Corporate Social Responsibility Arm of the Metrobank Group
Del Rosario, Kryssel G.
Leron, Abigail G.
Posada, Emmelyn I.
Ramos, Lordson Rey E.
Tayoto, Andrea Q.
BSA IV-01
Prof. Julius Rae Estampador
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
History
Founded in September 5, 1962, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has since
become the premier universal bank and among the foremost financial institutions in the
Philippines. It offers a full range of banking and other financial products and services,
including corporate, commercial and consumer banking, as well as credit card,
remittances, leasing, investment banking and trust banking. Metrobank currently spans
a consolidated network of over 1,950 ATMs nationwide; over 860 domestic branches;
and 31 foreign branches, subsidiaries, and representative offices.
Metrobank was incorporated in Binondo, Manila by a group of Filipino businessmen
principally to provide financial services to the Filipino-Chinese community. It opened its
first local branch in 1963, then expanded beyond Philippine shores only a few years
after its establishment. Metrobank rolled out its first international branch in Taipei in
1970 and a representative office in Hong Kong in 1973. In 1975, Metrobank became the
first of the private banks to move into American territory when it opened its office in
Guam. It later established branches in the United States mainland cities of Los Angeles
and New York.
It established Metrobank Foundation, Inc. in 1979, putting emphasis on both business
success and community contribution. The Foundation has since become one of the
largest and most respected charitable organizations in Asia.
In 1981, Metrobank was listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange and acquired its
universal banking license, gaining significant equity ownerships in local and
international subsidiaries. It established its own credit card company, Unibancard
Corporation (now Metrobank Card Corporation) in 1986. In 1988, Metrobank entered
into a joint venture with Japan's largest automotive manufacturer and Mitsui Corporation
to establish Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation. A decade later, it partnered with
another global giant, the AXA Group, to give birth to Philippine AXA Life Insurance
Corporation.
In 1990, Metrobank launched the country's first and only talking ATM, Metrobank E.T. In
1995, Metrobank became the first billion dollar bank with total capital of Php22.8 billion,
the largest in the industry. It is the first local bank to raise supplementary capital
overseas with a total of US$325 million in Lower Tier 2 Capital and Hybrid Tier 1 Capital
in the years 2003 to 2006.
Metrobank has also been steadily expanding internationally. In the late 1990s,
Metrobank opened branches and offices in London, Taichung, Tokyo, and Seoul.
Metrobank was the first to be granted a banking license by the Japanese Ministry of
Finance. It was also the first Philippine bank in Korea. In 2001, Metrobank became the
first Philippine bank in China when it opened its branch in Shanghai. In 2010,
Metrobank inaugurated its wholly-owned subsidiary, Metropolitan Bank (China) Limited,
the first foreign bank headquarters to be established in Nanjing. The new bank serves
as the base for Metrobank's operations in China, with three branches located in Nanjing
and Shanghai.
"You're in Good Hands"
Metrobank remains dedicated to fulfilling its vision to be the best bank for all
stakeholders from its customers to the community. With people dedicated to product
quality, service excellence, solid work ethics, and good governance, Metrobank has
established a reputation of stability, strength, and leadership. It adheres to international
best practices, careful strategic planning and prudent decision-making, focused on
further improving earnings quality and increasing shareholder value by constantly
reinforcing a customer-centric strategy built around the commitment of its people.
A recognized leader in the country's banking industry, Metrobank has become regarded
as the trusted banking partner, staying true to its brand promise of "You're in Good
Hands."
VISION-MISSION STATEMENT
To be the countrys premiere financial conglomerate, empowering our individual and
business clients to realize their goals and reach their full potential. By creating and
customizing financial solutions in response to our stakeholders needs, continuously
expanding our scope of reach, and leading in community service, we live up to our
Youre in Good Hands promise that embodies who we are and what we do. We are
Metrobank.
WE COMMIT TO BE
The trusted financial partner
Our business relies on the principles of trust, honesty and integrity as we serve our
customers and help them attain their financial goals.
