exceletter the official bi-annual publication of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. December 2016 | Number 29

PSSUPT. SUSAN RABANO JALLA Deputy Director for Operations, PNP Crime Laboratory stories of

ARNOL M. ROSALES excellence Master Teacher I, Francisco Melgar Memorial School amidst

COL. JOCELYN PANCRUDO TURLA adversity Chief Surgeon, Philippine Navy Our Outstanding are the lifeblood of the nation, whose dedication to their mandate sustains the country’s progress.

STORY BY NICOLE CORTEZ ISC FERNANDO JUNIO PARCON Intelligence Specialist Chief, Philippine Navy

ow do you steer the nation into progress? Quite a challenge to figure out, especially when the Philippines struggles with problems so pervasive and entrenched in the society’s fabric. But look beyond the surface and there actually lies many answers—chief of which is to uplift the very lifeblood that sustains the nation: the Filipino people. HThis is what the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) has so keenly been doing since its inception. For 37 years, MBFI has stood at the forefront of progressive nation-building by honoring and empowering Filipino public servants ERNELEA P. CAO, PH. D. who exhibit exemplary conduct and performance in their line of duty through Professor XII, University of the Philippines - Diliman its annual Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT), Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS), and Search for the Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS)—collectively known as the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos. With the theme “Aspire. Inspire. Stand Out.”, the 2016 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos conferment ceremony was held at the Metrobank Plaza Auditorium last September 05. Each awardee was presented with a specially crafted trophy and gold medallion, as well as a cash prize of P500,000.

SPO3 HAMIDHAN BIBIO TEBBENG CONTINUE READING OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS / P. 4 Operation PNCO, PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group Mindanao Here, you will find “ exceletter a newsletter peppered with narratives that, true Editorial Board to our corporate social SUPERVISING COMMITTEE responsibility roots, focus on efforts sustained and Aniceto M. Sobrepeña lives changed. PRESIDENT Nicanor L. Torres, Jr. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Here, you will find a newsletter message peppered with many interesting Irene D. Labitad FROM THE PRESIDENT narratives—narratives that, true to our ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR corporate social responsibility roots, Mabuhay! focus on efforts sustained and lives Christopher L. Bugaoan changed. More than a mere reporting SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, Excellence, in its every sort and CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT of our results though, ExceLetter shape, has always been the underlying brings you stories that tug at the heart. motivation behind our work at the Metrobank Foundation. We do our We hope you share in our EXCELETTER TEAM best to uphold it, celebrate it, strive for excitement with these changes. As you browse through this issue, we invite you it—all for the onward pursuit of nation- Nicole Q. Cortez building. to take a look around and share with EDITOR-IN-CHIEF us any feedback you may have. Your ART AND LAYOUT EDITOR With this, I am much delighted to input is very much valuable, as it helps share with you our newest undertaking us ensure we are communicating and towards excellence: the ExceLetter. Laarnie T. Luna reaching out in the most effective ways. In keeping with our strategic directions, Darwin M. Masacupan we felt it was high time to transform We are proud of our efforts; and Almira C. Villanueva REPORTERS the old Metro CSR News into this as always, we are proud to work with new brand identity, so as to match the you in this journey of empowering individuals and communities. Eimee Lopez standard of excellence that have always CONTRIBUTOR defined our organization. From this issue on, the Sincerely yours, ExceLetter is going to be the Metrobank Foundation’s official bi- annual publication. Aniceto M. Sobrepeña

dear reader, contact us ADDRESS: 4F Executive Offices, Metrobank Plaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., 1200 Makati City elcome to the new edition of our newsletter. ExceLetter aims to TELEPHONE: (02) 898 88 55 | 857 59 18 Wcapture the heart of what we do in the Metrobank Foundation: our TELEFAX: (02) 818 56 56 | 750 08 37 unwavering pursuit of, and commitment to excellence. EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: http://mbfoundation.org.ph May the stories in this issue equip you with enough inspiration and MetrobankFoundationOfficial @MBFIPhils willpower to share in the common goal of building a progressive nation. Do Metrobank_Foundation share your comments and suggestions through our contact channels. MetroBnkFoundation

