New discoveries in the art scene Propagating excellence A HEART THAT SERVES: MBFI awards awarded at the 2018 Metrobank in duty through 2018 grant assistance to 36 organizations 6 Art & Design Excellence 12 14 Fellowships in Public Service exceletter The Official Bi-annual Publication of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. I S S U E N O . 3 3 | D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8

ALL SALUTEThe golden age of heroism is long past—or so we have been desensitized enough to believe. The truth is, however, the best of humanity reveals itself TO THE NATION'S HEROES every day in the quiet acts of our teachers, soldiers, and police officers, whose devotion to duty drive their pursuits of service to the nation.

READ STORY ON PAGE 8 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT: HONORING THE LEGACY OF THE MAN BEHIND METROBANK FOUNDATION

ifty-six years ago, a small bank in the outskirts of the bank was incorporated, long before corporate social Binondo opened under the management of a young responsibility was even a concept or a buzzword. The mandate Fman in his late twenties. He had no background of the Foundation was to share the benefits of success with in banking, did not have an extensive network or unlimited the community that contributed to Metrobank becoming the resources. But he envisioned the bank to become the best in youngest financial giant in a short period of time. the country, a conviction that he backed up with hard work, All of you are our development partners. We count tenacity and discipline. Fifty six years ourselves fortunate to work with later, that little bank has become one you in this joint venture of nation- of the country’s strongest financial I think of a man whose efforts did building, because that, ultimately, is institutions: Metrobank. what we are doing. We are building The Chinese name of the man not just turn a small bank into a a nation. We join hands to help who founded the bank was “Siao” people become productive, educated, and “Kian.” These translate to youth“ ” vital economic backbone of our empowered citizens.. and “persistence,” which is what he country, but into a leader that It is easy to think that small had. Besides persistence and youth, gestures of love and service might not he also had a vision that success in showed the way to corporate go very far in solving the country’s business would mean leadership in compassion, trailblazing in social pressing problems. There will always sharing. Siao Kian, widely known as be much to do, but every little act leaves Dr. George S.K. Ty, had a desire to responsibility in the business a big impact towards realizing a better help others. country, a better nation. Every act of Our late Metrobank Group sector. The example set by the late service inspired by grace, energized by chairman Dr. George Ty was more George Ty gives hope and certainty conviction and compassion, will effect than just a remarkable businessman. benefits to those we seek to help. He was a visionary with a boundless that with our efforts, we can dream I think of a man whose efforts heart for the community. big, not just for ourselves, but also did not just turn a small bank into He would often say, and I quote, a vital economic backbone of our “I make money, so I give money back.” for our country and our people. country, but into a leader that showed Since day one of Metrobank, Dr. Ty the way to corporate compassion, believed that wealth is made; but once trailblazing in social responsibility in made, it is meant to be shared. the business sector. The example set This philosophy is a core value of the Metrobank Group of by the late Dr. Ty gives me hope and certainty that with our Companies that is realized through the Metrobank Foundation. efforts, we can dream big—not just for ourselves, but also for The Metrobank Foundation was established 16 years after our country and our people.

ANICETO M. SOBREPEÑA

hello there, reader! exceletter

As you browse through the stories in this issue, we encourage you to share with us any feedback you may have EDITORIAL BOARD SUPERVISING COMMITTEE through our contact channels below. ExceLetter is a Maria Nicole Q. Cortez Christopher L. Bugaoan CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS HEAD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ART & LAYOUT EDITOR chronicle of excellence, and so it is only fitting to be committed Irene D. Labitad to continuously improve with each issue. We will strive to be Mary Therese De Silva ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR nothing short of it. Aurelio Isaac L. Doctor Nicanor L. Torres, Jr. Paul John V. Domalaon EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charmee Mea F. Mariano Aniceto M. Sobrepeña PRESIDENT Kristina Mae I. Misajon contact us Almira Joyce V. Valencia * * * CONTRIBUTORS ADDRESS: 4F Executive Offices, Metrobank Plaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City MetrobankFoundationOfficial TELEPHONE: (02) 898 88 55 | 857 59 18 @MBFIPhils From all of us, we hope the stories in this issue equip you with enough TELEFAX: (02) 818 56 56 | 750 08 37 Metrobank_Foundation inspiration and willpower to share in the ever-onward goal of building a EMAIL: [email protected] MetroBnkFoundation progressive Philippines. WEBSITE: http://mbfoundation.org.ph For comments, contact the editor via [email protected].

