ExceLetter Issue 31

exceletter

The Official Bi-annual Publication of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. ISSUE NO. 31 | DECEMB ER 2017

What's inside

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MBFI Grants Program:

The school bus on water

7

Opinion:

Walking the talk of 'corporate social responsibility'

14

2017 MADE Awarding:

Building a culture of art genius

'Exemplary' is not a dying breed T

o say that exemplary public servants are a dying breed would be a great disservice to those who have so selflessly pledged their lives in the high calling of duty.

These are our Outstanding Filipinos.

Read story on Page 8

On the Cover The 2017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos.

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Message from the President

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ifty five years ago, a man, in his late twenties, decided to put up a bank in Binondo, Manila. The man had no prior knowledge of banking—but he was armed with the determination to succeed and the commitment to help society.

Today, that small bank has grown to become the country’s strongest financial conglomerate known as Metrobank. The young man is Dr. George S.K. Ty. He is no longer as young now, but his vision for our country remains as strong as it once was.

“I make money, so I give money back.” Since day one, George Ty has been guided with the belief that wealth is meant to be made; but once made, it is meant to be shared.

This philosophy forms the very foundation of the strong culture of philanthropic giving that the Bank has so keenly championed through the years. George Ty has relentlessly focused his energies on sharing his money back to the community, long before the concept of philanthropy or corporate social responsibility became a mainstay in the private sector. He knew that while philanthropic giving has limitations in itself; when it is harnessed and maximized properly, it can play such a crucial role in meeting many areas of need in society.

And so, we are proud to share with you the fruits born out of this culture of giving. We consider our programs and initiatives as our investment in this joint venture that we call nation-building.

We have long understood that social development is a battle that can never be won alone—especially now that our social issues have become so interconnected, that we can longer just sit back and let others do the work.

Let us work together so that the greatest of problems will only bring about the greatness of the Filipino civic spirit.

We have reached a point in our history where we all have to do our parts, consolidating our forces and resources to ensure that whatever we are doing—regardless of scale or thrust—will truly leave an impact in the lives of people we want to reach.

It certainly won’t be easy—in fact, development work is often a tiring, thankless work—but we do it regardless, because all our efforts are anchored upon a cause greater than ourselves.

And if there is one thing I am certain of, it is this: our country can attain the future it aspires to. But that future relies on us working with each other.

Our rich national history has proven time and again that when governments, businesses, and the civil society take steps to get involved and come together to meet a common goal, the results can be truly rewarding.

I end now by leaving you with this message: we live in a world where the challenges we face are much, much greater than we have ever seen before. But we are a great people—and we can become an even greater nation, if only we come together as one.

Let us work together so that the greatest of problems will only bring out the greatness of the Filipino civic spirit. ( t h is

m e s sage i s a n e xc e rpt f r o m so b r ep e ñ a ' s s p e ec h o r ig i n a lly delivered during

m e t r o b a n k ' s a n n i v e rs a ry g r a n t s t u r n ov e r c e r e mo n y l a st s e pt . 5, 2017. )

Sincerely yours, A niceto M. S obrepeña

exceletter

hello there, reader!

As you browse through the stories in this issue, we encourage you to share with us any feedback you may have. ExceLetter is a chronicle of excellence, and so it is only fitting to be committed to continuously improve with each issue. We will strive to be nothing short of it.

contact us address:

4F Executive Offices, Metrobank Plaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., 1200 Makati City telephone: (02) 898 88 55 | 857 59 18 telefax: (02) 818 56 56 | 750 08 37 email: foundation@metrobank.com.ph website: http://mbfoundation.org.ph

Editorial Board Maria Nicole Q. Cortez E d i tor - i n - c h ie f A rt a n d L ayo u t E d i tor

Christopher L. Bugaoan

C o r po r at e C o m m un i c ations H ead

Laarnie T. Luna Darwin M. Masacupan Almira Joyce C. Villanueva R e p o rte r s

MetrobankFoundationOfficial @MBFIPhils Metrobank_Foundation MetroBnkFoundation

Supervising Committee

Rosario E. De Castro Kristina Mae I. Misajon Carl Michelle T. Ong Nicole Noelle D. Soriano

Irene D. Labitad

A s s is ta n t E x e cu t i v e D irector

Nicanor L. Torres, Jr. E x e cu t i v e D i r ector

Aniceto M. Sobrepeña P r e s id e n t

C o n t r ibu to r s

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in this issue

5

4 National Teachers' Month:

A salute to PH education's unsung heroes

6 The scholars' send-off

8 Outstanding Filipinos Award:

'Exemplary' is not a dying breed

14 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence:

Building a culture of art genius December 2017

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The school bus on water

7 Graduates' Forum:

MBFI Grants Program:

Opinion Piece:

Walking the talk of corporate social responsibility

12 Dr. George S.K. Ty:

His is a legacy of excellence for the nation

16 Cultural Heritage Education Program:

Safeguarding our heritage

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National Teachers' Month:

A salute to the Philippine education's unsung heroes Story by Kristina Mae I. Misajon

(Misajon is a program coordinator at mbfi's education unit.)