PAGE 2 exceletter DECEMBER 2016 IN THIS ISSUE

4 6 Outstanding Filipinos: A Grantee’s Story: Uplifting the Love, dedication, lifeblood of the nation and a farming revolution

7 8 A Y.E.S. Scholar’s story: Journalists of the Year: Paying it back, ‘Fellows’ deliver lectures and then forward across the country

10 11 National Teachers’ Month: Metrobank Art & Design Excellence: Honoring the unsung Hailing phenomenal Filipino teacher artistry and craftmanship

DECEMBER 2016 exceletter PAGE 3 ON THE PHOTO The 2016 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos wear their best smiles as they have their photo taken with President Rodrigo Duterte (center), Metrobank Group chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty (8th from left, bottom row), Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña (7th from left, bottom row) and Federal Land chairman Alfred Ty (7th from right, bottom row) during the presentation ceremonies in Malacañang Palace last September 12.

Outstanding Filipinos: Uplifting the lifeblood of the nation

STORY BY NICOLE CORTEZ

FROM P. 1 ASPIRING FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE Recognized as this year’s Outstanding To be hailed as an Outstanding “The 30 Outstanding Filipinos we Police Officers in Service are PCI Ryan honor have aspired to act on their Filipino is a great prestige; but for Manongdo, PSupt. Jemuel Siason, Lieutenant Colonel Eliglen Villaflor, it is visions, inspired countless others to be PSSupt. Mario Razira, Jr., PSSupt. Susan of service to their communities, and a greater responsibility to live up to: the Jalla, PO2 Fatima Ibias-Lanuza, SPO1 goal now is not merely to perform your have stood out even in the most trying Nida Gregas, SPO1 Mhay Rubio, SPO2 of circumstances. Now they serve as tasks, but to actually be outstanding in Jeffrey Ojao, SPO3 Hamidhan Tebbeng, the pursuit of your public service duty. an example to many,” said Aniceto and SPO4 Ezrael Lantingan. Sobrepeña, the foundation’s president. “This award is not about us, it is about This year’s roster of Outstanding our beloved country and the Filipinos we serve,” Lt. Col Villaflor said. Teachers includes Winona Diola, 356 teachers, 151 soldiers, and Rujealyn Cancino, Arnol Rosales, As Commanding Officer of the 4th Josephine Chonie Obseñares, Dr. Roy 138 police officers since 1985. Special Forces Battalion in Basilan— Basa, Nelson Agoyaoy, Ma. Regaele an island community in Southern Olarte, Dr. Katherine Faith Bustos, Dr. 645 Outstanding Philippines known to be steeped in Ernelea Cao, and Dr. Mark Anthony a culture of rampant lawlessness and Torres. Filipinos worth armed violence—Lt. Col. Villaflor has In the Search for The Outstanding celebrating taken it upon himself to be an active Philippine Soldiers, Lt. Col. Eliglen advocate of justice and peace. Villaflor, TSgt. Danilo Ramos, and and emulating. Among his efforts are the “Children TSgt. Bernardo Tacbas of the Philippine of War” program, which trained Army; Lt. Col. Wilfredo Manalang, Jr., soldiers and parents to address child SSgt. Albert Eleazar, and ISC Fernando All 30 awardees have officially trauma towards conflict and combat; Parcon of the Philippine Navy; and joined the ranks of 645 Outstanding and the acclaimed “Brigada Masjid” Lt. Col. Oliver Banaria, MSgt. Abel Filipinos—356 teachers, 151 soldiers, project, which aimed to bridge religious Idusma, MSgt. Andersen Avellana, and and 138 police officers—honored by divides during Ramadan season. Col. Jocelyn Turla of the Philippine Air the Metrobank Foundation since 1985. Lt. Col. Villaflor believes it is through Force merited the award. CONTINUE READING P. 5