PAGE 2 exceletter DECEMBER 2018 exceletter TABLE OF STORIES IN THIS ISSUE CONTENTS

NEW DISCOVERIES IN THE ART SCENE AWARDED AT THE 2018 METROBANK 04 ART & DESIGN EXCELLENCE GRATITUDE IN10SIFIED: 06 10 YEARS OF NATIONAL TEACHERS' MONTH

08

METROBANK FOUNDATION OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS: EMPOWERING THE HEROES OF THE NATION

A HEART THAT SERVES: MBFI AWARDS 12 GRANT ASSISTANCE TO 36 ORGANIZATIONS 13

"PANORAMIC ENDEAVORS" ON PHILIPPINE CULTURE AND HERITAGE 14

PROPAGATING EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE DUTY 15 16 MANILA DOCTORS HOSPITAL FAREWELL, METROBANK ADDS FEATHERS TO ITS CAP FOUNDER GEORGE TY

DECEMBER 2018 exceletter PAGE 3 GRAGRAGRATITUDETITUDETITUDE NATIONAL TEACHERS’ MONTH MARKS 10 YEARSIN1IN1IN1 OF CELEBRATING FILIPINO TEACHERS

On its 10th year, the NTM STORY BY KRISTINA MAE I. MISAJON Coordinating Council—composed of (MISAJON IS A PROGRAM COORDINATOR AT MBFI'S EDUCATION UNIT.) more than 110 organizations from the government, academe, private sector, HE POWERFUL MEMORIES of our teachers form the and non-government institutions—has adopted 10 major activities to further cornerstone of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) the advocacy of appreciating teachers. celebrations—every year, for the last 10 years, we look back Dubbed as the "10 Acts of Gratitude", at how our teachers have helped us become the individuals the movement was the collective Twe are today, and the simplest way to remember them is by saying expression of the various organizations' gratitude for our teachers. “thank you”. In the Philippines, we have an entire month dedicated to TEACH FOR A DAY – in part- expressing our gratitude to our teachers. 1 nership with Teach for the Philippines, this whole-month activity allowed various professionals to he NTM movement started in 2008 organizations were then invited to volunteer and spend a day teaching in when former DepEd secretary spearhead the celebration, then called T select classrooms nationwide. and currently De La Salle Philippines the Teachers’ Month Campaign. TEACHER DAY OUT – various president Br. Armin Luistro approached Over time, NTM has become a 2 museums in cities nationwide Metrobank Foundation president multi-sectoral movement—specifically extended free entrance and free Aniceto Sobrepeña and proposed the engaging sectors which work closely educational tours for visiting teachers. idea of a month-long observation to with teachers. The movement has also heighten public consciousness and seen growth in numbers, eventually 3 LECTURE SERIES – around participation in the World Teachers’ becoming the nationwide celebration as 150 teachers attended this two- Day celebration every October 5. Other it is known today. day lecture series which covered topics on cyber ethics and cyber education,

As the culminating event of NTM, National Teachers’ Day is a time for the entire nation to celebrate the service and heroism of our teachers. In the last 10 years, National Teachers’ Day has also become the platform for the public to heed teacher needs and concerns. Recognizing the importance of empowering our teachers, DepEd has taken important measures to further support our teachers, one of which is the observance of National Teachers’ Month and National Teachers’ Day. Ormoc City hosted this year’s National Teachers’ Day attended by over 6,000 teachers from Region VIII, marking the first big event in 5 years since SuperTyphoonYolanda devastated the region in 2013. This year’s theme, “Gurong Pilipino: Turo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko”, puts spotlight on Filipino teachers as catalysts of empowering learners to realize their potentials.

PAGE 3 exceletter DECEMBER 2018 TITUDETITUDE TITUDEIN10SIFIEDIN10SIFIEDIN10SIFIED

NTM booth at Manila Teacher Day Out at Yuchengco Museum International Book Fair

facilitated by SEAMEO-INNOTECH, Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and World Vision Philippines. 4 39TH MANILA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR – from September 12 to 16, teachers entered the Fair for free held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. An Teacher Quality Forum NTM Booth managed by the Metrobank Foundation was set up, providing visitors with a venue to write 'thank you' notes to visual materials from NTM partners like Globe their teachers. Telecom, Smart Communications and Knowledge ALTERNATIVE NATIONAL SEMINAR Channel which highlighted gratitude for teachers on 5 CONFERENCE – organized by the social media. Government Service Insurance System “SALAMAT PO, TEACHER” LETTER WRITING in collaboration with the Department of 8 CAMPAIGN – the Philippine Postal Corporation Education and Metrobank Foundation, the sought to promote a culture of appreciation for 3-day seminar-conference focused on the teachers through a letter writing campaign. Coinciding theme, “Educator’s Life Care Conversation, with this campaign was the release of the 2018 NTM Artshop, and Playshop Conference”. A total Commemorative Stamps which were sold nationwide of 300 teachers attended the conference. for only PhP12 each. 6 TEACHER QUALITY FORUM – the CELEBRITIES SAY “THANK YOU”– Media Philippine Business for Education 9 partners like GMA Network and Knowledge hosted the Teacher Quality Forum, a forum Channel as well as Philippine Business for Education highlighting the state of teacher quality in produced a series of videos featuring celebrities who the Philippines, as well as global innovations extended their gratitude for our teachers. and trends in teacher development. The A TRIBUTE TO TEACHERS; OUTSTANDING forum paved the way for crafting policy 10 FILIPINOS – Both Bato Balani Foundation and recommendations towards teacher quality. Metrobank Foundation honored exemplary teachers 7 NTM DIGITAL CAMPAIGN – a month who have made a difference in their communities long campaign featured various audio- through their annual recognition programs.