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n the Philippines, where quality education is seen as an entryway to success, a deeper appreciation is given to the school’s unsung heroes.

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round the world, Teachers’ Day activities every October 5 take place in schools where students usually give out cards and serenade their teachers.

In the Philippines however, where quality education is often viewed as an entryway to success, a deeper appreciation is given to the school’s unsung heroes.

Held from September 5 to October 5, the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) has strived since 2008 to bring celebrations to the public sphere by engaging sectors to hold activities for teachers.

“Our teachers deserve high status and respect from

society. Many of the most revered historical figures, like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Jesus of Nazarene, are teachers who have changed the world.

Many successful professionals are products of teachers,” said Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones during the National Teachers' Day celebration held in Legazpi City last October 5, 2017.

This year, the advocacy has translated into many different expressions of gratitude for teachers. Aside from the usual on-the-ground celebrations and treats extended by participating establishments, the following activities were done for the first time:

BOOK FAIR TREATS

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his year’s NTM brought the celebrations to the largest annual book fair in the country, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF).

From September 13 to 17, 2017, all teacher-visitors at the Book Fair entered for free and received various treats.

A gratitude wall for teachers was also set up, providing the public with a venue to write their thank you notes to teachers who have made a difference in their lives.

CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOPS

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BFI, together with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Museo Pambata, and National Museum of the Philippines, held the 5th Alternative National Conference Workshop last September 28-30, 2017.

The 3-day experiential workshop focused on teaching history through the arts; using film as a medium to facilitate meaningful discussion; and utilizing public spaces like museums to engage learners in fostering a deeper appreciation for our heritage.

NATIONAL TEACHERS' DAY

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he NTM celebrations culminated with National Teachers’ Day last October 5 led by DepEd. This year’s theme, “Gurong Pilipino: Kaakbay Sa Progreso” emphasizes the essential role of teachers in inclusive development.

Around 6,000 teachers flocked to Legazpi City for a day of entertainment and celebration.

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December 2017

P hoto C redit : Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation.

MBFI Grants Program:

The school bus on water

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n some mangrove villages in Zamboanga, children in uniform tirelessly swim half a mile across murky waters, carrying dogeared school books tied up in plastic bags, for a day’s worth of learning at school.

Story by Darwin M. Masacupan

(Masacupan is a program assistant at mbfi's corporate communications unit.)

Seven years in, the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation's mission remains the same—securing a better future for Filipino children by providing them access to quality education, as is their right.

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cross the Philippines, children still struggle just to go to school. Some children trek long hours with their school bags through mountainous swamplands, others don’t even have the privilege to attend at all as they are forced to be breadwinners of their families at a tender age.

In some mangrove villages in Zamboanga, children in uniform tirelessly swim half a mile across murky waters, carrying dog-eared school books tied up in plastic bags, for a day’s worth of learning at school.

Starting up Thanks to the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation (YBH) though, these children no longer have to swim to school.

Drawing inspiration from the classic school bus, YBH has provided them with yellow boats that get them to school.

The organization started the initiative in March 2011. The initial idea was to pool together ‘individual little funds’ and help these kids get to school safe and dry.

Jay Jaboneta, YBH co-founder, recalled, “I shared a twoliner [on Facebook, saying that] I just came from Zamboanga City and heard of an amazing story where kids swim to school. The next day to my surprise, a lot of my friends started commenting, ‘How can I help? How can we help?’”

Raising an initial amount of P70,000, they chanced upon the idea of providing the children a yellow boat—“which is like a yellow bus on water,” said Jaboneta.

Branching out, Remaining rooted The organization has built more than 2,000 boats which transport children and help parents earn a living in

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between. But YBH has come a long way from its beginnings as mere provider of boats. The last seven years has seen the organization branching out—building classrooms and dormitories, providing scholarships and school supplies, and intiating livelihood programs to ensure no child is left behind.

The Metrobank Foundation has previously worked with YBH in one of these extension programs—the Adopt-AFisherman project. In the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda, MBFI and YBH helped replace the boats of affected fisherfolk communities that were lost to storm surges.

“They told us that if we gave them boats, they’ll be able to send their kids to school,” Jaboneta said.

Despite these changes, YBH has stayed true to its roots.

Its focus remains on far-flung communities—100 of them across the archipelago. Their advocacy has now become a national movement, with more and more ‘little funds’ supporting these communities.

The mission is still the same—securing a better future for Filipino children by providing them access to quality education, as is their right.

Sustaining quality This year, MBFI and its sister foundation, the GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), has again awarded development grants to YBH to support its Yellow Dorm of Hope in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte for the benefit of 35 school children who must walk for hours just to attend school.

