Metrobank’s Corporate Social Responsibility in 2020 remains unshakeable. At the height of major setbacks in the economy and everyone’s personal lives due to the global health crisis, the core value of Heart for Community for Metrobankers remained steadfast.
The Purple Hearts Club (PHC), Metrobank’s volunteerism arm, marked its 18th year in 2020. In lieu of PHC programs that involve community visits and physical interaction, its volunteerism focused on donation efforts under disaster and relief efforts, pandemic response, community assistance, education, and health. Through it all, the strong culture of malasakit and bayanihan imprinted in the psyche of the Bank’s employee volunteers prevailed and encouraged more participation.
The increase in PHC chapters from 65 to 69 placed PHC’s total volunteer strength at 7,753 members, nationwide. Of these, 88% or 6,823 members participated in CSR programs through service and donation efforts. A total of 609 members were present to help in various CSR activities while 6,813 members donated to these causes.
The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), Metrobank’s philanthropic arm, continues to sustain communities through its special programs and long-term investments that share and increase the value of social capital in the Philippines.
In 2020, MBFI redirected its efforts to pandemic response. Through a multi-faceted approach, MBFI led the Metrobank Group in funding and supporting efforts to address the pandemic’s consequences and serve those who need most help through short-term, mid-term and long-term interventions.
Metrobank and GT Capital Holdings, through Metrobank Foundation and GT Foundation, Inc turnover Php 5 million worth of Personal Protective Equipment such as hazardous material suits, N95 masks and gloves to the Lung Center of the Philippines and six City of Manila District Hospitals. The donations were officially received by Manila Vice Mayor Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan and Manila Police District Special Mayor's Reaction Team Head Police Major Rosalino Ibay.
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Senator Richard Gordon hand a plaque to GT Foundation president and Federal Land chairperson Alfred Ty (center) and Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña (left) to recognize the Php18 million donation of Metrobank and GT Capital Holdings to construct and equip the country’s largest molecular laboratory at the former PRC Headquarters in Port Area Manila.
In times of natural disasters, the tandem of MBFI and the GT Foundation would quickly mobilize and use their funds under its disaster relief and response program, “Helping Hands.” In 2020, Php 8.9million was released which assisted 14,500 displaced families from the Taal Volcano eruption, and typhoons Rolly, Ulysses and Ambo. Food items, hygiene kits, sleeping mats and blankets were distributed.
Metrobank Foundation distributes relief packs, sleeping mats and blankets to 900 evacuated families affected by the Taal Eruption in the municipalities of Mendez and Alfonso, Cavite and Dasmariñas City.
As part of Metrobank Foundation's P1 million donation to Philippine Star's Operation Damayan, Metrobankers hand relief packs to 255 families at Poblacion and Bonliw in San Luis, Batangas.
The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. was recognized as “Philanthropic Foundation of the Year” (Profiles in Excellence Award) during the 72nd anniversary celebration of the American Association of the Philippines.