DECEMBER 2018 exceletter PAGE 5 Exhibit opening, featuring the semi- finalists and finalists of the 2018 MADE.

Metrobank and MBFI chair Arthur Ty; CCP chair & guest of honor Margie Moran-Floirendo; Japan Ambassador Koji Haneda.

Since its inception in 1984, the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence

Celebratory performance of the University of the Philippines Dance Company, signifying a festive beginning. (MADE) has set a platform for discovery and dialogue amongst emerging and established artists— blurring the distinctions between diverse cultures, contemporaries and disciplines. Exhibit opening, featuring the entries of semi-finalists and finalists of the 2018 MADE. In 2018, MADE once again opened the opportunity for painters and sculptors to immerse into a whole new artistic experience. With the theme "Discover," MADE challenged

Mme. Jae Un Kim; renowned sculptor Ramon Orlina; US Ambassador & guest of honor Sung Yong Kim; John Forbes; artists nationwide to look at the MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña; and Evelyn Forbes. world with fresh eyes and discover the beauty in things mundane and overlooked.

Intermission number of the University of the Philippines Dance Company before the exhibit opening.

PAGE 6 exceletter DECEMBER 2018 New discoveries in the art scene awarded at the 2018 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence

STORY BY ALMIRA JOYCE VILLANUEVA-VALENCIA (VALENCIA IS A PROGRAM COORDINATOR AT MBFI'S CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT.)

s Metrobank Foundation's pioneering visual Our roster of winners—now counting to more than four hundred— arts program and among the most sought-after art discovered their potentials, and majority of them are now carving competitions in the country, significant names in the local and international MADE once again introduced the art scenes,” said MBFI president Aniceto Agrand awardees of its Painting and Sculpture There will always be Sobrepeña. “But more than a competition that Recognition Programs—four artists and one problems that need to be breeds artistic talent, MADE has evolved to professional sculptor. Of the five awardees, become an implementing entity that facilitates a three come from the province of Iloilo. solved and challenges to generation of fresh ideas for social development. The works of the artists we celebrate this evening Leading the awarding ceremony and be faced in our country. Art are testaments to that.” exhibit opening are Metrobank and MBFI does not presume to provide chairman Arthur Ty, Federal Land chairman Following the awarding ceremony was the Alfred Ty, Metrobank vice chairman Francis the solution to our nation's exhibit opening that featured the works of over Sebastian, Metrobank president Fabian Dee, concerns. But at its extreme 100 artists adjudged as semi-finalists. Meanwhile, and MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña. They best, art can serve as a catalyst a selling exhibition entitled “Voyage of the Senses” were joined by guests of honor US ambassador featured masterpieces of the MADE-Network to the Philippines Sung Kim and Cultural to discover answers or a way of Winners (MADE-NOW), the organization of Center of the Philippines chairperson Margie to address the situations and past MADE awardees. Part of the proceeds will Moral-Floirendo. fund Project HeART, a pay-it-forward project to circumstances we face. benefit the marginalized sectors. Two Grand Awardees for Painting and one Grand Awardee for Sculpture each received —MBFI PRESIDENT ANICETO SOBREPEÑA “There will always be problems that need P500,000 cash prize and a “Mula” glass trophy to be solved, questions to be answered, and designed by 2009 Metrobank Prize for Achievement in Sculpture challenges to be faced in our country. Art does not presume to awardee Noell El Farrol. Two other finalists for Painting received provide the solution to the concerns of a nation. At its extreme best, Special Citations for their works. art can serve as a catalyst to discover answers or a way to address the situations and circumstances we face,” said Sobrepeña. “MADE has continued to be a platform for discovery for the most passionate and persistent creative visionaries in the country.

(from L-R) Metrobank president Fabian Dee; Metrobank and MBFI chairArthur Ty; CCP chairperson and guest of honor Margie Moran-Floirendo; 2018 MADE awardees Roland Llarena, Alex Ordoyo, Maria Ronna Lara-Bes, Noel Elicana, and Francis Eu- gene Andrade; US Ambassador and guest of honor Sung Yong Kim; Federal Land chairman Alfred Ty; and MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña.