Awarded last September 7, 2017, a total of 37 organizations were given grants worth more than P16 million during the Grants Turnover Ceremony, held as one of the highlights of Metrobank’s 55th anniversary.

The event gathered groups who share MBFI and GTFI’s priority thrusts, as captured by the acronym HEAL—health, education, arts, and livelihood. Together with UN's Sustainable Development Goals, HEAL serves as the framework for the Foundations’ partnerships, ensuring that its efforts are targeted toward those most deserving of it.

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I n P hoto : The 91 scholargraduates with Metrobank President Fabian Dee and MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña.

Graduates' Forum:

The scholars' send-off Story by Darwin M. Masacupan

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shering a warm welcome into adulhood, the Metrobank Foundation and its sister foundation, the GT Foundation, organized a two-day Graduates' Forum for its 2017 batch of scholar-graduates, held at Metrobank Plaza and at the University of Sto. Tomas last June 23 and 24, 2017, respectively.

A total of 91 scholars, the biggest batch in the Foundation's history, were gathered during the Forum. They represented 21 universities and colleges across the country, with 23 of them finishing with Latin honors.

With the theme, “#PayIt4Ward: Service to 4Cs (Creator, Clan, Community, Country),” the two-day event was designed to inspire graduates with the value of giving back as they begin their professional careers. The 4Cs—Creator, Clan, Community and Country—outlines how scholars can pay forward the blessings they have received.

Noting that millenials are often branded as the ‘selfie’ generation, MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña challenged the graduates “to think beyond yourselves and focus your energies to worthwhile endeavors that build the nation.”

Sobrepeña encouraged them to offer everything to God, support their families, contribute to the well-being of communities, and serve the country.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the graduates, Merla Nugas, a summa cum laude graduate, expressed gratitude for the help they received and for the experiences that molded them.

She called on her fellow scholars to make a difference in the lives of others, saying, “receiving our diplomas does not mean it is the end of our respective journeys. In fact, it is the beginning of a journey towards a greater purpose. Now is the time to work together for the betterment of our country.”

Every year, the Foundation stages the Graduates’ Forum to recognize the academic and non-academic undertakings of its promising graduates from different scholarship programs.

Reflecting Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty’s commitment to nurture the country’s future leaders, the two day-long event allows graduates to thank their benefactors and interact and network with their fellow scholars.

Quick facts

91 scholar-graduates (batch '17) This is the biggest batch yet in the entire scholarships' history.

23 latin honorees (batch '17) Composed of 1 summa cum laude, 6 magna cum laudes, and 16 cum laudes scholar-graduates.

21 universities and colleges (batch '17)

MetroBank Scholarship Program Starting 1995, the program has been awarding financial grants to support financially challenged, yet deserving students through school.

986 total number of scholar-graduates To date, the program has produced well over 986 graduates in collaboration with its partner institutions and schools.

Coming from various parts of the Philippines.

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December 2017

I n P hoto : The batch 2017 delegates of the ASEAN CSR Fellowship Program.

The writer is standing in a lilac dress, fourth from the top right.

OPINION PIECE

Walking the talk of 'corporate social responsibility' Story by Carl Michelle T. Ong

(Ong is a program officer at mbfi's grants and healthcare unit.)

E

ARLY THIS YEAR, I had the opportunity to join young professionals from Southeast Asia to deepen our knowledge and understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).The ASEAN CSR Fellowship took me to four ASEAN countries – Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines, to learn about each country’s best practices, current trends, and challenges in the practice of CSR. So much can be said about the entire experience, but let me share with you three fundamental lessons that I believe every CSR practitioner must know.

1. value your stakeholders, not just your stockholders.

2. csr is for small businesses, too.

3. the good you do must outlast you.

Before companies even begin to think about what CSR strategy fits them, the first question they must ask is: To whom are they responsible for?

If a company feels responsible primarily for creating value for its stockholders, its CSR strategies will most likely be defined by which one results to the highest financial gain.

But when a company recognizes its responsibility to its stakeholders – from the people they work for and work with – its CSR strategies will definitely be predicated on how they can ensure that business growth is paralleled with social development.

This is not to say that creating value for stockholders is less important since a company must always aim to be profitable. There is, however, a greater sense of mission and purpose for a company when it concerns itself with what lasting social change it wants to contribute to society.

CSR is very much defined by a company's purpose and core values – on what it dedicates itself to achieve for the business and for the community it affects and actually depend on.

CSR as a term does not usually resonate with SMEs (small and mediumsized enterprises) as they view it as a duty carried out by bigger corporations and one that requires a lot of resources.

But CSR is for small businesses, too.

SMEs—though not expected to carry out CSR programs in the same manner that big corporations do—are expected to uphold responsible and ethical business practices, ensure good employee welfare, and to the extent possible, contribute to betterment of the community where they operate.

