Several companies are paying attention to their social responsibilities, but a few have risen above the rest.
Among the frontrunners in the CSR world is Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group. Established in 1979 by Dr. George S.K. Ty, MBFI runs stellar programs that have an enduring impact on society.
It has emerged as one of the country’s most active corporate philanthropic organizations over the years for its various programs in visual arts and health—significantly on education, since it is one of the major thrusts of Metrobank Foundation.
MBFI’s flagship projects include the Metrobank Scholarship Program (MSP) established in 1995, aimed at providing educational opportunities to academically gifted but financially challenged students.
Consequently, MBFI provides a four-year scholarship to 611 students enrolled in accountancy, business management, and education courses; two-year scholarship grants to 141 students majoring in English, Science or Math; a special education assistance package to 159 qualified graduating students in selected Level II- or III- accredited schools all over the country.
The Foundation also established the Share-A-Gift-Education (SAGE) Program, which supported elementary and high school Filipino-Chinese students enrolled in 95 schools accredited by the Association of Filipino-Chinese Schools.
Metrobank has also granted scholarships to deserving students from Adamson University, Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong, Technological University of the Philippines-Manila, University of the East-Manila, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines-Diliman, and Central Philippine University in Iloilo. This was made possible in partnership with other companies and organizations.
Furthermore, MBFI has teamed up with Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to conduct the prestigious Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC).
MMC provides a venue for Filipino students to hone their mathematical skills in an atmosphere of friendly competition. For several years, it has produced national winners who get to compete in international tilts. As of writing, MMC is the longest running math competition in the country with more than half a million students participating in the nationwide elimination rounds yearly, attracting students from both private and public schools.
Other flagship programs include the National Teachers’ Month celebration; Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos which recognizes 10 Filipino exemplars composed of four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers; Metrobank Art & Design Excellence; and the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lectures.
Metrobank has acquired respect for its commitment in social responsibility.
It has garnered various awards both in the local and international scene for its various programs. To date, MBFI has bagged 57 Philippine Quill Awards, nine of which were won last year.
Because of Metrobank’s efforts in supporting education, it has successfully branded itself as one of the giants in corporate philanthropy. It has actively taken part in nation-building and securing better tomorrows for the younger generation. It also sets a good example for other companies to emulate.
For more information, data are available on www.mbfoundation.org.ph.
