Sustainable Banking in the New Normal is the second Sustainability Report of Metrobank which communicates the manner by which the Bank’s management approach in governing economic, environmental, social and governance issues, as well as the endeavors of the Metrobank Foundation in 2020, have created an impact—leaving an imprint of the Bank’s efforts in environmental and social responsibility concerns.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards: Core Option. The Philippines’ Securities and Exchange Commission’s Sustainability Reporting Guidelines for Publicly listed Companies was also used as reference in making this report, which does not include international operations and those of its subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.

True to its signature slogan – You’re in Good Hands – Metrobank has become the trusted partner and ally of businesses needing a financial institution that can be relied upon for their corporate and personal banking needs. To continue helping industries grow and assisting individuals in achieving their aspirations, Metrobank has kept pace with the rise of a more socially inclusive and environmentally conscious society.

Metrobank’s material topics describe and communicate the economic, environment and social issues that the Bank and its stakeholders deem most relevant.

The Bank’s material topics are subject to change with the times as to incorporate new guidelines from regulators such as BSP, and to anticipate and address the needs of our stakeholders. Hence, our materiality process is iterative, and our sustainability framework is to be reviewed and revised as the need arises.

The Bank considers its employees as partners in building meaningful banking in communities and consistently looks out for their complete well-being. It will always prioritize employee safety, excellent performance, sense of belongingness and provide opportunities for their career development.

As one of Asia’s best employers and companies to work for in 2019, Metrobank fosters a culture of caring, sharing the values of excellence, integrity, and professionalism with its employees who have now taken these to heart. Belonging to the Metrobank family is part of an inclusive work environment where harmony is nurtured in diversity.

Metrobank created an opportunity for growth and put value to its employees’ professional enrichment that will help drive the Bank to achieve its goals. The Metrobank Academy was created for this purpose and offers a slew of courses developed by both in-house and externally-sourced subject matter experts.

The value that Metrobank gives to continuous education does not end among its employees but extends to employees’ dependents. The Bank believes that education increases the worth and capacity of its employees, their families and helps form better communities. With this, the Bank has put up two educational assistance programs, namely Metrobank Employees Graduate Assistance Program (MEGA) for qualified employees and Metrobank Educational Assistance for Dependents of Employees Program (MEADE) for qualified employees’ children.

At the height of the health crisis, the two Foundations of the Metrobank Group supported not only the conglomerate’s employees and their families, but also the large communities and front liners affected by the impact of the pandemic.

The massive support that reached Php 321.5 million provided short-term relief and recovery assistance to affected sectors, created a mid-term emergency response plan through strategic partnerships with the government and other stakeholders in communities and directly supported more than 522,000 beneficiaries of CSR initiatives.