In ASEAN member states, SMEs account for between 88.8-99.9% of total establishments and between 51.7-97.2% of total employment. These figures alone provide for a sound argument why SMEs must be socially responsible.

In its post-2015 Agenda, the ASEAN is determined to put forward inclusive growth by empowering SMEs to become globally competitive and resilient. What a pride would it bring then if ASEAN SMEs gain global recognition as champions for inclusive growth and CSR in the sector they represent!

Perhaps the greatest advantage the millennial generation possesses today is their adeptness to technology. They have the advantage to utilize technology to develop creative solutions to problems that plague the ASEAN community.

However, given the many opportunities that technology creates, millennials may also easily drown in this universe of possibilities.

Young CSR practitioners such as myself must learn to channel our creativity and ingenuity into producing solutions that are not just modern and appealing, but more importantly, relevant and sustainable.

The growing complexity of social issues warrants that we think of solutions that will benefit the country even when we’re long gone. As future leaders of CSR, it is incumbent upon us to ensure the solutions we propose now will not only solve today’s woes, but will halt any further damage that will affect the generations ahead.

While CSR leaders across the globe recognize innovation as a game changer, sustainability remains to be the game itself.

In the practice of CSR, innovation is a game-changer.

But sustainability remains to be the game itself.

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In Photo The 2017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos wear their best smiles as they have their photo taken with President Rodrigo Duterte and Metrobank Group chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty after having been conferred with gold medallions during the awarding ceremonies at Grand Hyatt Manila last September 5, 2017.

'Exemplary' is not a dying breed Story by Maria Nicole Q. Cortez

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(Cortez is a program assistant at mbfi's corporate communications unit.)

N THESE DIFFICULT TIMES, it is easy to find fault with, if not completely lose hope in the works of Filipino public servants. Well-entrenched stereotypes tainted by inefficiency and incompetency often precede their character.

But to say that exemplary public servants are a dying breed would be a great disservice to those who have selflessly pledged their lives in the high calling of duty. They often go about their work quietly, pursuing advocacies and initiatives that yield positive change in their respective communities.

These are the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos.

In celebration of Metrobank’s 55th anniversary, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) awarded 10 Outstanding Filipinos—consisting of four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers—who have gone beyond excellence in their service for the nation and its citizenry. Five of the 10 awardees come from Mindanao. Each awardee received a cash incentive of P1 million, a gold medallion, and a trophy.

The 10 awardees have officially joined the ranks of 645 outstanding public servants recognized

by MBFI since 1985. The awardees were honored during the conferment ceremonies last month at the Metrobank Plaza, Makati City.

“We put the spotlight on Metrobank Foundation’s biggest social investment—rewarding ordinary Filipinos who have consistently raised the bar of excellence in their fields and now serve as an example to many,” MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña said.

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Manila's Master Microbiologist

Tagaytay’s Visionary Science Teacher

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ennifer M. Rojo is a science teacher at Neogan Elementary School, a meek barangay school in Tagaytay City with around 300 students.

She has pioneered the adaptation of ‘Explicit Instruction’ approach—initially espoused in the teaching of reading and writing among novice learners—as a methodology in teaching elementary Science nationwide.

'Explicit Instruction' is now utilized by several teachers from different schools across the country who were able to attend Mrs. Rojo’s trainings in the teaching of Science using this innovation.

“I may have reached the peak of being a teacher, as a national trainer, a curriculum writer, or as a creator of innovations, but what is important is the impact of these accomplishments to my community,” Rojo said.

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Agusan del Norte's Culture Coach

o foster love for Filipino art and culture among students and teachers nationwide, Edgar T. Elago developed culture-based lesson modules and localized instructional materials in discussing a trove of topics, from MAPEH and Araling Panlipunan, to Science and Math.

In 2011, Elago developed ‘Project Scholar’—an initiative aiming to help high school graduates who come from financially challenged households to continue their college education.

To date, Elago’s efforts have benefitted over 60 scholars— among them indigenous peoples, out-of-school-youth, former drug addicts, and children in conflict with the law— significantly reducing incidences of early marriages, drug addiction, and other forms of crimes among these youth.

“Education is a powerful weapon to change the world. That is why I have always made sure to help others pursue education in any way I can,” Elago said.

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ong a pillar at De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila, Dr. Esperanza C. Cabrera led the institution of the BS Human Biology program and the development of facilities in microbiology and molecular science in the university.

Dr. Cabrera also holds various capacities in the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), where she organizes and serves as resource speaker in various trainings, workshops, fora, and symposia nationwide and abroad.

She has endeavored in significant research work to help the broader community—an example of which is her study conducted in National Bilibid Prison, where she provided treatment for inmates during an outbreak of boils or 'pigsa'.

“I recognize my crucial role as a teacher in nation building. As such, I have no choice but to do my best in my profession,” Dr. Cabrera said.