PAGE 4 exceletter DECEMBER 2016 helpers who work in the day and pursue Among her notable cases are the their studies at night. successful rescue of 12 trafficking He sees it as his mission to help victims and filing of charges against Their long careers his students make better life choices, its perpetrator; and a landmark sheltering them from abusive employers investigation which led to the in service and deeply- and helping them find jobs. prosecution of a man who has been “ Dr. Basa believes that beyond sexually abusing his stepdaughter for held advocacies prove molding minds, the ultimate role of nearly 15 years. Her adept handling an educator is to mold and touch their of these cases has increased awareness their commitment to hearts—and that is what he has been of gender issues and encouraged trying to do since becoming one. community members to speak up and the public they have stand up for their rights. “The recognition I received has sworn service to. inspired me to continue to persevere, As concurrent Police Community serve with much dedication and loyalty, Relations Officer of her station, PO2 and make a difference in the lives of Lanuza is a frequent speaker on gender these things that the movement towards underprivileged students,” he said. and development, and anti-bullying a culture of peace gets in progress. programs in schools and local civic STANDING OUT IN LAW ENFORCEMENT “There is so much work to do in our organizations. communities and we need to work In the rigid, male-dominated OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS profession of law enforcement, Police together. To see a big change, we need Although coming from different to start with little things. Only then can Officer 2 Fatima Ibias-Lanuza chooses to use care and empathy to stand out. fields, Lt. Col. Villaflor, Dr. Basa, and we see a great impact,” he said. PO2 Lanuza share lots in common. Manning the Women and Children’s INSPIRING ‘BALIK-ARAL’ STUDENTS Protection Desk (WCPD) at the Aside from their long careers in Success is less a matter of access to Minabalac Municipal Police Station service and deeply-held advocacies, resources and more the product of in Camarines Sur, PO2 Lanuza is these three Outstanding Filipinos are perseverance and hardwork—and 2016 aware that her position provides an not afraid to forge their own paths— Outstanding Teacher Dr. Roy Basa is ideal platform for her to forward not so much for their personal gain as one epitome of that. her advocacies, especially in gender for the benefit of the public they have A son of farmers, Dr. Basa had to equality and rights of women and sworn service to. work as a room boy at a hotel just to youth. They are the lifeblood of the nation, finance his schooling. He went through Her commitment to duty manifests whose dedication to service sustains the struggle to attend classes from 8 clearly in the way she handles the many the country’s progress. am to 5 pm, and then proceed to work sensitive cases on her plate. In ensuring “We provide our Outstanding from 9 pm to 6 am daily. that victims receive the justice they Filipinos with a platform for their His sacrifices later bore fruit: in 2001, deserve, she leads WCPD with a strong voices to be heard across the nation and he completed his degree in Education respect for law, and an even stronger open avenues of cooperation between at the University of Negros Occidental. respect for human life and dignity. like-minded individuals. We trust that From then on, Dr. Basa has been a “I will never forget the experience of with each person they inspire to act, teacher at an adult night class, where he traveling miles away to rescue victims, we move the Philippines closer to the mentors ‘balik-aral’ students—senior armed only with the hope that we come peaceful, equitable, and prosperous citizens, security guards, and house back safely and successfully,” she said. nation that it can be,” Sobrepeña said.

ON THE PHOTO Lt. Col. Eliglen Villaflor leads the conversion of a former MNLF camp into school in the hinterland of Maluso, Basilan.

ON THE PHOTO PO2 Fatima Ibias-Lanuza assists in an outreach activity conducted by the Rotary Club of Isarog, ON THE PHOTO Dr. Roy Basa poses for the camera with his distributing school supplies to children in the town. PO2 Lanuza is an advocate of rights of women and youth. night class students.

DECEMBER 2016 exceletter PAGE 5 ON THE PHOTO Back in 2006, the Gelacio I. Yason Foundation – Family Farm School (GIYF-FFS) only catered ON THE PHOTO Fast forward to 2016, the organization has now been able to accommodate more students to a few students, as their alternative school only had very limited space. —even conduct farming seminars and livelihood workshops for many locals in the town.