The employer of choice
We strengthen the organization by continuously developing and enhancing the abilities
of our people. We nurture them into professional individuals with integrity and passion
for service and excellence. We ensure their future by providing them with fulfilling
careers.
A responsible Bank
We adhere to the highest standards of corporate governance, exercising accountability,
fairness, and transparency across all our business operations.
We exercise good management to provide our shareholders with sustainable returns on
their investments.
An institution with a heart
We give back to the communities we serve, committed to making meaningful
contributions to the economic and social development of our nation.
Metrobank Foundation, Inc.
The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was established on January 8, 1979 by Dr.
George S. K. Ty, sixteen (16) years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust
Company (Metrobank). As the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank
Group, the Foundation implements various programs on recognition of excellence
among key professions, education, visual arts and design, and healthcare. It also
maintains a dynamic partnership with other organizations that likewise provide services
for the underprivileged and marginalized sectors of society and remains responsive to
aid survivors of natural calamities in the Philippines and in Asia through relief and
rehabilitation efforts.
I. RECOGNITION PROGRAMS
Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) recognizes the countrys top
educators aimed at fostering a culture of excellence and community service for
the teaching profession. It began in 1984 in partnership with the Department of
Education and the Commission on Higher Education.
The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) honors the valor, gallantry, and
self-sacrifice demonstrated by the men and women of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati Metro.
Countrys Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS) affirms the shared
responsibility between our gallant police officers and the community on crime
prevention and solution. It is undertaken with the Rotary Club of New Manila
East, Philippine Savings Bank, and in close coordination with the Philippine
National Police.
Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) hails Filipino artistry and creativity
through the annual competitions in painting, sculpture, interior design, and
architecture.
Professorial Chair Lectures in partnership with government and academic
institutions aimed at strengthening key professions in the areas of law, health,
public service and governance.
Search for Journalists of the Year (JOY) celebrates and honors distinguished
Filipino journalists for their body of work that has contributed to the development
of the nation and inspired other media practitioners. This is in partnership with
Probe Media Foundation, Inc.
II. EDUCATION
Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC) raises the mathematical
competitiveness of elementary and high school students through the annual
competition in partnership with the Mathematics Teachers Association of the
Philippines (MTAP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
MetroGold Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to
underprivileged but academically-deserving students, while instilling among
scholars the value of paying-it-forward the gift of education they have received.
National Teachers Month encourages the different sectors of the society to pay
tribute to the teaching profession in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 242
declaring September 5 to October 5 as National Teachers Month.
III. HEALTH
Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) serves as the healthcare arm of the Foundation
offering a wide array of social services such as subsidies for in-house patients,
outreach programs, medical missions, and other health-related interventions in
adopted communities.
IV. GRANTS
Financial and In-kind Grant Assistance is extended to socio-civic and non-
government organizations as well as local and national government agencies
whose projects/programs are aligned with the thrusts of the Foundation on
education, healthcare, and visual arts, including the attainment of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
V. CALAMITY ASSISTANCE
The Foundation remains responsive to aid survivors of natural calamities in the
Philippines and in Asia through relief and rehabilitation efforts
Vision Statement
To be the countrys premier corporate philanthropic foundation contributing a significant
impact on social development.
Mission Statement
As the heart of the Metrobank Group, we live up to our Excel. Engage. Empower
roadmap that embodies who we are and what we do
The Foundation shall endeavor to be the countrys premier corporate philanthropic
foundation contributing a significant impact on social development. As a development
organization, we aim to uplift individuals and the sectors they represent and strategically
link with institutions for a shared-purpose. By creating and propagating a culture of
excellence and providing solutions to stakeholders needs, we continuously expand our
scope of reach and be at the forefront in serving communities. Excel. Engage.
Empower or the 3Es shall remain our roadmap.
About our Logo
The Metrobank Foundation logo is a stylized pentagon with a modified heart at the
center to indicate Metrobank Groups corporate citizenship. Blue, that signifies the
nobility of spirit, was chosen as corporate color. The arcs in vanishing shades of blue
above the heart suggests an upward movement to represent the Foundations thrust in
building a nation in a culture of excellence.
