4
METROBANK SCHOLARS:
The rewards of paying it forward
7
MBFI GRANTS PROGRAM:
Building lives, weaving dreams, brewing hope
14
OPLAN POKEMON:
Cebu City's strategy to catch 'em all
exceletter
The Official Bi-annual Publication of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. I S S U E N O . 3 2: T H E H E A R T & Z E A L I S S U E | J U N E 2 0 1 8
DOUBLE DELIGHT TWIN CELEBRANTS EMERGE AS MATH CHAMPIONS Read story on Page 10
On the Cover Christian Jacob and Christopher James Yap, winners of the 2018 Metrobank Math Challenge Grade 6 Team Competition.
Heart & Zeal
A message from the President
I
n the task of nation-building, excellence without heart and zeal is futile. This is more so when our country is undergoing many developments, and contributing to its progress is the call of the times.
“
This heart-driven, zeal-founded practice of excellence has been, for 39 years, the cornerstone of our corporate social responsibility programs.
This heart-driven, zeal-founded excellence has always been the cornerstone of our corporate social responsibility programs. For 39 years, the Metrobank Foundation has relentlessly worked to promote advocacies and implement programs that bring out the best in the Filipino. The June 2017 issue of ExceLetter highlights this singular pursuit. We invite you to leaf through the pages and immerse yourself in the stories of our awardees, young math champions, scholars, beneficiaries, and social development partners who, in their own ways, embody what it truly means to use the sincerity of the heart and the intensity of their zeal in excellence. More than anything, they are our inspiration to continue pushing towards our vision of sustainable change for the country. It is our hope that you enjoy their narratives of resilience and triumph as much as how our editorial team enjoyed putting them together. An enormous amount of work has gone into the development of this newsletter and I believe you will see that effort reflected in this issue and in the impact it will have on the larger community. We are greatly honored and humbled to share that our newsletter, with four issues to date, has recently earned a Silver Anvil award from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines and a Quill Award of Merit from the International Association of Business Communicators - Philippines. The ExceLetter is a constant work in progress. As such, we encourage you to fill out the inserted feedback form at your most convenient time. We highly value your feedback as it will help us improve our newsletter further. The first half of the year is over and done with, but the next half is yet to be filled with numerous opportunities to make a difference. In the months ahead, we look forward to your support as together we drive our nation towards its fullest potential.
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.
4F Executive Offices, Metrobank Plaza, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, 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
Supervising Committee
Maria Nicole Q. Cortez
Christopher L. Bugaoan
E d i tor - i n -C h i e f / A rt & L ayo u t E d i tor
Paul John V. Domalaon Laarnie T. Luna Almira Joyce V. Valencia R e p o rte r s
contact us address:
Editorial Board
MetrobankFoundationOfficial @MBFIPhils Metrobank_Foundation MetroBnkFoundation
Maria Beatriz B. Arellano Mary Therese De Silva Kristina Mae I. Misajon Mark Conrad R. Ravanzo Marla Angeli P. Santiago Tiara Jaya Y. Jabutay Shiegella Rae C. Gealon C o n t r ibu to r s
C o r po r at e C o m m un i cations H ea d
Irene D. Labitad
A s s is tan t E x ecu t iv e D ir ec tor
Nicanor L. Torres, Jr. E x ecu t iv e D i rec tor
Aniceto M. Sobrepeña P r e s i d en t
*** From all of us, we hope the stories in this issue equip you with enough inspiration and willpower to share in the ever onward goal of building a progressive nation. For comments, contact the editor via nicole.cortez@metrobank.com.ph.
in this issue
5
4
DISCOVERIES & DIALOGUES IN ART
MBFI SCHOLARS ON THE REWARDING LIFE OF PAYING IT FORWARD JAIME ZOBEL DE AYALA IS HOLDER OF 2018 MBFI PROFESSORIAL CHAIR IN PUBLIC SERVICE AND GOVERNANCE
6
9 BREWING HOPE: KALSADA COFFEE ROASTERS
11 THE PUBLIC SCHOOL GENIUS WHO DEFIED STEREOTYPES
14 -15 CEBU CITY POLICE'S CRIME STRATEGY TO "CATCH 'EM ALL"
7
BUILDING LIVES: ESCUELLA TALLER
8 WEAVING DREAMS: ANGAT BUHAY
10 DOUBLE DELIGHT: TWIN CELEBRANTS EMERGE AS MATH CHAMPIONS
12-13 THE BAYANIHAN CULTURE OF BAGS OF BLESSING
16 MBFI WINS BIG IN ANVIL & QUILL
Scholars' mantra of of paying it forward Story by Marla P. Santiago-Dator
(Dator is a program officer at mbfi's education unit.)