A grantee’s story: Love, dedication, and a farming revolution

STORY BY DARWIN MASACUPAN There is a hidden revolution under way. It is quiet and meek, but its impact speaks volumes. It is happening at a small farm in a small, far-flung town— led by an organization fueled with love and dedication.

stablished in 2001, Gelacio I. Yason Foundation – part of encouraging them to start their own FAITH (Food- Family Farm School (GIYF-FFS) is an alternative Always-In-The-Home) gardens, so that each family would Eschool located in the farming town of San Mariano have a year-round supply of vegetables in the comfort of in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. The school farm is a training their own backyard. ground for community members in the area, where most “It’s simple – grow food using only natural processes at a families live below the poverty threshold. less expense, maximize land, and live in harmony with the LOVE’S LABOR environment,” said Ballesteros. The goal of GIYF-FFS is to provide locals with quality HEALING THE NATION education rooted in love for the environment. They In 2015, GIYF-FFS once again received a grant from believe that healthy people attuned to their surroundings the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), and was among can contribute better to their community’s development. the 35 organizations invited to the Anniversary Grants “When farmers see the sucess of organic farming at the Turnover Ceremony held last September 5. school farm, they feel inspired to try it on their own farm. Organizations like GIYF-FFS are crucial to the Grants Trainings and workshops are opportunities for them to Program of MBFI, which aims to help raise the quality of gain knowledge on sustainable and organic agriculture,” life for those in the peripheries. MBFI’s priority thrusts are said Mina Ballesteros, the Foundation’s executive director. captured by the acronym HEAL — health, education, arts, Their team started as service volunteers in the town’s and livelihood. Along with the United Nation’s Sustainable parish cluster. Later, their dedication to farming education Development Goals (SDGs), HEAL serves as the bedrock blossomed—until they were able to build a school. for the Foundation’s partnerships, ensuring that its efforts “It’s a labor of love,” said Ballesteros. are targeted towards the needs of the marginalized. DEDICATION’S PRICE “We and our partners need each other. The job becomes easier when there are others helping out, others who share Today, one of GIYF-FFS’s major thrusts is their our values of excellence and service,” said MBFI president Natural Health program, wherein they promote organic Aniceto Sobrepeña. food production and consumption through trainings programs, counseling, and enterprise projects. “What drives us is our hope of contributing to the healing of the Filipino, one grant at a time,” he added. In 2015, GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), the Ty family foundation, supported this program through a grant, The grant received by GIYF-FFS this year will support particularly for the conduct of a Natural Health seminar their integral youth formation program, with focus on for students and parents in Roxas. During the seminar, organic farming education. Ballesteros is happy that their various creative dishes were prepared to help attendees students will benefit from new books, farming implements, appreciate the benefits of eating organic produce. and armchairs. The grant also covered the acquisition and distribution “The results that we see, the lives transformed — it’s of seeds among families of students at GIYF-FFS. This was motivating and will keep us going,” she said.

PAGE 6 exceletter DECEMBER 2016 A Y.E.S. scholar’s story: Paying it back, and then forward