DECEMBER 2018 exceletter PAGE 7 COVER STORY

METROBANK FOUNDATION OUT

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos during the courtesy visit with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang last September 13, 2018. EMPOWERINGEMPOWERING HEROESHEROES OFOF THETHE

STORY BY MARIA NICOLE Q. CORTEZ (CORTEZ IS A PROGRAM ASSISTANT AT MBFI'S CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT.) honor through its flagship excellence recognition program, the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos. he golden age of heroism is “It is our belief that a country can only develop fully if long past—or so we have been its people are empowered desensitized enough to believe. to achieve their great- est potentials. This can The Metrobank Founda The truth is, however, the best only come about if the Tof humanity reveals itself every day in the citizenry has a supportive Filipinos have consist environment which puts quiet acts of hundreds of Filipinos who a premium on a culture of excellence in their resp work in the public service fields. of service excellence,” unsung testimonies of t once said the late MBFI in duty are our nation's They are our country’s teachers—molders of the minds founder Dr. George Ty. of the next generation's leaders. As such, guided by a reminder that all our a They are our soldiers—guardians of our nation’s Dr. Ty’s philanthropic or small, will yield lasting tr freedom, notwithstanding dangers and borders. vision realized through the theme “Beyond long as it is done for the right reasons They are our police officers—champions of sustainable Excellence”, the annual peace in the communities they pledged to serve. Metrobank Foundation Altogether, these are the unsung men and women that Outstanding Filipinos has the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) seeks to annually paid tribute to the dedication of these individuals who quietly hold the foundations of society together, and supports their vocation to make a greater impact.

PAGE 8 exceletter DECEMBER 2018 TION OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS

The conferment ceremony was held last September 7, 2018 at the Metrobank Plaza, Makati City. Each awardee received a cash incentive of PhP1 million, WERINGWERING THETHE a trophy and a gold medallion. OFOF THETHE NATIONNATION

This 2018, as Metrobank celebrates 56 years, MBFI once Señoron from Philippine Army; (6) Lieutenant Colonel Danilo again conferred the award on 10 Outstanding Filipinos—4 Facundo from Philippine Navy (Marines); and (7) Lieutenant teachers, 3 soldiers, and 3 police officers—whose devotion Colonel Thomas Ryan Seguin from Philippine Air Force. to duty and commitment Meanwhile, police-awardees are (8) Senior Police to excellence drive their Officer 1 Aida Awitin of Davao Occidental Police respective pursuits of Provincial Office in Malita, Davao Occidental; (9) Police nk Foundation Outstanding service for the nation. Senior Inspector Dennis Ebsolo of Villanueva Municipal sistently raised the bar This year’s teacher- Police Station in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental; and (10) awardees are (1) Mary Police Senior Superintendent Pascual Muñoz, Jr. serving in e in their respective fields. Their Jane Ramo of Tonggo the Camp Crame headquarters in Quezon City. Elementary School of triumph and resilience The formal conferment ceremony was held last in Tudela, Misamis September 7, 2018 at Metrobank Plaza, Makati City. Each tion's hope and inspiration— Occidental; (2) Dr. Alma awaree received a cash incentive of P1 million, a gold Janagap of Pavia National our actions, whether great medallion, and a trophy. High School in Pavia, , will yield lasting transformation as Iloilo; (3) Dr. Aimee The 10 awardees officially join the roster of 665 Marie Gragasin of Outstanding Filipinos—364 teachers, 157 soldiers, and 144 the right reasons. Philippine Science High police officers—honored by the Foundation since 1985. School - Cagayan Valley “We again present this year's 10 Outstanding Filipinos Campus in Bayombong, who embody the best in the Filipino people. They are Nueva Vizcaya; and (4) Dr. Carla Dimalanta of the recognized for their steadfast commitment to inspire University of the Philippines in Quezon City. change for others to emulate,” said Metrobank Foundation Soldier-awardees are (5) Lieutenant Colonel Francis president Aniceto Sobrepeña.

DECEMBER 2018 exceletter PAGE 9 MEETMEET THETHE 20182018 METROBANKMETROBANK FOUFOU NDND This year's awardees show that heroism need not always be bold or brazen. Heroism presents itself best in the everyday: in the silent acts of clocking in mo re hours t

Misamis Occidental’s Culture Iloilo’s Literacy Crusader and Environment Heroine r. Alma S. Janagap is a reading Dculture advocate. An English hough not of Subanen descent, Mary teacher in Pavia National High School, TJane S. Ramo has focused her life’s she developed a Reading Clinic—first work onto the promotion of indigenous of its kind in Region VI. The innovation peoples education in the Subanen- eventually became a benchmarking populated town of Tudela, Misamis model in the Division of Iloilo and has Occidental. Young learners were brought been replicated by 149 out of 179 schools. closer to their roots through the creation Her famous remedial classes of a makeshift IP room where they are have also extended to her immediate encouraged to play music, recite chants, communities. Taking another shape and discover folklores, among others. as “Project Mind, Body and Soul,” Dr. Ramo is known to be aggressive Janagap personally visits houses in the when it comes to environmental neighborhood—where she does lectures protection. Her initiative “Basura Ko, on reading and writing skills, hygiene Tulubagon Ko” has educated students and and nutritional needs, and building of residents on proper waste management. spiritual character.