T
hey come from different backgrounds and schools, yet all Metrobank Foundation scholars are united by the principle of ‘paying it forward’. This guiding mantra is instilled in them early in the scholarship— enabling them to practice it proactively to the extent they are able.
MARIAN DAQUEL
RED PALUSTRE
MANNY HERMANO
Learning to lead
Marian Joyce Dacquel, 19, a Metrobank-Pacific Paint (Boysen) scholar currently studying Architecture at the University of the Philippines-Diliman considers the scholarship a blessing. It allowed her to not only cover her academic expenses, but helped hone her leadership potentials. Recently elected to represent the College of Architecture to the University Student Council, Marian sees this as an opportunity to be the voice of her schoolmates. “Through excellence, I do not only empower myself but also the people and communities I serve,” she said. Outside her university, Marian is active in some community causes. She headed “Project Bata, Mag-aral Ka,” a four-Saturday program that supports out-of-school youths through education. The program has reached out to 300 children from 12 communities in Quezon City. Marian dreams of putting up her own architecture firm. She hopes to contribute to national development by providing better services in design and construction. “I see myself 5 years from now as a successful architect who uses her profession to help the masses and serve the people,” Marian said.
Growing in deed
Red Christian Palustre’s story is one of resilience and hope. A 21-year-old scholar of Accountancy at Manila Tytana Colleges, Red just finished school this year—with a magna cum laude distinction, no less. But his road towards academic success is not without humps. The eldest of two children, Red grew in a family who has just enough to go on each day. His parents, an OFW and a housewife, work extra hard to make ends meet. Their hand-to-mouth plight is what armed him with the determination to excel academically. But Red understands excellence could only amount to so much. To pay it forward, he must be a man for others. In school, Red became Student Council president. He led initiatives aimed at developing student leadership potentials. As soon as he becomes a licensed accountant, Red plans to land a decent job. In the future, he wants to put up his own audit firm while teaching at his alma mater.
Planting the seed
One of the first graduates of the Metrobank-Pacific Plant (Boysen) Scholarship Program, Manuel ‘Manny’ Hermano, 30, has made waves since he graduated cum laude in Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas in 2009. He originally wanted to shift courses, but when the scholarship opportunity came, Manny decided to stay where he was to lessen the financial burden on his family. Through determination and good work ethic, Manny has risen to make a name in the industry. He has led successful companies—among which are HATCH Architecture + Research Group and One Midori Asia, Inc. Now, he serves as General Manager of M One Marketing. Having a busy professional life has not kept Manny from giving back to the community, usually through anonymous donations to various non-profits. With his ambitions still remaining beyond the sky, Manny has this advice to current and future Metrobank Foundation scholars: “Dream big, act fast, give back, and glow in humility.”
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T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
June 2018
METROBANK ART & DESIGN EXCELLENCE
DISCOVERIES&DIALOGUES Story by Mary Therese De Silva & Almira Joyce V. Valencia
T
o discover is to explore beyond what is superficial and immediately seen. This is the advocacy of the Metrobank Foundation—to discover the potential of Filipinos in visual arts by tapping into their imagination and fleshing out the richness of the Filipino creative spirit. In line with the celebration of the National Arts Month last February, the Metrobank Foundation, through its longest running art recognition program—Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE)—launched the annual “Art MADE Public,” a nationwide travelling exhibition and lecture series
June 2018 exce l e t t e r :
(De Silva is a program assistant at mbfi's art & design unit; Valencia is a program coordinator at mbfi's corporate communications unit.)
which aims to promote art appreciation among the common Filipino folk. In partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, SM malls, Manila Metropolitan Theatre, BluPrint Magazine, and United Architects of the Philippines, the Art MADE Public lectures and workshops were facilitated by renowned Filipino artists, as well as architectural and heritage practitioners in select venues nationwide. This year’s exhibit particularly showcased the connections and collaborations among MADE’s pool of awardees—now counting to over 300 visual artists awarded since 1984. These awardees have formed a unique web of interwoven influences and relationships—from mentors and apprentices, young artists inspired by senior ones, artists related by blood, to contemporaries within artist groups of different eras.