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Diliman's Food Security Advocate

s a food science and technology professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel led the establishment of the country’s only Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Hygiene based at UP’s College of Home Economics.

Outside UP, Dr. Gabriel was one of the three technical writers—convened by the Department of Agriculture and the United States Food and Drug Administration—who authored the Philippine National Food Defense Standard in 2011.

Now free-to-use and downloadable online, the National Food Defense Guide is relevant to the needs particularly of food manufacturing industries that export their products. Dr. Gabriel also developed various modules and training materials for awareness drives and nationwide public consultations on food defense.

“Excellence without honor is unacceptable; excellence is meaningless if people do not benefit from it,” he said.

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Basilan's Soldier-Trailblazer

CARAGA's Lumad Hero

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native of the Banwaon tribe, Staff Sergeant Narding N. Pascual has spearheaded several engagements against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

His efforts have caused a number of rebels to surrender, the recovery of firearms and camps, and retrieval of rebel paraphernalia and documents—thereby weakening insurgent operations in the area.

An advocate of nonviolent struggle, SSg. Pascual is instrumental in the realization of development projects helping his tribespeople. Among these projects are the construction of a primary school building; a livelihood project through a four-hectare falcata tree plantation; and the rural electrification project in Mahagsay, San Luis.

“As a Banwaon soldier, I safeguard and advocate for the preservation of our ethnic culture,” SSg. Pascual said.

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Davao del Sur's Anti Abuse Herald

n investigator of the Hagonoy Municipal Police Station’s Women and Children Protection Desk, Police Officer 3 Shiela May S. Pansoy helped establish the Hagonoy Junior Police (HJP) in 2015. The HJP is a group of selected students trained to serve specifically as advocates of antibullying and anti-gangsterism in all 24 elementary and secondary schools in Hagonoy.

With the subject of children protection so close to her heart, PO3 Pansoy utilizes her degree in Pscyhology by serving as resource person in case conferences over children who commit offenses such as petty theft, physical violence, and bullying.

She has even visited these children and their parents at home, and continuously monitored them even after they had stopped committing offenses.

“Having harmonious relationships with those I serve and protect makes the police work easy and effective,” PO3 Pansoy said.

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s commander of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion in Basilan, Lieutenant Colonel Elmer B. Suderio led a series of successful combat operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group from 2015 to 2017, consequently improving peace and order conditions in an area where war has long been a norm.

Backed by a strong respect for human rights and rule of law, he is known for having his soldiers provide humane treatment to captured terrorists.

Lt. Col. Suderio also collaborates with local chief executives to implement activities such as medical missions and community support programs. Through these civil military operations, he has helped bridge gaps between the military and the community.

“In a profession that tests values to their limits, our achievements should not compromise the best of human character,” Lt. Col. Suderio said.

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Manila Police District's Finest Officer

s the Intelligence and Operation Chief of Manila Police District, Police Chief Inspector Rosalino P. Ibay, Jr. has led the resolution of unprecedented carnapping cases in Manila, once notorious for being the country's carnapping capital. This, he achieved through implementing the Systematic Encoding of Stolen Motor Vehicles, which records cases of recovered vehicles and regularly uploading the list in MPD’s Manila CRAV Facebook page.

In May 2010, PCInsp. Ibay authored the Barangay Management System (BMS), a computerized records storage system which contains a database of all barangay residents, intended to systematize their profiles for easy reference and access. The BMS is now being adopted by 35 barangays in Metro Manila.

“In the end, what’s most important is that all my efforts are aligned with our mandated solemn duty to serve and protect,” PCInsp. Ibay said.

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Upping the ante of the OF Award Story by Rosario E. De Castro (De Castro is a senior program officer at mbfi's research and publication unit.)

F Central Mindanao's Warrior-Peacekeeper

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s Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations of the 6th Infantry Division in Central Mindanao, Lt. Col. Bunayog’s counterterrorism initiatives go beyond executing combat missions against terrorists. He is instrumental in the resolution of long-standing blood feuds in the province, colloquially known as ‘rido’.

He facilitated the settlement of ridos stemming from land conflicts and religious clashes in the five municipalities of Sultan Kudarat and ten municipalities of Maguindanao.

On another front, he facilitated the construction of two Madrasahs, one elementary school, and the repair of school facilities in Maguindanao.

“In my 28-year stint in the Army, I’ve realized being a warfighter is not enough. You should also be a peace-builder if you want to affect real change in the community,” Lt. Col. Bunayog said.

or the first time in the history of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos (OF) Award, field validations were executed to level up the quality and standard of the selection process. Each finalist was subjected to a thorough background checking to ensure that they are not only models of excellence in their lines of work, but also of morality and service in their respective communities.

The Foundation partnered with the Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC) for this pioneering field validation project. These PSSC third-party field validation teams, comprised of multidisciplinary researchers and social scientists, were matched against the background and expertise of each OF finalist being validated.