A History of Sharing
Creating the Framework (1979-1987)
In a sense , the story of Metrobank Foundation is intertwined with the story of the
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company. When, at the young age of twenty-nine, George
S.K. Ty founded Metrobank in 1962, he already had a vision of becoming a leader in the
financial world. At the same time, Chairman Ty was, even then, steadfastly committed to
the idea that leadership in business implied leadership in community service as well.
For Mr. Ty, it was very clear that every private corporation had social responsibilities and
the more successful the corporation, the greater were its responsibilities to the
community. As the embodiment of this resolve to share the fruits of Metrobank's
success with society, the Metrobank Foundation came into being on January 8, 1979.
From its inception, the Foundation strove to assess the needs of its target sectors and
evolve the most efficient ways to improve social conditions.
As the bank grew so did the Foundation. Seeing that the health sector was a strategic
area where judiciously conceived contributions could make a big difference in people's
lives, it was decided to obtain a controlling interest in the Manila Doctors Hospital in
Ermita, Manila. With its involvement in the Hospital, Metrobank Foundation hoped to
develop a medical institution which would provide an impeccable model of health care in
the country. The Foundation embarked on a long term improvement program which saw
the expansion and enhancement of hospital facilities. Eventually, the Foundation set up
programs to support the charity wards of the hospital and its outreach missions, and to
provide scholarships for students in the Manila Doctors' College, the educational arm of
the Manila Doctors' Hospital.
Another original project which defined the Foundation's working parameters was
the Young Painters' Annual, then known as the National Painting Competition. The year
of the competition's inception, 1984, was a time of economic crisis for the country. It was
felt that a painting contest could help improve the climate by providing a venue for
artistic simulation. Likewise, the arts helped foster creativity, an important attribute to
encourage in any program to enhance a society's global competitiveness. Among the
first batch of winners was Roberto Feleo, who has since made a name for himself,
winning other national and international awards in arts. Just a year after its inception,
the Competition bagged the prestigious Anvil Award in 1985 as "Outstanding Special
Events Program."
Still another pillar of the Foundation's program which was defined in this period is the
concern for the well-being of teachers. Teachers have always been highly regarded in
Chinese society. Imbued with this perspective, Chairman Ty was disheartened to note
that many of the country's mentors were marching on the streets asking for better work
conditions. He then conceived of an awards program which would honor educators and
act as incentive to the teaching profession. Thus was born the Search for Outstanding
Teachers in 1985. The first batch of winners consisted of ten awardees.
The success of the Search led the Foundation to create, in 1986, another awards
program focused on a special education sector: Chinese teachers. This was in
recognition of Metrobank's roots in the Chinese Filipino Community and of the important
contributions of Chinese Filipinos to nation-building. Meanwhile, the Search for
Outstanding Teachers was likewise awarded an Anvil Award as an "Outstanding
Institutional PR Program."
Filling In the Spaces (1988-1993)
In the next phase of the Foundation's history, efforts were made to consolidate and
enrich existing programs as a way to address gaps in program delivery. Starting in
1988, for example, the Foundation began collecting the top winning entries of the
Painting Competition since it was realized that this was one way of safeguarding the
works and documenting the artistic production of the period. Collection pieces were
thoroughly documented, conserved and stored. In 1993, it was decided to add a
preliminary board of judges to create a two-step selection process that would ascertain
that entries were thoroughly reviewed, especially with regard to originality. A public
viewing of paintings chosen after the first screening was instituted to elicit more
comments and generate greater interest.
With regards to the Search for Outstanding Teachers, the number of awards was
increased to twelve in 1989 as slots were added to the elementary category to reflect
that majority of the country's teachers teach at this level. Eventually, slots were
apportioned among the four major geographical divisions-National Capital Region, Rest
of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao-to ensure better regional distribution of awards.
Beginning in 1992, semi-finalists were asked to come to Manila for personal interviews.
