the MBFI-Boysen Scholarship Program has
graduated 33 scholars, 16 of whom received Latin honors.