By visiting the actual areas, interviewing key informants and direct beneficiaries, and gathering primary evidences of the reported milestone accomplishments of each OF finalist, the Foundation was able to obtain a first-hand assessment of the depth and magnitude of the impact of the awardees’ accomplishments on their target beneficiaries, or the lack thereof, as the case may be.

A total of 23 field validation teams were deployed in 19 geographical areas nationwide for the whole month of July 2017 to conduct field research on 40 milestone accomplishments of 20 OF finalists in the actual areas where they happened.

These areas included municipalities in Batangas, Albay, and Pampanga, the cities of Baguio and Tagaytay in Luzon; Cebu and Iloilo in the Visayas; Davao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Cagayan de Oro City, and Surigao City in Mindanao; as well as Quezon City and Manila in the National Capital Region.

Quick facts on the field validation phase

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Cebu's POKEMON Groundbreaker

s City Director of the Cebu City Police Office, Police Senior Superintendent Joel B. Doria initiated Project POKEMON—which stands for, Pakigbatukan Og sumpoon ang Krimen ug ang Epekto sa illegal nga drugas nga Makadaut Og makaguba sa Nasud (Fight and Eradicate Crime and Illegal Drugs that are Detrimental to the Nation)—a modified onetime-big-time type of operation, conducted simultaneously by Cebu City police stations in a random day of the week.

One year has passed since POKEMON's implementation, and there has not been any single reported violation nor human rights complaint against it.

POKEMON has caused a steep decline in crime incidences in Cebu barangays, resulting to the arrest of more than 1,700 criminals, and the confiscation of huge cargos of contrabands worth more than P80 million.

“This award will stand as a testament—not of individual achievement, but of the Filipino caliber,” he said.

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FIELD VALIDATION TEAMS

Batangas, Albay, and Pampanga, and the cities of Baguio and Tagaytay

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GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS

40 MILESTONE ACCOMPLISHMENTS VALIDATED

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Cebu and Iloilo

Batangas, Albay, and Pampanga, and the cities of Baguio and Tagaytay

Cebu and Iloilo

NATIONAL FINALISTS

Davao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the cities Davao del Sur, Maguindanao, of Cagayan de Oro and Surigao Basilan, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Surigao

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Dr. George S.K. Ty:

His is a legacy of excellence for the nation Story by Laarnie T. Luna (Luna is a program assistant at mbfi's corporate communications unit.)

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o be recognized as a nation-builder of your own country is a huge prestige in itself. But to get recognized by a foreign country—and a developed one, at that—for the same reason, that is rock-solid proof of your outstanding commitment to your nation.

Dr. George S.K. Ty is one such man, and his being awarded this year of two prestigious recognitions—one local and one international—can very much corroborate that. The banker is a philanthropist, too; and he has proven himself outstanding at being both. rvr award for nation-building

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In Photo The RVR Award for Nation-Building trophy.

ast July 25, Dr. Ty received the esteemed ‘Ramon V. del Rosario (RVR) Award for Nation-Building’ by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila together with the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) RVR Center for Corporate Responsibility.

Dr. Ty is the 9th RVR Award for Nation Building recipient, and was chosen by a board of judges, from an initial list of 26 nominees, to join the roster of distinguished men whose life works resonate the spirit of JCI’s founding father Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr., considered as the “Father of Philippine Modern Industry.”

“Over and above his private businesses, Dr. Ty dedicated a large part of his time, attention, and resources to uplift the underprivileged in his many philanthropic undertakings that are rivalled only by his consuming desire to assist others more fervently and give of himself more magnanimously,” said retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban, who sat as one of the board of judges.

The RVR Award for Nation Building is a lifetime business leader award. Since its launch in September 2009, it continues to recognize business leaders who have not only been highly successful in their fields but have created a huge impact in nation-building. Previous awardees include Henry Sy, Sr.; Manny Pangilinan; Jaime Zobel de Ayala; Vicente Paterno; the late Washington SyCip; Oscar Lopez; and Jesus Tambunting, and Senen Bacani.

I n P hoto Dr. George S. K. Ty and Mrs. Ty (3rd and 4th from left) with the other 2017 awardees of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe conferred the prestigious award on Dr. Ty last Nov. 7 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan. Emperor Akihito later received the Dr. Ty and the other awardees with their wives in an exclusive, closed-door meeting.

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The banker is a philanthropist, too—and he has proven himself outstanding at being both.

order of the rising sun

Merely four months after receiving the RVR Award for NationBuilding, Dr. George Ty was yet again placed in the limelight—this time across Asia’s seas.

On November 7, 2017, he was recognized by the Government of Japan with The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. It was Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe himself who conferred Dr. Ty with the prestigious award at the Imperial I P The Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Star medallion.

Palace in Tokyo. Emperor Akihito later received Dr. Ty together with this year’s other honorees and their wives.

