Metrobank 57th Anniversary: A Meaningful Month of Community

Business is not just about reaching the pinnacle of success. It is about helping other people achieve their dreams. -- Dr. George S.K. Ty

Philanthropy and collaboration were at the forefront of celebrations during the 57th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company. Metrobank, through the Metrobank Foundation, has always been generous in giving grants and collaborating with various non-government organizations and deserving individuals throughout its history.

This year, it is more pronounced because it is also the same year that Metrobank launched its new campaign “Meaningful Banking,” in which it hopes to highlight how the industry can contribute to society beyond financial services.

A Generous Start

To kick off it’s anniversary month, Metrobank, through its corporate social responsibility arm—Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the Ty family foundation—GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), awarded PHP 35 million worth of development grants to 40 sociocivic organizations during the annual Anniversary Grants Turnover Ceremony at the Metrobank Plaza Auditorium in Makati City.

Metrobank Chairman Arthur Ty and GTFI President Alfred Ty were with MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña at the turnover ceremonies to present the grants to deserving organizations. As it has for many years, the MBFI prioritizes projects and causes that fall under the Health, Education, Arts, and Livelihood (HEAL) framework.

“This is the very essence of today’s event–partnerships. As our two foundations mature, MBFI and GTFI try to explore ways to make our projects more strategic in generating the desired impacts. We want to be able to determine if our efforts in fact contribute to nation-building, and in what way.” Sobrepeña said.

“In order to do this, we rely on you, our partners and stakeholders. If we are to succeed, we need your commitment, not just to carry out project deliverables, but to provide relevant solutions to stakeholder needs; to assess the undertaking; and make sure the next one is even more meaningful and impactful,” he said.

The Guest of Honor, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, was inspired by the spirit of community and generosity that enveloped the entire event. Speaking during the anniversary celebration, he said that partnerships with the organizations that Metrobank, MBFI, and GTFI gave grants to are critical in developing nations and, of course, cities. He then dovetailed it to a humble plea to aid and invest in Manila City.

Outstanding Recognition

Apart from giving those with the potential to help financial aid for their respective causes, Metrobank and MBFI also rewarded those who have succeeded in going “Beyond Excellence” and rising to the occasion.

Ten awardees at the Metrobank Ten Outstanding Filipinos ceremony were given PHP 1 million, a gold medal, and a “The Flame” trophy for each of their exemplary achievements.

Among them were four teachers, namely Dr. Dorothy Tarol, Dr. Cristina Cristobal, Dr. Ricardo Jose, and Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-de la Paz. Three military men were given merit for their service to the country, namely Philippine Army MSgt. Ramil Caporas, Philippine Navy Marines Maj. Romulo Dimayuga II, and Philippine Army Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar. Rounding out the roster of exceptional individuals are three police officers, namely P/CMsgt. Marsha Agustin, P/Major Robert Reyes, and P/Col. Edwin Quilates.

They are now among other 665 public servants who have been given the same honor since 1985.

The ten were also later honored in the Senate of the Philippines for their contributions.

Honoring An Icon

The Senate also gave posthumous honors to Metrobank’s founder, the late Dr. George S.K. Ty, for his philanthropic contributions.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon introduced the resolution.

"Dr. Ty trail-blazed the way to corporate compassion and social responsibility and established the Metrobank Foundation Inc. as an instrument to share the benefits of Metrobank’s success,” Drilon said.

"The hard work of the late Dr. Ty, a visionary business leader and an icon of philanthropy, turned the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. into a vital economic backbone of the country,” he said.

Mrs. Mary Vy Ty received the honor on behalf of her late husband. With her are her children Arthur Ty, Alfred Ty, Anjanette T. Dy-Buncio, and Alesandra Ty.

Making It Meaningful

Apart from philanthropy, Metrobank’s daily business-as-usual activities are also focused on “Meaningful Banking." At the anniversary cocktail event held at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom in Bonifacio Global City, Guest of Honor Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno, PhD praised Metrobank’s campaign, which aligned with the BSP’s initiative to bring banking closer to the people.

“I believe a bank is on the right track if it puts the needs and aspirations of its customers at the center of every product and service,” Diokno said. “I look forward to enhanced collaboration between the BSP and Metrobank, both in advancing consumer welfare and fostering the overall stability of the banking system,” Diokno continued as he raised his glass for a toast.

Metrobank President Fabian Dee described Meaningful Banking as the bank’s “re-commitment to put customers at the heart of everything we do.”

Aside from the bank’s usual services, it also aims to educate all of its clients about financial literacy and to find solutions, through innovative services, for each customer’s purposes and dreams.

“In this day and age, we see a lot of developments as our customers continue to evolve. Thus, to keep our promise of keeping them in good hands, the bank must evolve as well,” Dee explained.