Metrobank foundations give social groups P75 million

Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) and GT Foundation Inc. (GTFI) have provided a total of P75 million in grants to 35 social development organizations as the Metrobank Group marks its 64th anniversary.

Formally turned over at a ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt in Taguig on Friday, MBFI said the grants will support programs in health, education, livelihood, disaster management and community development under the annual George S.K. Ty Grants.

MBFI president and GTFI executive director Philip Dy said the foundations are directing resources toward community needs, including access to healthcare and nutrition, education gaps, livelihood challenges and disaster preparedness.

Not isolated concerns

“These are not isolated concerns. Addressing challenges of this scale requires more than good intentions. It calls for strategic investments, innovative solutions, and a willingness to act where the need is greatest,” he said.

Dy told DAILY TRIBUNE on the sidelines of the event that the grants were solely funded by its parent bank as well as GT Capital. He said the latest turnover underscores the private sector’s increasing role in supporting Filipinos.

“Businesses, the private sector [are] also willing to come together for the sake of the people,” he said.

“We have to get together and pull our resources [to] help each other.”

For health programs, MBFI will work with Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation, Manila Doctors Hospital and the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction. The projects cover medical assistance, surgical and inpatient services, healthcare access and household nutrition.

“We’ve seen this many times. Even if you’re a middle-class family, even if you save money, you only need one medical emergency to wipe out all of your savings,” Dy said.