The challenge of isolation faced by geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas such as Batanes Province requires more than temporary aid, calling instead for specialized expertise and a unified, multi-sectoral response.

This was addressed through the Guro, Pulis, Sundalo na may Galing, Puso, at Sigasig (GPS²) outreach program spearheaded by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) together with the alumni networks of its Outstanding Filipino Teachers, Police Officers, and Soldiers, in partnership with government agencies, private organizations, and civil society groups.

The program drew strength from the combined expertise of the Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED), The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership (TOPSOLDIERS), and the Police Officers Responsible for Organizing, Transforming, and Empowering Communities (PROTECT).

It was carried out with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and the Department of Education, alongside partners including One Meralco Foundation, Manila Tytana Colleges, various Rotary Clubs, and The Fraternal Order of Eagles–Philippine Eagles.

“Naglalayon na magsilbing tanglaw ang GPS² sa patuloy ng pagbabago at pag-angat ng Ivana at marami pang komunidad sa ating bansa,” said MBFI Executive Director Joseph Anthony M. Quesada, noting that the initiative aims to serve as a guiding light for the sustained development of communities such as Ivana in Batanes.

Local validation for the program was immediate, as activities were designed around needs identified in consultation with local government units. The outreach also aligned with the Batanes Provincial Government’s Mission H.O.P.E. program, which prioritizes health, housing, opportunities, peace and order, preparedness, education, and e-governance.

Inclusive learning support

Education-focused interventions included specialized training for 43 teachers from Basco Central School and Ivana Municipality schools on inclusive teaching strategies and behavior modification for learners with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The session was facilitated by 2015 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Amcy Esteban, together with Teacher Ynna Marie Manzano of the Department of Education’s Manila Division.

Sign language proficiency workshops were also conducted for Women and Children’s Protection Desk officers of the Batanes Police Provincial Office and local Special Education teachers, strengthening their capacity to communicate with residents with hearing and speech impairments.

Schools received learning equipment and materials, including desktop computers, laptops, Smart TVs, printers with ink, and nearly a thousand workbooks. Police Major Helen L. Dela Cruz also led a lecture for Ivana Elementary School pupils on Republic Act 7610, or the Anti-Child Abuse Law.

Health and wellness initiatives

Health services formed another core component of the mission, with medical and eye check-ups benefitting 158 residents. Mental resilience was addressed through a workplace mental wellness and stress management session for teachers and police officers facilitated by 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Dr. Regina Hechanova-Alampay.

Support for sustainable livelihoods was also provided, as farmers attended an organic farming lecture and received seeds and gardening tools to help establish home gardens. Hygiene education was conducted for students under the W.A.S.H. program, followed by the distribution of hygiene kits and rubber slippers to learners across the municipality.

Strengthening community preparedness

Community safety and preparedness were enhanced through self-defense training using arnis for high school students, along with the distribution of food packs, solar lights, emergency kits, generator units, and mobility equipment for residents in need. First aid kits were also provided to support local disaster readiness efforts.

The outreach culminated in a renewed call from MBFI for the public to recognize exemplary public servants.

Through its Outstanding Filipinos program and community-based initiatives like GPS², the Metrobank Foundation continues to promote excellence in public service while addressing pressing needs in education, health, livelihood, and disaster risk reduction, particularly in underserved and remote communities nationwide.