Dr. Ty was cited for his efforts in strengthening Philippine-Japanese economic relations. In particular, he undertook landmark joint ventures with several Japanese companies in key sectors such as automotives, real estate development, investment banking, insurance, and consumer finance.

Established in 1875, the Order of the Rising Sun is awarded by the Japanese Government to those who have made distinguished achievements in areas such as international relations, culture and the arts. n

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While it is the third highest order bestowed by the Japanese government, it is however the highest ordinarily conferred order.

The highest Japanese order, the Order of the Chrysanthemum, is reserved for heads of state or royalty, while the second highest order, the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, is mostly reserved for politicians. a heart that pays forward The RVR Award for Nation-Building and Order of the Rising Sun are milestones for Dr. Ty—but at their core, these recognitions are reminders to be grateful.

“The honors that I received belong not only to me and my family, but to the Filipino nation and everyone who has contributed to my life and work,” he said.

Dr. Ty may no longer be the young man who, at 29, persisted in starting up a bank even without prior knowledge of banking. But his fervent idealism and passion has remained the same.

“Banking is not merely the business of money, but is really the business of trust. A proper banker should not only have a strategic mind and exemplary business acumen— but more importantly, a heart that pays forward to the community at large,” Dr. Ty said.

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B uilding a culture of art geniu S A Metrobank Art & Design Excellence:

Story by Almira Joyce C. Villanueva

(Villanueva is a program coordinator at mbfi's corporate communications unit.)

rt that is made directly in response to the times can touch hearts and minds, and provoke critical thought and action among the people.

It is a catalyst for hope in all times and in all seasons.

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n a night of celebration and gathering for pillars and enthusiasts of the Philippine art industry, the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) introduced another batch of art jewels during the 2017 MADE Awarding Ceremony and Exhibit Opening held last September 21, 2017 at the Le Pavillon, Metropolitan Park, Pasay City.

As the pioneer visual arts recognition program of the Metrobank Foundation, MADE once again recognized the awardees of the Painting and Sculpture Recognition Programs—three artists and two sculptors— who have exuded artistic excellence.

Gracing the event were guests of honor Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely and Senator Francis Escudero, who led the awarding ceremony and the exhibit opening.

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Stars of the night The 2017 Grand Awardees for the Painting Recognition Program were Paul John Cabanalan and Marvin Quizon for their works entitled “Genesis” and “For Those Who Lived and [are] Forgotten,” entered under the Oil/ Acrylic on Canvas Category and Watermedia on paper, respectively. Jett Stanley Osian received the Special Citation for “Tell Lie Vision” which was entered under Oil/ Acrylic on Canvas Category.

Meanwhile, this year’s Sculpture Recognition Program Grand Award was received by Moreen Austria for “Pagtaguyod” while Abdulmari “Toym” Imao, Jr. was awarded with the Special Citation for “Monument for the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Each grand awardee received a cash incentive of P500,000 plus a “Mula” glass trophy designed by visual artist Noell El Farrol. On the other hand, two Special Citation recipients for Painting and Sculpture received P30,000 and P50,000, respectively, and a plaque.

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Art borne from imagination

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The Award’s theme was about imagination, with painters and sculptors challenged to create works that could empower and provoke at the same time.

Following the awarding ceremony was the opening of an exhibit that displayed the works of over 100 artists who were 2017 MADE semi-finalists. The exhibit also featured masterpieces of the MADE-Network of Winners (MADE-NOW), the alumni organization of MADE awardees that implements pay-it-forward activities for the marginalized sectors.

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‘Genesis’

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His determination to share his skills in their community served as the inspiration of 24-year-old architect Paul John Cabanalan for his winning work entitled “Genesis.”

Concerned with the daily issues happening in their local community and the country, Cabanalan captured chaos and disorder through a mix of elements like human illustrations of varying emotions and sizes, city buildings, and some component of nature. A tapestry of his life, Genesis also illustrates people, places, and events which played important roles in Cabanalan’s life as an artist.

Cabanalan believes that his works, more than anything, serve as his visual journal—a record of his everyday life, the people he interacts with, and the places he has visited.

Persistence, he said, was the key to his achievements.

“Obra lang nang obra (Just keep making art), “ Cabanalan said.

‘Pagtaguyod’ Trying her luck again and submitting two years later her winning entry to the MADE Sculpture Recognition Program proved to be the best decision Moreen Joy Austria, a Bacolod City-based sculptor, has ever made.

Her winning piece, titled “Pagtaguyod”, will be turned into a public sculpture at Metropolitan Park in Pasay City, in partnership with Federal Land, Inc. Inspired by the closeness and warmth of Filipino families, Austria used fabricated stainless steel to form abstracted human figures of a family supporting each other as they rise, seemingly to the sky. On top of the sculptural piece is a blue paper airplane, that, according to her, symbolizes a society of progress and optimism regardless of circumstance.