A mall-goer enjoys the sight of the MET exhibit at SM Aura, Taguig City. T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
Among the exhibited works was painted by past awardee Roberto Feleo. One of the first awardees of then Metrobank Annual Painting Competition in 1984, Feleo is now recognized in the art community as a mentor to generations of young artists. Also included were works of Elmer Borlongan, Emmanuel Garibay, and Mark Justiniani. They were once members of a group of young activist-artists in the late 80s known as “Salingpusa” who consecutively reaped MADE top awards. The month-long exhibition visited 21 sites nationwide - seven SM malls and 14 colleges and universities. Over 1,000 participants joined the lectures and workshops, while a total of 1,989,946 foot traffic was recorded across all sites.
Past MADE awardee Mark Justiniani during his lecture at SM City Bacolod.
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JAIME AUGUSTO ZOBEL DE AYALA 2018 METROBANK FOUNDATION CHAIRHOLDER IN PUBLIC SERVICE AND GOVERNANCE
Private sector to fill gaps in Philippine healthcare—Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala Story by Maria Nicole Q. Cortez
(Cortez is a program assistant at mbfi's corporate communications unit.)
A
yala Corp. chair and Ceo Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala is this year’s holder of the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair in Public Service and Governance as a corporate champion of innovative healthcare solutions. Zobel was the first from the private sector to receive such distinction.
Delivering a lecture titled “Improving Healthcare for All: Strategies & Innovations at the Ayala Group” at the Ateneo Professional Schools in Makati City, Zobel said the private sector, with its access to capitalintensive markets, plays a crucial role in filling healthcare gaps by pursuing cutting edge approaches that address urgent social needs. The Ayala Group embraces reinvention and diversification with the roll out of pharmaceuticals and community-based clinics that reach the commonfolk. In recent years, the country’s oldest conglomerate has expanded their healthcare ventures under the brand names Generika pharmacies, MedGrocer online pharmacies, and FamilyDOC primary care clinics.
“To us, the most powerful type of innovation is building businesses that address social needs and improve lives,” Zobel said. Zobel also called for a collaborative approach between the public and private sector towards the common goal of improving healthcare for all. Acknowledging the need to revolutionize the industry, he said, “multiple stakeholders must work together to ensure we are protecting the right of Filipinos to receive the healthcare they deserve.” Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña reaffirmed Zobel’s call for more proactive public-private collaborations in healthcare, noting that both parties ultimately share the common goal of making the country's healthcare industry an allinclusive field. “To improve our health situation, public and private institutions can no longer work in silos. We must work hand in hand,” Sobrepeña said. The Metrobank Foundation Professional Chair for Public Service and Governance is a joint undertaking between the Foundation and Ateneo de Manila University started in 2010. It seeks to give due recognition to servant leaders for their exceptional contributions in the public and private sectors.
“
The healthcare industry is ripe for disruption. Public and private institutions must adapt new technologies to deliver better healthcare for all. Ayala CEO Jaime Zobel de Ayala delivering his lecture at the Ateneo Professional Schools as holder of the 2018 Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair in Public Service and Governance.
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ZOBEL DE AYALA T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
June 2018
FISHERS OF THE FUTURE
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. “
These three social development partners work with the Metrobank Foundation in turning this popular quote into a concrete reality of sustainable livelihood for Filipinos far and wide.
Story by Maria Nicole Q. Cortez
With reports from Tiara Jaya Y. Jabutay and Shiegella Rae C. Gealon (Jabutay and Gealon are student-trainees from silliman university at mbfi's corporate communications unit.)
Building Lives
E
stablished in 2013, Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Intramuros, Manila, with the goal to conserve and protect Philippine heritage. “We started in 2009 as a project of the Spanish and Philippine governments. They wanted to put up a center for training, focusing on construction trades related to heritage conservation,” shared Escuella Taller executive director Tina Bulaong during the 35th Metrobank Foundation Grants Roundtable last April 20. Apart from safeguarding the country’s cultural ancestry, Escuela Taller also runs a technical-vocational school to capacitate the out-of-school youth. Students are trained on traditional building crafts, which include basic skills in furniture production and fabrication of architectural building components. In 2017, Metrobank Foundation supported Escuela Taller’s Business Incubator Program, wherein graduates are taught in the development of business models and product designs in masonry, metal works, and plumbing. There is also the Hubspace, a workplace and training venue for Escuella Taller graduates. “We give trainees a safety net. They can use Hubspace and the tools for free,” said Bulaong. Through the partnership, out-of-school youth are given the opportunity to manage small-scale businesses they can call their own. “Because of the help, I now have the ability to create a saleable product that will help me support my family.” said one of ETFFI’s students, Botchok*. *not his real name
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T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
Page 7
Weaving Dreams
W
hen war broke out in Marawi City last May 2017, the age-old tradition of landap weaving was among the first casualties.