STORY BY DARWIN MASACUPAN AND EIMEE LOPEZ

The project was especially close to her heart, as she knew Life is not measured by how what it felt like to work for one’s family at such a young much you have, but how much you age. Drawing motivation from the fact that she never experienced receiving gifts as a child, Arci wanted other wholeheartedly“ give away. children to have an experience better than what she had. - MARY ANN ARSENAL MBFI Y.E.S. SCHOLAR For Arci, financial incapacity should never be an excuse not to help those in need. She believes that anyone can give he millennial generation is forging a distinctive joy even through the simplest ways. path in the world today—and even though the “Life is not measured by how much you have, but how Tgeneration comes with some negative connotations, much you wholeheartedly give away,” she said. there is no denying they have already left their mark. NEXT STEP ONWARD Case in point: Mary Ann Arcenal. A Metrobank Foundation Youth for Excellence and Service (YES) scholar, Having graduated Magna Cum Laude last April, Mary Ann lives up to her belief that millennials like her can Arci is currently taking a master’s degree in Business make a difference in their own little ways. Administration at MTC. On the side, she also works as a part-time teacher in the school. PIT STOP For having graduated with honors, the Foundation Mary Ann, or Arci as she is fondly called by her friends, awarded her a medal and cash incentive during the did not have it easy. She was only 8 years old when her father Graduates’ Forum last June 2016. died of heart attack. To make ends meet, her mother had to accept laundry services. Her older sisters sold flowers and As a product of a scholarship herself, Arci dreams of worked as sales ladies, while she and her brother collected doing more in the future by offering scholarships of her and sold scraps to junk shops. own to the next batch of dreamers like her. In the meantime though, she pays it forward through teaching. “Financing our daily needs was hard. I thought it would be impossible for me to pursue college considering our “I believe doing something you love will keep you status,” Arci said. motivated all throughout. That’s why I’m pursuing teaching; I find joy in it,” Arci said. Fate, however, had a better plan. “I heard of a scholarship offer in Manila Tytana Colleges (MTC) during a career talk conducted in our school, so I immediately applied for it,” she said. Arci later became one of its recipients—and the rest was history. TURNING POINT Under the YES program, Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) provides scholarships to competent and deserving students of MTC annually. Aside from financial assistance, the scholars benefit from values and skills formation seminars which help them cope with the rigors of academic life and prepare them for working after college. With the goal of developing the YES scholars as socially responsible citizens, MBFI also started the Getting Inspired and Motivated in College (GIMIC) project. Through a series of workshops, scholars like Arci develop their own pay-it-forward activities that benefit their communities. For her GIMIC project, Arci came up with her own “Street Gift-Giving” initiative, in which she gave gifts to children selling food in the streets of her community ON THE PHOTO MBFI Y.E.S. Scholar Mary Ann Arsenal during the 40th during Christmas. Commencement Exercises of the “I saved my monthly allowance from the scholarship to Manila Tytana Colleges (MTC). finance my project,” she said.

DECEMBER 2016 exceletter PAGE 7 Journalists of the Year (JOY): MBFI ‘Fellows in Journalism’ conduct lectures and trainings across PH ON THE PHOTO Participants come up with their own news reports based on the session on data journalism. Photo taken NICOLE CORTEZ at Ninong’s Hotel last August 04. STORY BY

In an age of satire, sensationalism and information overload, the need for journalism education and media literacy becomes more indispensable than ever.

ON THE PHOTO Participants listen attentively as the lecture runs on. Photo taken during the Zamboanga City leg of the MBFI lecture series in journalism. he Metrobank Foundation, lessons learned from Nancy, Howie, Inc. (MBFI), in partnership and Marites,” said Cheche Lazaro, with Probe Media renowned broadcast journalist and Foundation, Inc. (PMFI), PMFI President. Tconducted this year a series of lectures Aside from lectures, a series of and trainings under its Fellowship in media trainings were also conducted. Journalism program. Renowned Filipino journalists across With the theme “Shaping the all media served as guest speakers for Nation through Powerful Stories”, the trainings. the 2016 Metrobank Foundation The lectures and media trainings Lecture and Media Training Series were held at key universities in Cebu, ON THE PHOTO Students write their thoughts on journalism in Journalism was brought to various Bicol, Zamboanga, Cavite, Metro and media on the freedom wall before the lecture officially areas of the Philippines, aimed to commences. Manila, and Pampanga, respectively. advance the knowledge of practicing and aspiring journalists and uplift the True to its commitment to reach journalism profession. and engage people from all walks of life, the Foundation made it a point The speakers in these lectures were to make all the lectures and trainings no other than the 2015 Journalists of free of charge and available to all. the Year awardees—Nancy Carvajal, who used to work for the Philippine As a result, thousands of attendees Daily Inquirer; of were able to participate in the event— GMA Network; and Marites Vitug of ranging from students, to faculty online media site Rappler.com. members, and media practitioners, among others. ON THE PHOTO Students of University of San Jose Recoletos The three lecturers shared their register at the welcome booth during the Cebu City leg of the lecture series. professional practice, but more “Through the Fellowship in importantly, their advocacy and Journalism, we are determined contribution to advance the principles and committed to raising the bar of journalism in the country. of excellence in the practice of Philippine journalism. We hope that “One thing that the public does not students and media practitioners will see beyond the glamour and fame become more inspired to produce of journalists is the hard work that stories compelling enough to make actually goes into crafting a story. the blind see, the voiceless heard, and Story-telling is at the core of the the disinterested to take action,” said journalistic profession—and through Aniceto Sobrepeña, the Foundation’s this lecture series, we take pride in president. ON THE PHOTO Young aspiring journalists enthusiastically ask presenting the stories, challenges and questions during the open forum of the lecture proper.