Philippine Army’s Philippine A ir Explosives Engineer Force’s Warf ight

rmed with goal to control hazards in the Army's uring the battle o AExplosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, DColonel Thomas R Lieutenant Colonel Francis A. Señoron has focused Force fighter pilot, his career onto developing counter-explosive tools who directed aerial mi and conducting sector-specific trainings to various back freedom for the co stakeholders. His efforts have made the overall process Flying a total of 134 mi of bomb disposal and management more efficient and marked a defining m safer for his comrades and civilians in the line of fire. service: he had flown t Lt. Col. Señoron designed and constructed the achieved by a pilot in en Electric Blasting Galvanometer and the explosives Lt. Col. Seguin i disruptor—alternative counter-explosive devices he committed himself t put together using readily available, locally sourced generation of young t materials. Until today, these two revolutionary devices of fighter aircrafts. Thi are being used by various EOD units nationwide. combat and mission

Davao Occidental’s Misamis Or ient Enforcer-Educator Horse-Mou nt licensed teacher turned police officer, Senior Police n today's modern a AOfficer 1 Awitin was the moving force behind the I Senior Inspector D institutionalization of the Lingap Mamamayan program in the timeless heritage of p rebel-tagged municipality of Malita, Davao Occidental. As commander o Through Lingap Mamamayan, the delivery of basic PSInsp. Ebsolo led social services to underprivileged communities became more hinterland barrios. Th efficient. Poor families were provided with daily food items, address the issue of acces hygiene kits, school materials for children, and medical and The consistent im dental services. been instrumental in t Recognizing the importance of engaging the youth in murder suspects, as w crime prevention and solution, SPO1 Awitin established the perpetrators of such e Junior Police program in 2017. In its pilot run, the program Further, it led t assembled 112 high school students from 6 schools to serve such as mining and log as counterparts of police officers in their respective barangays. of ridos (tribal wars) a

PAGE 10 exceletter DECEMBER 2018 OUOU NDATIONNDATION OUTSTANDINGOUTSTANDING FILIPINOSFILIPINOS ing in mo re hours to help a struggling child learn to read, trekking through mountains to reach people in the grassroots, and initiating causes heedless of acknowledgment.

Nueva Vizcaya’s Science Philippines' First Female Exploration Geophysicist Education Innovator with a Doctoral Degree r. Aimee Marie C. Gragasin’s 24- Dyear legacy in teaching physics and s the only female Exploration research goes beyond textbook lessons AGeophysicist with a Doctoral Degree and classroom walls—quite literally, as in the country, Dr. Carla B. Dimalanta’s she lets her students at the Philippine 25-year service delves in researches Science High School Cagayan Valley that provide answers to geoscientific Campus immerse themselves in actual problems, such as assessment of research and working contexts. landslide hazards, investigating gold Through the annual Summer mineralization, and identifying sources Internship Program (SIP), her students of groundwater for coastal communities. undergo a two-week internship A professor at the University of the program in various government and Philippines Diliman, her work on climate private institutions in Nueva Vizcaya, change and disaster risk reduction is neighboring provinces, and as far as integrated into UP’s General Education TEACHERS Metro Manila. classes, which are required to be taken by TEACHERS all undergraduate students.

Philippine A ir Philippine Navy’s Joint rf ighter and Interagency Champion ttle of Marawi in 2017, Lieutenant Marine Corps officer for 23 years, Lieutenant Colonel as Ryan R. Seguin, a Philippine Air ADanilo T. Facundo has championed initiatives lot, was among the dauntless few upholding diversity and equal opportunity within the rial missions instrumental in scoring military and in the communities has has vowed to serve. the country's Islamic capital. During his stint as the Commanding Officer of the l of 134 missions, the war assignment Marine Battalion Team in Palawan, Lt. Col. Facundo led d a defining moment in his 22-year military inter-agency interventions to combat widespread insurgency wn the most number of missions ever in the province. By so doing, there was zero kidnapping and t in entire PAF history. zero terrorism in Palawan during his term. eguin is also a mentor of pilots. He has He also challenged existing norms within the Marines elf to teaching and training a new by initiating programs on bottom-up leadership for junior ung troops to become qualified pilots officers and non-commissioned personnel; as well as fts. This resulted to a total of 25 trainings on gender mainstreaming which empowered sion ready pilots in PAF’s Fighter Wing. female officers in the line of duty. SOLDIERS SOLDIERS mis Or iental’s Camp Crame’s Operations -Mou nted Cop Game-Changer ern age where technologies abound, Police n his 28-year service, Police Senior Superintendent tor Dennis S. Ebsolo chooses to preserve the IPascual G. Muñoz, Jr. has proven himself exceptional of police patrolling: mounted horse patrol. both as a cop in the frontlines, and as an internal game- der of Cagayan de Oro Police Station 8, changer crafting policy changes to PNP’s internal woes. led the use of horses in patrolling the When he was the Director of the Laguna Provincial ios. The horse patrol became the solution to Police Office, he implemented new operational strategies of access to these mountainous villages. and programs to curtail pervasive drug trades and ent implementation of the horse patrols had organized crime groups. tal in the arrest of numerous robbery and In 2017, as the Head Secretariat of Camp Crame's , as well as the capture of high-profile drug Procurement Management Committee, PSSupt. Muñoz ch elusive trades within Misamis Oriental. facilitated the conceptualization and formulation of d to the crackdown of illicit activities