FISHERS OF
The landap, universally known as the malong, is culturally significant to many Maranao communities in Southern Philippines. It is considered a delicate work of art, a symbol of royalty and identity dating back to as early as the 16th century. Today, as post-war restoration efforts continue in the city, a group of Maranao women regains hope and optimism amidst the rubble. The heritage of landap weaving is being revived as a viable livelihood to the local community, especially as other options such as rice farming are not available at the moment. Through the Angat Buhay program of the Office of the Vice President Leni Robredo, women weavers are provided with resources and new technologies they need to sustain the production of landap. Specifically, Angat Buhay partnered with the Metrobank Foundation in providing the beneficiary-weavers with extra equipment and raw materials that will allow them to produce more quality products in less time. “The local government unit of Marawi said there was a need to help the landap weavers because the group turned inactive.
VP Robredo's Angat Buhay and MBFI work together to uplift the lives of Marawi artisans and sustain weaving as a culturally and economically sustainable livelihood.
Weaving was no longer a practical livelihood for them because there’s not much market anymore,” said Jonah Aglupus, Angat Buhay partnership officer for Marawi City. Having not enough market jeopardizes not only their financial stability, but also the culture of their community. The tradition and business of landap weaving is slowly being ignored and forgotten among the younger Maranaos. “They would rather finish school or pursue professional jobs than preserve their heritage,” Aglupus said. The Angat Buhay program also connects the weavers with other organizations and the private sector to widen their market network. This is important as landaps are commonly just sold in nearby cities, mostly through middlemen. This old-style selling method leaves weavers with little income and the middlemen earning more than they worked hard for. “There are still much left to do. The weavers just got back in Marawi last November and they are trying to organize a group again. They are going to continue the plans they started before the war happened,” Aglupus said. Aside from providing support to Angat Buhay’s livelihood projects in Marawi City, the Metrobank Foundation also works closely with two other Angat Buhay communities located in Salcedo, Eastern Samar and Agutaya, Palawan. “We’ve had three projects with Metrobank Foundation already. We’re really thankful and hopeful that the Foundation can help us as well in coming up with interventions for other areas for 2018,” Aglupus said.
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T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
June 2018
THE FUTURE Continued from page 7
Brewing Hope
T
he Philippines, which lies on the world’s “coffee belt,” has favorable climatic conditions to grow all four varieties of commercial coffee. Yet, despite this natural advantage under our belt, our country still is a net importer of coffee—with a domestic consumption almost twice of the local production.
Kalsada Coffee Roasters, one of the third wave enterprises blazing a trail in the industry, is working hard to close that gap. Kalsada started as a social enterprise in 2014 with the vision to support Filipino coffee producers and their dedicated efforts to bring quality coffee to the market. By innovating growing and processing practices in the country’s coffee highlands, Kalsada hopes to revitalize the market and interest on Philippine coffee. “If the soil were a piggy bank, we aim to make as many deposits as possible. We are focused on building environmental wealth for future generations of growers,” said Tere Domine, Kalsada’s country director. In 2017, the Metrobank Foundation supported Kalsada in their interventions in the coffee plantations of Atok in Benguet. Atok coffee has been cultivated by the Igorot tribe for more than 80 years. Yet, majority of the indigenous population still struggle with its sustainability mainly due to lack of resources. “The intervention equipped Atok farmers with the machinery, facility, and training necessary for them to take better control of their livelihood,” said Domine, after expressing her gratitude in receiving a grant for the first time.
Kalsada hopes that with proper training and the right amount of resources, they will be able to encourage the next generation of Filipino coffee growers to pursue coffee farming. While there is more work ahead for the coffee industry, Domine is confident and optimistic that efforts will soon pay off. “There are many people who are working toward a similar goal; let’s not give up on the Philippines,” she said.
E
scuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation, the Office of the Vice President's Angat Buhay, and Kalsada Coffee Roasters are three of the six organizations invited to share their advocacies and programs during Metrobank Foundation's 35th Grants Roundtable (GRT) last April 20. This year’s GRT focused on livelihood with the theme, “How to Catch a Fish: Exploring the Different Faces of Entrepreneurship".