PAGE 8 exceletter DECEMBER 2016 2016 LECTURES 2016 MEDIA TRAININGS UNIVERSITY OF ATENEO DE MANILA SAN JOSE RECOLETOS UNIVERSITY CEBU CITY | JULY 8 QUEZON CITY | OCT 10 CROWNE REGENCY HOTEL NINONG’S HOTEL CEBU CITY | JULY 9 LEGASPI CITY | AUG 5 BICOL UNIVERSITY CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY LEGAZPI CITY | AUG 4 NDANG AVITE OV I , C | N 16 CAPAMPANGAN ISLAND GRILL GARDEN ORCHID HOTEL & RESTAURANT WESTERN MINDANAO PAMANTASAN NG ZAMBOANGA CITY | AUG 26 PAMPANGA | DEC 01 STATE UNIVERSITY LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA ZAMBOANGA CITY | AUG 25 CITY OF MANILA | NOV 24 LECTURE SNIPPETS

NANCY CARVAJAL ON MARITES VITUG ON HOWIE SEVERINO ON NATURE OF JOURNALISM, BEING CRITICAL, PROBING RELEVANCE OF CHARACTER, FEARLESS REPORTAGE THE SUPREME COURT PASSION TO THE CRAFT

print reporter who formerly renowned print and investigative n his 28-year stint as a journalist, Aworked for the Philippine Daily Ajournalist, Marites Vitug admits IHowie Severino has gained quite a Inquirer, Nancy Carvajal believes that the pursuit of truth is so often a number of takeaways on journalism. journalism, regardless of platform, has dangerous, tedious mission—one To him, though, the most important of the same goal: to bring transparency that is riddled with many perils along which is neither skills nor credentials, to things otherwise hidden. That has the way. but character—a solid foundation of been her goal since her day one of Despite this, however, she chooses values and principles that guide one’s becoming a journalist. to shoulder on. She believes the pursuit. Carvajal is most known for her journalist has to actively take risks for “Journalists thrive not just because work on the pork barrel series, which the enlightenment and empowerment of skills, but because of their character. exposed government corruption in of the public. Without that x-factor, you cannot the country. The exposé which erupted “Journalism’s first loyalty is to the survive in this profession,” he said. in 2013 led to public service reforms citizens. The goal is to nudge them to His strong sense of character is the within and beyond the bureaucracy. bring about positive change,” Vitug underlying component behind all his “Stories like the pork barrel scam said. work. A documentary filmmaker of can change national policy. Indeed, Her best-selling book, “The Shadow GMA Network, Severino has made our stories make a difference in our of Doubt”, marked the turning point documentaries that challenge the society, to say the least,” Carvajal said. in her journalistic career. The first status quo. He features people from marginalized communities, and However, Carvajal noted that of its kind in the country, the book exposed critical weaknesses and explores out-of-the-box topics that pursuing controversial stories that force viewers to reflect, if not act. implicate public figures is no light controversies within the Supreme matter. This pursuit always carries Court, which, according to her, is Addressing his mostly millennial with it negative feedback and threats. the “least visible and most secretive audience, which, according to him branch of the government.” is the “most empowered generation She said that as a journalist, you given their access to rights and have to be ready to stand by your story. Today, Vitug continues her journalistic practice as the editor-at- technology”, his advice was: “If you know your story is true, large of Rappler.com. “Wherever you are, wherever you go; you have no reason to be afraid. Your make it a better place.” protection is the truth,” she said.