policies streamlining service procedures for retirees POLICE nd logging operations; and the suppression and two support programs for a more transparent and POLICE rs) and other local conflicts. expedient procurement of goods within the force. OFFICERS OFFICERS

DECEMBER 2018 exceletter PAGE 11 AA HEARTHEART THATTHAT SERVES:SERVES Metrobank awards grant assistance to 36 organizations

STORY BY PAUL JOHN V. DOMALAON HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES HEALING THROUGH ARTS (DOMALAON IS A PROGRAM ASSISTANT AT MBFI'S CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT.) One of the 36 beneficiaries that received Seeing arts as a tool for healing, MBFI assistance from GTFI is Plan International supports Pahingalayan ng Bayani—a creative s has been the tradition in for the construction of three Barangay Health retreat for Filipino soldiers seeking for a the past decades, one of the 2018 Stations with birthing facilities in Western peaceful respite from stress and anxiety using highlights of Metrobanks' 56th Samar and Maguindanao. When completed, different art modalities. ArtPsych Circle, anniversary celebration is the the health station will give 6,550 locals access a civil society organization composed of AAnniversary Grants Turnover Ceremony. to primary and maternal psychologists and Through the Metrobank Foundation and the health care. psychology practitioners, GT Foundation, the Ty family foundation, We are a great people— primarily caters to soldiers P20 million worth of financial assistance was On the other hand, and we can become an wounded in action in need awarded to 36 organizations last September 7, MBFI’s grant to the Office of psychological assistance. 2018 at the Metrobank Plaza, Makati City. of the Vice President’s even greater nation, if flagship program Angat SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS MBFI and GTFI work with various only we come together as Buhay will help install socio-civic organizations, non-government As part of its continuing a functional electrical one. Let us work together organizations and government agencies for partnership, MBFI once water pump machine in the implementation of programs and projects so that the greatest of again gave grants to Villa Fria Elementary for the marginalized sectors towards the Hineleban Foundation for School and provide problems will only bring attainment of the United Nations' Sustainable technical trainings and hygiene kits to more than Development Goals. The grants program’s out the greatness of the provision of equipment to 1,000 children in eight priority thrusts are health, education, arts, Filipino civic spirit. indigenous coffee farmers elementary schools in —MBFI PRESIDENT in Bukidnon. Hineleban’s and livelihood, or simply HEAL. ANICETO SOBREPEÑA Agutaya, Palawan. advocacy to reforest the “It is easy to think that small gestures ACCESSIBLE, QUALITY EDUCATION high mountain ranges of love and service might not go very far in of Mindanao is attained solving the country’s pressing problems. Aiding students in through providing There will always be much to do, but even Siayan, Zamboanga del locals with livelihoods little acts leave a big impact towards realizing Norte, GTFI is funding through transformational a better country, a better nation,” said Aniceto Yellow Boat of Hope business partnerships. Sobrepeña, MBFI president. Foundation’s construction of a female dormitory that MBFI is likewise will serve as a halfway supporting Caritas In 2018 — home for students who spend hours of travel by Margins’ product development coaching land to reach their school. for partner micro-enterprises as well as awarded MBFI, through the Philippine Foundation entrepreneurial skills trainings for selected M to worth₱20 of grants organizations36 for Science and Technology, is providing urban poor communities in NCR and 600 public school chemistry teachers in CALABARZON. NCR, Benguet, Quezon, Eastern Samar, "We live in a world where the challenges Social development partners— Bohol and Maguindanao with chemistry we face are greater than we have ever seen. But kits complementing the K-12 curriculum. we are a great people—and we can become a 7 20 4 5 Through plenary lectures, discussions and greater nation, if we come together as one," health education arts livelihood hands-on activities, the program seeks said Sobrepeña. "Let us work together so that to develop teaching approaches of local the greatest of problems will only bring out the science educators. greatness of the Filipino civic spirit."