MBFI supports Kalsada in their goal to revive the interest and market on Philippine coffee by providing training and resources to Filipino coffee growers.
June 2018 exce l e t t e r :
T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
Through the Grants & Social Development Partnerships program, the Metrobank Foundation collaboratively works with like-minded organizations whose programs are aligned with its priority thrusts—health, education, arts, and livelihood, or simply "HEAL." The GRT is a venue to get to know social development partners better and learn from each other’s best practices in the development work. “Together, we can contribute significant, sustainable solutions that will help improve the quality of life for the underprivileged,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña.
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COVER STORY
OUT OF THE DOUBLE DELIGHT:
The twin celebrants emerge as MMC champions Story by Kristina Mae I. Misajon & Mark Conrad R. Ravanzo
(Misajon is a program coordinator while Ravanzo is a program officer at mbfi's education unit.)
For ‘math wonder twins’ Christian Jacob and Christopher James Yap, March 24, 2018 was no ordinary day. It was their 13th birthday. But their celebration was different: unlike kids their age who would throw a party, they competed instead in the National Finals of the biggest math competition in the country. The National Finals of the Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC) has always been nerve-wracking for students. After months of training and elimination rounds, only a few would make it to the penultimate stage of the competition. At the end of the day, the Yap twins emerged champions in the Grade 6 – Team Competition,
representing St. John’s Institute in Bacolod City.
An early start
Team Twins For them, having a twin brother as your teammate is a privilege. “It feels great knowing my partner is my twin brother,” said Christian Jacob. “We always help each other when one does not know how to solve the problem.” This special bond and teamwork, Christopher James said, has proven to be advantageous. It worked for them during the National Finals, when they found themselves tied for first place with another team. After over five questions in the clincher round, the twins finally bested the other team— emerging as the overall champions among 500,000 others .
It was not an easy journey for Christian Jacob and Christopher James. They started training for competitions starting Grade 2, for weeks on end, sometimes even sacrificing weekends and holidays. “The trainings were tough. But it motivated us to go further with our studies,” they said. Becoming national winners was thus a dream come true. “We always hoped to reach this far someday. Now, we’re here,” said the twins. Their feat at the National Finals made the rounds in their home city of Bacolod. The City Council even passed a resolution congratulating them. Continued on the next page >
CHRISTIAN JACOB YAP CHRISTOPHER JAMES YAP
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T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
June 2018
ORDINARY The public school genius who broke the mold Hard work pays off The Yap twins may be veterans in math competitions, but they attest to the fruits of hard work, positivity, and prayers. “People say after several times of joining competitions, you don’t get nervous anymore, but I still get the same chill as if it were my first competition,” said Christopher James. “But you should always be positive. You should aim for the highest.” Christian Jacob says hard work always pays off.
“
If you want to win in the MMC, you have to strive hard for it. Discipline yourself to study hard. Since 2001, MMC has produced 283 national winners from all walks of life. Many of them brought further pride to their families, communities, and country by winning in international competitions. They have shown that the Filipino could not only dream but become globally competitive. At the end of the day, Christian Jacob and Christopher James never forget to thank the Lord. “We thanked God for all the blessings He has given us. Everything we do, we bring it back to Him,” shares Christian Jacob.
June 2018 exce l e t t e r :
S
ean Neyers Gungon’s win at the 2018 Metrobank Math Challenge National Finals defied stereotypes about the competition. A product of the public school system, Sean neither had the access nor resources for intensive trainings and special math courses. He was only armed with his eagerness to be great at math—and lo, it was enough.
SEAN NYERS GUNGON
Sean’s first love
The learning curve
Sean has fallen in love with numbers since five. One of his early childhood memories is his grandfather teaching him the four basic operations of arithmetic. “I was five when my lolo and parents taught me to add and subtract then later on, multiply and divide,” he said. Sean also got to practice his math skills in daily life. “Whenever I bought something from the store, I would know how to compute my change.” His oldest brother, who is also adept at math, trained him on complicated problem solving. In fact, Sean looks up to him and aspires to follow his footsteps. “He is an inspiration and I hope to someday be like him,” he said.
In first grade, an opportunity came to be part of the competing team for the Metrobank Math Challenge Division Finals—and so, Sean, as the enthusiastic kid he was, immediately jumped at the chance. The succeeding trainings proved he still had much to learn. Despite his passion and perseverance, Sean always just served as the proxy for when the first choice was not available. He was not the best bet— at least, not yet. Six years later, Sean went on to win first place of the 2018 MMC Grade 6 – Individual Competition as the representative of Renato R. Lopez Elementary School in Mandaluyong City.