DECEMBER 2016 exceletter PAGE 9 National Teachers’ Month (NTM): Honoring the unsung Filipino teacher

STORY BY DARWIN MASACUPAN

ood, sustainable education for all would remain a far-fetched goal for Gthe Philippines if not for the school’s greatest asset: the teacher.

or Filipinos, good education is a teacher, and we will recognize each Tracing the history: Fgolden. It is a key—for many, the and every one of them,” said Education only key—out of the chains of poverty. Secretary Leonor Briones during the NTM through the years Good education would however launch of the 2016 NTM Celebrations. remain far-fetched if not for the school’s Filipinos around the country did not 2008 greatest asset—teachers. Remove them disappoint when it came to thanking The Teachers’ Month from schools and the impact and worth their teachers this year. Campaign (TMC) of education would be gone. was conceived with National Teachers’ Day events were the theme, “Teacher 2009 Ko, Idol Ko!” This appreciation for their crucial, yet held in Davao City, Pasay City, and TMC was often overlooked role is at the heart of Tacloban City, attracting more than relaunched with the the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) 11,000 people. Teachers enjoyed the official tagline “My movement. Since 2008, Metrobank fairs, workshops, and performances Teacher, My Hero”. Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) together with by local artists which were prepared 2011 DepEd has led a multi-sectoral group especially for them. Presidential in paying tribute to the Filipino teacher. Proclamation No. Even more organizations extended 242 was issued, Every year, from September 5 to treats and discounts for teachers during “declaring the period October 5, Filipinos are encouraged to the NTM campaign. Food items, of September 5 to 2012 thank their teachers through various cosmetics, t-shirts, even free museum October 5 of every year as National MBFI was invited nationwide activities that honor and tours—all these for those who could Teachers’ Month” to share the NTM recognize their contributions. The goal present their valid teacher’s ID. initiative at the 2012 is to bring the festivities not only in UNESCO World Social media was also abuzz with Teachers’ Day schools but into the public sphere. activity, as netizens shared photos celebration in Paris, 2016 particularly marks a milestone and anecdotes of their teachers who 2014 France. moment for the campaign, with the inspired them to reach for their dreams. The 2014 NTM signing of Republic Act (RA) No. MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña 10743 last January, designating the 5th Digital Celebration expressed gratitude for everyone who was held for the of every October as “National Teachers’ helped make the first National Teachers’ first time 2015 Day”. Day a success. He said, “What makes More than Sen. Cynthia Villar, principal author our movement strong is that we are 6,000 teachers of RA No. 10743, believes there is a united by love for those who teach, yet participated in need to “rectify the long-standing have unique ways of expressing it.” the first World Teachers’ Day absence of an official commemoration So how do teachers feel about these? for teachers, even for a day.” The law celebration held In his speech during the launch, Dr. 2016 at the Philippine mandates that opportunities be given Roy Basa, a Metrobank Foundation Sports Arena which for Filipinos to appreciate and honor Outstanding Teacher, sums it up best. Republic Act No. was graced by His one of the most vital sectors in society. 10743 was signed, Excellency Benigno “Teaching is never an easy task; we declaring October Aquino III. “There’s a teacher everywhere. 5 as “National draw strength from these celebrations Teachers’ Day” Whether in times of war, times of because we know that all our sacrifices peace, in places of joy, there is always do not go unnoticed,” he said.