“I want my artwork to carry the positive subliminal message that we, Filipinos, are a people of family, relationships, hope, and faith,” Austria said.

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da n ce g r o u p w o w s th e g u e s ts a s t h e y pe rf or m a n inte r m i s s io n n u m be r i n sp ir e d by t h e win ni n g s c u lp t ur e ' pag tag u yo d '.

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the awa rd i n g c er e m ony a l s o ser v e d a s e x h i b i t o pe n i n g , w h er e i n wo r k s o f s e m i - f i n a l is ts & f i n a l i s ts we re s h o wc a s e d to g u e s ts .

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mb f i pr e s i d en t c h i to s o br epe ñ a del i v er s h i s o pe n in g r e ma rk s .

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hea r t e va ng e l i s ta ta ke s a s n aps h ot of toym i mao ' s ' m on u m e n t f or t h e p ur s u i t o f h a ppi n e s s .'

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m o re e n au s t ri a .

l i e v i s i o n ’ by j e t t o s i an . pau l j oh n c a b an a l a n .

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t h os e w h o l i v e d a nd a r e fo r g ot te n ’ by ma r v i n q u i zon . th e 2017 awa rd e es r e c e iv e t h ei r awa rd s fr o m g u e s ts o f h o no r , h er exc e ll e n c y ama nda g or e ly ( 7 t h fr o m r i g h t ) a n d s e n ato r fr a n ci s ' ch i z ' e s c ud e r o ( 4 t h fr o m r i g h t ), as w e l l a s m e t r o b an k o f f i ce rs .

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I n P hoto ' Kontra Gapi' Ethnic Music and Dance Ensemble perform an intermission number during the CHEP Inaugural Lecture.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Cultural Heritage & Education Program:

Story by Nicole Noelle D. Soriano

Safeguarding our cultural heritage

M

etrobank Foundation, as one of the few corporate foundations in the country known for supporting arts and design, recognizes the urgent need to safeguard our cultural heritage. Last September 23, 2017, the Foundation pioneered the Cultural Heritage and Education Program (CHEP) Inaugural Lecture Series, meant to address this need.

O

ver time, as we Filipinos grapple to understand our nation’s story, we see more and more the value of the structures, monuments, and traditions from the past that provide us a sense of meaning and identity as a people today— all of which form what is known as our cultural heritage.

As discoveries in this field begin to surface, what is felt apart from a newfound interest is a sense of urgency: an urgency to address the problems in miseducation and mistreatments done in the past that have affected the state of our heritage today.

Metrobank Foundation, as one of the few corporate foundations in the country known for supporting arts and design, recognizes this need. It thus expanded its thrust to educating and supporting initiatives in the broader field of cultural heritage, recently launched during the Cultural Heritage and Education Program (CHEP) Inaugural Lecture Series last September 23, 2017.

The lecture series brought together a carefully selected pool of speakers: Mr. Rico Pableo, Jr., executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA); Ar. Carmen Bettina Bulaong, executive director of Escuella Taller de Filipinas Foundation; Ar. Angelo Ray Serrano of the 1/0 Design Collective; Asst. Prof. Eric Zerrudo of the UST Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics; and Dr. Gerard Rey Lico, director of the MET Rehabilitation and Conservation Project.

A day of eye-opening, critical talks by these practitioners in the field only revealed more discoveries—among which was that each sector, well-represented in the audience from the academe to the government to cultural institutions, has a crucial role to play in preserving our heritage. Each speaker brought valuable perspectives and insights to the discussion, reinforcing the need for an interdisciplinary approach.

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A common thread among all, however, was the clear need of both education and proper funding in all initiatives involving cultural heritage. Though there is a high interest in the field—evident in the 300 attendees during the lecture day and their active participation—cultural heritage as a practiced field is still relatively young in the country consisting of only a handful of true experts.

At the same time, the notion of cultural heritage itself is constantly being challenged and expanded. This brings about the necessity for more training in different fields, involvement of more individuals and communities, and stronger support for aspects in our heritage that are outside the common notion of merely ancient structures.

“Maraming namamatay sa maling akala (Many die from misconceptions),” said Zerrudo, stressing that proper education is integral to the field of cultural heritage.

The groundwork needed in order to successfully implement a heritage project must be as sturdy and unshakeable, if not more, as the timeless historic structures that have withstood centuries of negligence in our country.

Despite the work that has yet to be done, the atmosphere was a promising one, clearly seen through the passion and drive of the speakers and receptiveness of the audience.

Amidst this openness, the CHEP Inaugural Lecture Series served as a pioneering example of how practitioners and enthusiasts can bring this need into the consciousness of the next generation and involve multidisciplinary fields to broaden the notion of what truly makes up the Filipino heritage.

Most importantly, it has fuelled that sense of urgency, motivating the youth and professionals alike to start getting to work.

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