T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
Winning the Finals To Sean, 2018 is a memorable year. He knows beating more than
500,000 students simply by making it to the National Finals is already a huge feat in itself. “I finally know what it feels like to be a National Winner!” he said. When asked how he prepared for the competition, Sean said he trained with his coaches and family. Countless weeks were dedicated to training and solving problems. He also found support in the DepEd Division of Mandaluyong City which has been supportive in training the mathletes from the city. As a student from a public elementary school, he hopes his experience will be an inspiration to other students. “They can be great as long as they strive hard and dedicate themselves to learning and training with their coaches,” Sean said.
Page 11
Bayanihan culture shines brightly in
BAGS OF BLESSING Story by Darwin M. Masacupan
With reports from Maria Beatriz Angela B. Arellano (Masacupan is from mbfi's corporate communications unit; while Arellano is a program coordinator at the gt foundation, the ty family foundation.)
A
midst all the celebratory noise and glitter of welcoming the Chinese New Year lies the act of bayanihan in its simplest form: the tradition of gift-giving, especially to those who need it most. Since 2011, the GT Foundation and the Metrobank Foundation have been going around the country to implement the Bags of Blessing (BoB), an annual gift-giving activity that aims to give back to those in the peripheries and margins of society. A brainchild of Metrobank Group chairman and founder Dr. George S.K. Ty, the Bags of Blessing has been envisioned as a way to reach out to underprivileged families and create venues for them to join the celebration of Chinese New Year. From February 16 to 23, another 10 million peso worth of food packages were distributed to 10,000 families in 21 cities and municipalities
nationwide. Companies, subsidiaries, and affiliates under the Metrobank Group and GT Capital Holdings, as well as the network of select Metrobank branches nationwide, took part in this annual undertaking. Giving back The traditional “angpao” (red envelope containing cash) is the inspiration. However, instead of cashgiving, red bags containing 1,000 peso worth of grocery items (snack packs, rice, canned goods, and other daily needs of the Filipino consumer) are distributed to families carefully selected from the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), known as “Listahanan”, of the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)— an information management system designed to provide a comprehensive database of the country’s poorest families in need of assistance. A number of families identified in cooperation with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and select local government units are also included in the beneficiary list. Other than those living below the poverty line, disaster-stricken families, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), and non-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are prioritized. “Chinese New Year can only be meaningful when paired with efforts to ease hunger among Filipinos. This act of sharing stems from our bayanihan culture,” said MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña. DSWD officer-in-charge Emmanuel Leyco noted the country’s economic growth will remain incomplete if
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there are families struggling with poverty. Thanking GTFI and MBFI for the Bags of Blessing, Leyco said, “We will continue working together with our partners to ensure that our countrymen will be part of our drive towards national development.” The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, local government units, and Catholic archdioceses also served as key partners. Bringing people together The Bags of Blessing has not only brought joy to beneficiary families—it has also brought people together, to celebrate as one big family. Beneficiaries felt the joy of celebrating the Year of the Earth Dog as each of
T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
June 2018
“
As in the tradition of bayanihan, the Bags of Blessing has not only brought joy to beneficiary families— it has also brought people together, to celebrate as one big family.
Metrobank Group chairman and founder Dr. George Ty and his wife Mrs. Mary Ty celebrate the Chinese New Year with underprivileged families in Lancaster New City in Imus, Cavite City.
2018 Bags of Blessing Distribution Sites:
Batolan, Zambales
Infanta, Quezon Imus, Cavite Sta. Rosa, Laguna Baras, Rizal
Naval, Biliran Ormoc City
Iloilo City
them received various food items to augment their daily needs. “Masayang-masaya ako dahil meron kaming pagkain. Maraming salamat po para sa biyaya (I am very happy because we received these food packs. Thank you so much for the blessing),” said Lorei Miano of Taguig City. Hundreds of volunteers also generously donated their time to repack and distribute goods this year. Purchasing of goods began as early as December 2017 with some employee volunteers
June 2018 exce l e t t e r :
National Capital Region City of Manila Taguig City Pasay City Marikina City Quezon City Makati City Navotas City Caloocan City
Cebu City
Surigao City
Talacagon, Agusan del Sur Davao City
taking their time out in the repacking of goods. A member of Metrobank Purple Hearts Club, the bank’s employee volunteerism arm, from Leyte shared, “Our beneficiaries are survivors of landslides and earthquakes that happened just months ago. Most of them still live in tents until now. Despite losing their rice fields and other sources of livelihood, they still welcomed us sincerely and whole-heartedly.” But more than anything, the Bags of Blessing serves as
T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
an inspiration for people to make more of themselves. As Navotas City mayor John Rey Tiangco said to constituents during the distribution, “We are grateful for all the help we receive. But at the end of the day, we must help ourselves. By working hard for our families, we will attain success.” The 2018 Bags of Blessing kicked off last February 16, 2018 at Lancaster New City in Imus, Cavite in partnership with Property Company of Friends, Inc.