PAGE 10 exceletter DECEMBER 2016 M.A.D.E. 2016: Hailing phenomenal artistry and craftsmanship STORY BY ALMIRA VILLANUEVA The artist’s role is no longer merely to delight the society, but to engage it. For the artist to be able to fully achieve this though, he must first be empowered. ON THE PHOTO Daloy dance group performs an intermission number during the 2016 M.A.D.E. Awarding Ceremony and Exhibit Launch at Le Pavillon, Pasay City last September 22.

his year’s Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (M.A.D.E.) TCompetition is borne out of the desire to empower up-and-coming artists, so they can excel in their fields and ultimately engage the society through their art. Guided by the theme “Finding Phenoms in Art”, the Metrobank Foundation recognized the 2016 MADE awardees on Sept. 22 at Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park, Pasay City. From 332 official entries, 112 artworks in both painting and sculpture categories qualified for the final judging. Eventually, this number was further reduced into three major winners - two for painting and one for sculpture. ON THE PHOTO The 2016 grand awardees each received a ‘Mula’ glass trophy specially crafted by visual artist and former M.A.D.E. awardee Noel Ell Farol. This year’s grand awardees under the Oil/Acrylic on Canvas Category are Paolo Marin for “You are What You Eat” and David Ryan Viray for “Man-made Landscapes”. Siegfred Guilaran was given a Special Citation for his work “Corrupted.” Meanwhile, Roberto Acosta received this year’s Sculpture Program Grand Award for “Biag ti Cayo” (Tree of Life). Certificates of recognition were also given to six Outstanding Entries of the Architecture Program. The grand awardees each received P300,000 worth of grant assistance and a “Mula” glass trophy designed by visual artist and former MADE awardee Noel Ell Farol.

ON THE PHOTO 2016 grand awardee David Ryan Viray come up the stage to receive his trophy and cash prize from CONTINUE READING P. 12 Guest of Honor Senator .

DECEMBER 2016 exceletter PAGE 11 ON THE PHOTO The 2016 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Grand Awardees for Painting and Sculpture Recognition Programs received their financial assistance and trophy from Guests of Honor Senator Loren Legarda (4th from right) and Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Luis Calvo (4th from left). Leading the presentation were Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña (leftmost), Metrobank Foundation adviser Dr. Antonio Abacan, Jr. (2nd from left), Metrobank chairman Arthur Ty (3rd from left), Federal Land chairman Alfred Ty (3rd from right), Metrobank president Fabian Dee (2nd from right), and First Metro Investment Corporation chairman Francisco Sebastian (rightmost).

FROM P. 11 THE PHENOMS

An Advertising graduate from the Technological A professor of Fine Arts at the University of the University of the Philippines, 23-year old Paolo Marin Philippines in Baguio City, 57-year-old Roberto Acosta took a leap of faith to embrace what he really wanted. He has dedicated his life’s work to using clay, specifically wanted to be a full-time artist. So he committed himself to terracotta, in building narrative sculptures that tell stories becoming one, risking the comfort he can get from having of the wonders of the natural world. a regular day job. His winning sculpture entitled “Biag ti Cayo (Tree of Eventually, his determination bore fruit through the 2016 Life)” is a representation of Acosta’s long-time affinity with M.A.D.E. competition. nature. The art piece depicted the environment’s innocence His winning artwork “You are What You Eat” illustrated and humility as well as Acosta’s respect for different today’s culture of narcissism and over-consumption of religious beliefs. ideologies which people see or watch from social media and Inspired by his ventures in the mountains of Baguio television. City, Acosta’s craft captures scenes of human encounter By using candy-colored sea anemones as representations, with nature, connecting the basic forms of life to this the painting depicted today’s scene that as social media contemporary time. Through his work, he wanted to relay and television expand, so do the people who continue to a powerful message: that we are essentially dependent on ride with today’s imposed ideologies and ridiculously high and connected to the natural world in all its depth and standards. splendor. Like these colourful sea creatures which easily react to “These works of art teach us to be cautious as we partake triggers around their environment, the society nowadays of today’s many advances, and at the same time, remind seem to just gullibly absorb and emulate day-to-day images us to always treasure our past,” Metrobank Foundation they see in media without much thought. president Aniceto Sobrepeña said in a statement.

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