PAGE 12 exceletter DECEMBER 2018 PANORAMIC ENDEAVORS: LECTURES ON PHILIPPINE CULTURE AND HERITAGE

STORY BY MARY THERESE DE SILVA of knowledge and solutions towards a "communities have the creative power (DE SILVA IS A PROGRAM ASSISTANT AT MBFI'S ART & DESIGN UNIT.) more equitable Philippine art. to localize solutions that will directly The roster of speakers include address their social needs." This is “PANORAMIC ENDEAVORS” s new discoveries in the multimedia artist Toym Imao, Jr., urban what hoped to field of Philippine culture planner Julia Nebrija, Lopez Museum reinforce: engagements not just within Aand heritage begin to surface conservation manager Margarita the art community, but between art anew, there grows a sense of urgency Villanueva, Pineapple Lab creative and the community. and interest to address problems in director Andrei Pamintuan, visual miseducation and mistreatments that artist Gerardo Leonardo and notable have affected the state principal architects THE SPEAKERS of our heritage today. Dominic Galicia, The Metrobank It is our firm belief at the Jason Buensalido, Foundation, as one Metrobank Foundation and William Ti, Jr. Abdulmari of the few corporate "Toym" Imao Jr. that the health of our The rich array of foundations in the discussions revolved country known for heritage is indicative of around themes of Andrei Pamintuan supporting art and the wealth of our nation’s advocacies, practices, design, launched the organizing hubs for “PANORAMIC ENDEAVORS” future. We cannot let it creative ingenuity, LECTURE SERIES. It is die, because a strong and designing public Julia Nebrija a two-day lecture national identity is spaces. Further, series under MBFI's essential to the pursuit of the two-day lecture newest venture, series was able to Ar. Jason Buensalido the Culture and social progress. provide a total of Heritage Education —MBFI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 12.0 CPD units to all Program. Through NICANOR TORRES, JR. attending architects, this, the Foundation Margarita through a partnership Villanueva establishes its with the United support in the development of Architects of the Philippines. cultural identity as a source of social Gerardo Hinging on the inter-disciplinary Leonardo empowerment. facets of Philippine culture, the Held from September 21-22, 2018 speakers emphasized that cultural “PANORAMIC at Le Pavillon, Pasay City, identity is non-monolithic. It is ENDEAVORS” Ar. Dominic highlighted exceptional dynamic, adaptive and multifaceted. Galicia efforts of dynamic individuals in the As such, discourse in cultural heritage art and design community. Close must be inclusive. Conversations Ar. William to 400 participants—professional should involve the entire community, Ti, Jr. architects, students and art enthusiasts not just artists and cultural workers. alike—participated in the exchange As speaker Julia Nebrija imparted,

DECEMBER 2018 exceletter PAGE 13 PROPAGATING EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE DUTY

STORY BY CHARMEE MEA F. MARIANO & PAUL JOHN V. DOMALAON (MARIANO IS A PROGRAM COORDINATOR AT EXCELLENCE AWARDS UNIT WHILE DOMALAON IS A PROGRAM ASSISTANT AT CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT.)

ONFERRED WITH THE TITLE “Metrobank Foundation Fellows in Public Service”, 2018 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Dr. CAlma Janagap and 2017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Col. Ricky Bunayog and Col. Elmer Suderio conducted separate lectures on their advocacies and contributions to advance the principles of exceptional public service in the country.

A component of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program, the Metrobank Foundation Fellowship in Public Service lectures were brought to key cities and provinces nationwide, aimed to advance the knowledge of teachers, soldiers and police officers, and uplift the practice of these professions. Fostering a generation of readers

or her exceptional advocacy in Dubbed as Iloilo’s Literacy Crusader, Dr. fostering a culture of reading through Janagap developed in 2012 a first of its kind Finitiatives that empower a student's school-based Reading Clinic in Iloilo. The pursuit of learning, Dr. Alma Janagap of the clinic is a one-room reading haven equipped Pavia National High School in Pavia, Iloilo is with books and multimedia materials ranging the first teacher-awardee to have been conferred from interactive videos, charts and games. the title "Metrobank Foundation Fellow in Providing academically struggling students Public Service." with a reader-centric environment, the Last November 8, 2018, Dr. Janagap lectured innovation eventually became a benchmarking on organizing a functional remedial reading model in DepEd Division of Iloilo and has program and reading clinic to 150 teachers been replicated by 149 out of 179 schools. across Western Visayas held at the DepEd Iloilo DR. ALMA JANAGAP Division, La Paz, Iloilo City.