General Santos City
The GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI) was established on October 7, 2009 to serve as the primary driver of the philanthropic initiatives of Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty and the immediate members of his family. GTFI invests in development interventions, primarily on education and health, through direct programs and grants that equip individuals and communities with the skills necessary for long-term employment as a means to poverty alleviation, as well as provide them with access to quality health care. Through the legacy projects, GTFI furthers the contributions of Dr. George S.K. Ty in the promotion of excellence in education and nation-building.
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METROBANK FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP IN PUBLIC SERVICE
Cebu City Police's crime strategy to catch 'em all Story by Andrea B. Ramos
“
(Ramos is a student-trainee from University of the Philippines - Los Baños at mbfi's excellence awards unit.)
All throughout the implementation of Oplan POKEMON, there has been no violation of human rights reported against it,” said Police Senior Superintendent (PSSupt.) Joel B. Doria during the first ever lecture series of the Metrobank Foundation Fellowship in Public Service last June 19, 2018 at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. TIMELINE:
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN OPLAN POKEMON OPERATION
TIMELINE
What happens during an Oplan POKEMON Operation
Declaration Oplan POKEMON is declared by theby City Oplan POKEMON is declared C, Intelligence andall the Investigation CIB and C,Bureau IDMB to Station Chiefs Detective Management Branch to all on a random day and time Station Chiefs on a random day and time.
Deployment Teams are deployed by their respective chiefs.
Accounting After 24 hours, arrested suspects and After 24all hours, all arrested suspects and contrabands are taken to the contrabands are taken to CCPO Cebu City Office headquarters headquarters for Police accounting. The media for accounting. Thefor media is also is also entertained inquiries. entertained for inquiries.
Pre-deployment Brief After receiving receiving the After the declaration, declaration,the the Station Chiefs Chiefs gather men andand Station gather their his/her men conduct pre-deployment conducts pre-deploymentbriefing. briefing.
24-hr Operation Operations lastup upto to24 24hours hoursfrom fromthe the Operations last time of declaration. declaration.During Duringthis thistime, time,allall operations arerecorded. recorded,Suspects arrestedare operations are suspects booked detained. arrested, are booked, andand detained.
Reporting All information about the operations are collated and submitted to the regional headquarters.
T
his year’s title of Metrobank Foundation Fellow in Public Service is conferred to PSSupt. Doria as a 2017 awardee of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos. As City Director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), PSSupt. Doria led the implementation of Oplan POKEMON—which in Cebuano 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). When PSSupt. Doria assumed his post in 2016, the ‘War on Drugs’ mandate of the Philippine National Police just started. “Cebu City had a 100 percent drug affectation back then,” he said. The seemingly uncontrollable crime situation in the city led PSSupt. Doria to devise the local Oplan POKEMON. “We needed a plan that would cause the public to buy-in to our efforts. Something that would not require unnecessary loss of lives but would still cause unrest to criminals and drug pushers,” he said.
POKEM Termination
The operation is terminated.
Pakigbatukan Og sumpoon ang Krimen ug ang Epekto sa illegal nga drugas nga (english translation: Fight and Eradicate Crime and Illegal Drugs that are Detrimental to the Nation)
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T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
June 2018
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 75 POKEMON OPERATIONS FROM AUG 2016 TO JUNE 2018
4,856
persons arrested
707
gambling machines retrieved
7,014
grams of Shabu discovered
(WITH TOTAL VALUE OF P78,211,996)
119
firearms seized
P425,363 illegal cash confiscated
Two years of implementation and 72 operations later, Oplan POKEMON has caused a steep decline in crime incidences in Cebu barangays—resulting to the arrest of more than 4,856 criminals of various violations, and the confiscation of huge cargos of contrabands worth more than P78 million. “Forty six percent of the CCPO’s arrests were greatly influenced by the said project,” said PSSupt. Doria. How POKEMON works Doria explained that his project was inspired by then hyped mobile online game “Pokemon GO.” Doria likened police officers to Pokemon hunters in capturing criminals by doing the operations at least once every week. “Just like how Pokemon includes the phrase, ‘Gotta catch ‘em all!’ in its theme song, Oplan POKEMON likewise aims to catch all perpetrators of illegal crime and drug activities,” said Doria. Oplan POKEMON’s process begins with the chiefs of the City Intelligence Bureau (CIB) and the Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) declaring the operations on a random day and time of each week to certain stations and special unit chiefs. Respective stations then review their watch list before conducting a briefing that is “a must for every unit”. After the briefing, the police officers are thenceforth deployed.