This gave the preliminary board a chance to review their initial assessment of
candidates as based on submitted documents. Candidates were thus able to
demonstrate actual classroom skills before a panel of professional educators.
Also beginning in 1992, the Search information campaign was mobilized with fora being
conducted in places such as Cotabato City, Iloilo, and Cabagan, Isabela. Foundation
officials began to participate more in education sector affairs-visiting schools, attending
educators conventions as well as meetings of the Regional Directors of the Department
of Education. A second Assistant Corporate Secretary was hired to attend to the day-to-
day administration of the Foundation's growing projects.
This period saw the Foundation mobilizing its resources to help Filipinos affected by the
many calamities that hit the country. It was one of the first organizations to donate a
million pesos to the victims of the earthquake of 1990.
At the Manila Doctors Hospital, the high point of the improvement program was the
construction of the Norberto Ty Medical Tower, an eleven-storey building named after
Chairman George S. K. Ty's late father. The new facility was officially inaugurated by
then President Corazon C. Aquino in August 1991.
Breaking New Ground (1993-1995)
October 17, 1993 was a milestone for the Foundation. During the wedding reception of
his son Arthur, Chairman George S. K. Ty announced that he was donating a million of
his personal shares of stocks of the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company to the
Metrobank Foundation. This was his way of sharing with the community the fruits of the
Metrobank Group of Companies' remarkable success. Then equivalent to about 600
million pesos, the Foundation's holdings steadily increased in value to more than a
billion pesos, one of the largest endowments in the Philippines.
Mrs. Corazon Aquino would say of Chairman Ty's "gift of social development" that "the
beautiful example of openness, international solidarity, and outstanding
philanthropy...needs to be emulated by more people who have been blessed in life."
Mrs. Aquino graciously accepted the invitation to chair the newly-created Board of
Advisers which would guide the Foundation as it ventures into other areas in the light of
its renewed mandate.
The tremendous increase in resources resulted in an expression in an expansion of the
Foundation's activities. Among the new projects were the grants program for selected
key sectors of society which were seen as critical players in national development: the
media, the military, and the uniformed personnel of the Department of Interior and Local
Government. Like wise, programs for the enhancement of English language instruction
were instituted because of the importance of English in international business. Awards
were given to the topnotchers of the Licensure Examination for Teachers. More funds
were also allocated for projects addressed to the Chinese Filipino community by way of
acknowledging the bank's gratitude for that sector's generous support. Finally the bid to
show that Filipinos could be relied on the help their neighbors was launched with the
sponsoring of several projects aimed at fostering international understanding such as
the scholarship program for foreign nationals studying at the Asian Institute of
Management.
Recognizing the critical role of the sciences in any push for industrialization, the
Foundation initiated one of its largest assistance projects: the stipend program for the
teachers of English, Science, and Math in the Regional Science High School system
which had just been organized by DECS. This project which was originally proposed by
Mrs. Aquino, was provided funding support of PhP 10 million over the next four years.
A national college scholarship program was established with an initial batch of 100
scholars. Foundation officers were fielded to personally interview applicants.
Concretizing gains (1996 to present)
In the present phase of operations, the Foundation has come to realize that it must
continuously link-up with more like-minded partners to maximize resources and to
ensure that the gains of the past are sustained. With the arrival of a new Executive
Director and the increase in staff, the Foundation embarked on a program of multi-
sectoral consultations and networking activities. For the first time, workshops were
undertaken with Search and Young Painters' Annual winners to assess the way in which
these competitions were conducted. A forum of educators was convened to further
review the Search criteria. Likewise, discussions were held with arts groups all over the
country. Discussions were also held with a cross-section of development partners and
beneficiaries to determine areas of cooperation and program improvement.
Foundation officials used every opportunity to interact with affiliated institutions.
Regional Science High Schools, project sites, and schools participating in the
scholarship program were visited, their officials interviewed. Other types of linkages
were enhanced. The Foundation participated in the activities of the Presidential
Committee to Assist the National Museum, the Sulong Pampanga Foundation where Mr.