Hitting the ground running for lieutenants in the frontlines

017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Col. Suderio, on the other hand, talked successful operations against the Abu Sayaff Filipinos Col. Ricky Bunayog and about platoon-level tactics, effective attitudes Group terrorists from 2015 to 2017. He also 2Col. Elmer Suderio shared stories and and innovations he acquired throughout his conceptualized a three-unit subject (Unit Ad- strategies to 170 first-class cadets last November years in the frontlines. “You have to take some ministration) for PMA which prepares cadets 17 at the Philippine Military Academy, Fort risks. In all you do, there are some associated to tackle administrative functions in their units. Gregorio del Pilar, Baguio City. risks but you have to take it. Not because you Col. Bunayog highlighted the significance are very brave, but because you calculated the of coordination with the community in the risks,” he said. success of joint operations. He reminded the Also known as Basilan’s cadets to “respect the enemy [as] they are Soldier-Trailblazer, proud warriors too” and encouraged them to Col. Suderio led “respect anyone’s ethnicity, tribal affiliation, a series of religion, social status, and opinion”. Dubbed as Central Mindanao’s WarriorPeacekeeper, Col. Bunayog led successful counterterrorism initiatives and facilitated peaceful settlement of ridos or long- standing blood feuds in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao. COL. RICKY BUNAYOG PA COL. ELMER SUDERIO PA

PAGE 14 exceletter DECEMBER 2018 MDH vice chairman Aniceto Sobrepeña, president Elizabeth Dantes, chairman MDH BULLETIN Arthur Ty, hospital director Dr. Hian Ho Kua, and treasurer Anjanette Dy Buncio.

MANILA DOCTORS HOSPITAL ADDS FEATHERS TO ITS CAP, TAKES HOME ACCOLADES FROM DOH AND PHA

STORY BY CHRISTOPHER L. BUGAOAN The Wellness Hub serves as a one- stop-shop health and wellness facility. (BUGAOAN IS THE HEAD OF MBFI'S CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT.)

he Manila Doctors better serve its clients, MDH recently Hospital (MDH) was opened 3 centers and upgraded 1 facility awarded the “2018 at the Norberto Ty Medical Tower 2. These include the Wellness Hub, the Radiologic Outstanding Hospital Imaging Center and the Endoscopy Unit. TAward (Level 3-Private)” by the The Wellness Hub is a one-stop health Philippine Hospital Association and wellness facility established to create a (PHA) during the 69th PHA tranquil, spa-like environment where patients The Mammomat Revelation is the first high definition Annual National Convention last can relax, find their balance and recover. On 3D Breast Tomosynthesis in the Philippines and in Asia. November 14 at the Fiesta Pavilion the same floor, the Aesthetics Center and Wound Care Center can also be found. of the Manila Hotel, City of Manila. The Radiologic Imaging Center houses One of the most coveted awards in the the best medical imaging healthcare industry, the diagnostics. This includes PHA Award recognizes These accolades the 256-Slice Computed the overall commitment Tomography (CT) Scanner, to healthcare excellence by inspire us to continue Digital Radiofluoroscopy hospitals specifically in the to excel in what we do and a broad range of areas of corporate social in order to improve imaging modalities like responsibility, governance, X-Ray and Ultrasound. and ISO accreditation, our services and offer Its latest equipment is the among others. more state-of-the-art Mammomat Revelation MDH was also healthcare facilities the first high definition 3D recognized for the “DOH for the marginalized. Breast Tomosynthesis in Star Awards 2018 Top 10” the Philippines and in Asia. (Level III category) by the —MDH PRESIDENT ELIZABETH DANTES The Endoscopy Unit has Department of Health The Radiologic Imaging Center houses been expanded to 5 rooms the best medical imaging diagnostics. and PHA. This award with a capacity to perform simultaneous recognizes hospitals’ best practices in the procedures and boasts of bigger recovery delivery of safe and quality health service room that can accommodate more patients. towards achieving universal healthcare. Soon, a new Cancer Care Unit will also MDH was the lone tertiary-level private be opened using the Linear Accelerator hospital to be awarded with 2 prestigious (LINAC) which will offer advanced recognitions in the said event. treatment to cancer patients. “These prestigious awards are testaments As the majority shareholder of MDH, the to our sustained commitment to provide Metrobank Foundation has established quality healthcare to customers and programs that benefit the poor and the people in the communities. It inspires marginalized in meeting their educational us to continue to excel in what we do in and healthcare needs. MDH serves as the order to improve our services and offer Foundation’s healthcare arm, offering a wide more state-of-the-art healthcare facilities array of social services such as subsidies for the marginalized," said MDH president for in-house patients, outreach programs, Elizabeth Dantes. medical missions, and health-related As part of MDH’s plan to provide interventions in adopted communities. advanced equipment and facilities to The Endoscopy Unit has 5 rooms to perform simultaneous procedures.

DECEMBER 2018 exceletter PAGE 15 farewell, george ty. Beyond business, Dr. Ty will always be remembered for his philanthropy. He was a true visionary and a game-changer, whose heart and zeal for nation-building had largely driven his desire to use business as a force for good. Throughout his life, he focused his efforts and energies on trailblazing the way to corporate compassion and social responsibility in the private sector.

From hereon, his enduring legacy will be Metrobank Foundation's rallying advocacy.