Former Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) President Aniceto Mangahas “Chito” Sobrepeña passed away on Tuesday, January 13, at the age of 72, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
In statements posted on Facebook, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) and MBFI paid tribute to Sobrepeña as “a man for others” who “dedicated his life to the pursuit of the common good.”
“Starting from his years in public service and government leadership, he exemplified integrity, compassion, and principled leadership, setting new standards for corporate social responsibility and opening opportunities for Filipinos from all walks of life,” MBFI said.
An alumnus of Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines School of Economics, Sobrepeña devoted 22 years to public service.
He first served under President Corazon Aquino, holding key positions including Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Management Staff, becoming the youngest Cabinet member at the age of 36.
He later served under President Fidel V. Ramos as Deputy Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) from 1992 to 1995.
After government service, Sobrepeña transitioned to the private sector, where he served as President of MBFI, the corporate social responsibility arm of Metrobank.
Under his leadership, MBFI grew into one of the country’s most dynamic philanthropic institutions, implementing programs in education, visual arts, health care, the judiciary, the police and military, and grant-making to socio-civic and charitable organizations in the Philippines and across the Asia-Pacific region.
In 2012, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) invited Sobrepeña to Paris to speak on MBFI’s initiatives in advancing the teaching profession, including its 28-year search for Outstanding Teachers and the annual National Teachers’ Month celebrations.
As the only Asian panelist, his participation was widely seen as recognition of MBFI’s impact and leadership in corporate social responsibility.
Sobrepeña stepped down as MBFI President in the middle of last year. At the time of his passing, he was Vice Chairman of Manila Doctors Hospital, Chairman of Manila Tytana Colleges, and a trustee of GT Foundation, Inc.