MON Makadaut Og makaguba sa Nasud
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T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
The whole operation only runs for 24 hours, wherein all arrested individuals, including the evidences, will be accounted at the CCPO headquarters. The operation concludes with all information collated and submitted to the regional headquarters. Excellence and integrity “We only mean to do what is right according to the law,” said PSSupt. Doria. To ensure excellence and integrity in the conduct of Oplan POKEMON, PSSupt. Doria initiated partnerships with key government authorities, particularly the region’s human rights director as well as Cebu’s chief prosecutor. Together, they facilitated the conduct of seminars and workshops for police officers on crucial topics such as human rights and court rules and processes on the filing of cases. “When we said ‘to catch them is my real test’, we meant tackling criminality without compromising basic morality. That is, to respect human rights above all,” he said. Because of Oplan POKEMON’s impressive results, the CCPO earned several recognitions, including an acknowledgment from then Director General Isidro Lapeña of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. In July 2017, the PNP Police Regional Office 7 also adopted the project to be implemented across its areas of jurisdiction. “CCPO achieved this despite the challenges we encountered. We have been able to implement peaceful police operations in a city once notorious for crime,” PSSupt. Doria said.
PSSupt. Joel Doria during his lecture at the PNP Headquarters as the first ever Metrobank Foundation Fellow in Public Service.
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MBFI BULLETIN
MBFI SUSTAINS WINNING STREAK AT THE PHILIPPINE ANVIL AND QUILL AWARDS The Metrobank Foundation continues to uphold its commitment to excellence in business communication and public relations as affirmed at the Philippine Anvil & Quill Awards this year.
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he Metrobank Foundation received 10 trophies—four Gold Anvils and five Silver Anvils—including a Hall of Fame award and a finalist title for the Grand Anvil at the 53rd Anvil Awards. Held on March 23, 2018 at the Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City, the Anvil Awards is the national benchmark for business communication excellence organized yearly by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. To date, the Foundation has won 77 Anvil awards for its various programs and public relations tools, including the much coveted Grand Anvil gaining the record as the first corporate foundation to win a back-to-back Grand Anvil (2009 and 2010) and 2 Platinum Anvils in the history of the award-giving body. On another front, the Foundation was also triumphant at the 16th Philippine Quill Awards held on July 9, 2018 at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. The Foundation received nine awards—six Awards of Excellence and three Awards of Merit—including a finalist title for Company of the Year. Organized by the International Association of Business CommunicatorsPhilippines, the Foundation has been winning the Quill Awards since 1986. To date, it has won 57 Philippine Quill trophies for its various programs and public relations tools.
53rd Anvil Awards Anvil Hall of Fame
• Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC)
Gold Anvil
• Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos • Grants and Social Development Partnerships • National Teachers’ Month (NTM) • Metrobank Foundation 2016 Annual Report
Silver Anvil
• Bags of Blessing • “ExceLetter”, the MBFI Institutional Newsletter • Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Souvenir Program • Art MADE Public • Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Awarding Ceremony & Exhibit Opening
16th Quill Awards Quill Award of Excellence
Quill Award of Merit
• Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos • Exceletter, the MBFI Institutional Newsletter • Grants and Social Development Partnerships • Metrobank Foundation 2016 Annual Report • National Teachers’ Month (NTM) • Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Awarding • Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC) Ceremony & Exhibit Opening • Graduates’ Forum “#Payit4ward: Service to 4Cs • Video Shorts of Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos
MBFI launches new website: www.mbfoundation.org.ph
NEW WEBSITE IS UP! www.mbfoundation.org.ph
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Our website has a brand new look and has been upgraded to align with the latest website specifications—hence becoming more functional and complete with resources and information about our programs and activities.
T H E H E A RT & Z E A L I S S U E
June 2018