Ty is Vice Chairman, the Philippine Sports Commission and in the projects of the First
Lady Amelita Ramos: "Piso Para sa Pasig" of the Clean and Green Foundation. The
Foundation's Executive Director was elected head of the League of Corporate
Foundations' largest subgroup, the Committee on Education. Under the Metrobank
Foundation's leadership, the committee produced a landmark study on the educational
component of corporate philanthropy.
Overall, improvements in its communications, networking, documentation, planning, and
monitoring capabilities indicate Metrobank Foundation's resolve to promote a culture of
excellence by striving for excellence in program delivery.
Paving the Way for the Future
As the Metropolitan Bank and Trust company continues to blaze new trails in the
banking industry, the Metrobank Foundation will endeavor to match such pioneering
efforts. It shall institutionalize its professed mission of hewing closely to its core values
as an organization. It shall deepen its existing programs by constant monitoring and
impact assessment. It shall broaden the networks and partnerships. Of particular priority
is the establishment of strategic alliances with other companies and subsidiaries of the
Metrobank Group.
Even as Metrobank expands its global presence, the Foundation will likewise begin to
forge links with other corporate foundations in the Asia-Pacific region for sharing of best
practices. In carrying out these objectives, prudent management of financial resources,
relevant skills upgrading, and use of appropriate levels of information technology will be
the main areas of management focus.
Through the Foundation, the Metrobank Group shall, in the years to come, be able to
express its commitment to leading the way in the promotion of a holistic human
development grounded in a culture of excellence.
Source: https://www.metrobank.com.ph
http://www.mbfoundation.org.ph
Reaction
Businesses are an essential part of the society within which they operate. Management
should recognize that their long-term prosperity is founded on sustained good
associations with a broad range of persons, groups and organizations. A company
whether profit or non-profit in its form should give back whatever it can contribute for the
development and betterment of its society and that is what SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
is all about. Social responsibility is a moral principle of an entity, be it an organization or
individual, to act towards betterment of society at large. It is a duty that every firm and
individual should perform so as to maintain the balance between the environment and
economy. The responsibility can be active, by performing activities that directly advance
social goals, or passive, by avoiding any engagement in socially harmful act. Corporate
social responsibility is the commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to
economic development while improving the quality of life of workforce and their family
as well as the local community. Moreover, it helps in forming the positive image of the
company.
The Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, commonly known as Metrobank, is the
second largest bank in the Philippines. It offers various financial services, from regular
banking to insurance. It is the banking arm of George Ty. Metrobank serves society at
large. Living with its Mission and Vision, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was
established on January 8, 1979 by Dr. George S. K. Ty, as the corporate social
responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group. Its CSR activities include recognition,
education, health, grants, and calamity assistance projects. As a Banking company, it is
committed to uplift individuals and the sectors they represent and strategically link with
institutions for a shared-purpose, in short, empowering the society.
Its recognition programs give chance those unrecognized profession to be applauded
and be given voices that open avenues to many individuals. With its TOPS, COPS and
SOT, they raise the bar of excellence within the military, police and educational sector of
the country. Their stories of triumph and resilience motivate and inspire many to be the
best version of themselves. Through MADE, individuals who are gifted in arts are
empowered to showcase their creativity. MMC provides students who are exceptionally
good in Math lots of trainings and co-curricular activities for them to excel in this area
and eventually help the nation in the future.
In uplifting the educational sectors of the country, more financially incapacitated
students are given scholarships for them to continue and finish college. Manila Tytana
Colleges being the educational arm of the Metrobank provides broad and liberal
education that develops the potential of each student and prepare them to become
responsive to the needs of society.
Moreover, Metrobank continues to invest in nation building. They rebuild hope and
dreams to those hit by calamities. They assist families particularly in Luzon provinces
affected by super typhoon Lando and build disaster resilient classrooms in places hit by
typhoon Yolanda.
True to its words, Metrobank continues to deepen its existing programs, and gets better
each year. Through its broadening network and affiliates more philanthropic activities
are being launched and more underprivileged people are being benefited.
