AUGUST 2024, MANDALUYONG CITY – BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, took the frontline as it donated 12,350 relief packs to more than 36 Typhoon Carina-affected barangays across Luzon.
Last July, Carina struck the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby cities, causing major flooding in various residential areas. The foundation, with the help of Tanging Yaman Foundation, dioceses and parishes, local government units, and BDO and BDO Network Bank employees sent assistance to communities affected by flooding in Bulacan (Malolos, Calumpit, Bocaue, Hagonoy, Meycauayan, and Obando), Pampanga (Macabebe and Masantol), Ilocos Sur (Vigan), Rizal, and Metro Manila.
BDO Foundation donated food packs containing rice, canned goods, and drinking water. “BDO Foundation hopes that through this simple act of kindness, we are able to show our solidarity to our kababayans and to help in giving them hope as they bounce back from this calamity,” shared BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito. Apart from the relief packs, BDO Foundation, through BDO Network Bank, also delivered cleaning materials to 150 schools across NCR, region 3, and region 4A to help flooded school communities prepare their facilities for the opening of classes.
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About BDO Foundation
BDO Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. Founded in 2008, the foundation contributes to nation-building by addressing the needs of various sectors of society through programs in the areas of financial inclusion, disaster response, rehabilitation and rebuilding. Supported by the BDO Unibank community and in partnership with local government units and non-governmental organizations, BDO Foundation mounts relief operations, rehabilitates rural health units, constructs school buildings and implements financial education programs across the country. Its corporate citizenship initiatives have been recognized at the Retail Banking Awards of Asian Banking & Finance magazine and Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards of Enterprise Asia. For more information, visit http://www.bdo.com.ph, e-mail bdo.foundation@bdo.com.ph or call 8840-7000 local 36046.
BDO Foundation, Inc. 10th Floor BDO Corporate Center Ortigas 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center Mandaluyong City 1550
Over 50 households of the Batak community in Sitio Tagnaya, Barangay Concepcion, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan received stand-alone solar units from Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI)’s SINAG Program.
This initiative was in partnership with the Local Barangay Council of Concepcion, and the City Health Office of Puerto Princesa in response to the community’s expressed need for solar power during consultations.
By providing light to communities from clean and renewable sources of energy, Project SINAG helps make education more accessible, especially to those who need it most.
Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) PROTECTS-UPSCALE participated in AIDS 2024 at the 25th International AIDS Conference held in Munich, Germany. The PSFI team, representing the Philippines, was led by Dr. Loyd Norella, Dr. Stella Flores, and Jeri Abenoja, along with Atty. Mack Hale Bunagan of IDEALS.
PSFI Technical Integration Officer for Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) and TB-HIV, and principal author Jeri Abenoja, R.N. presented their abstract titled ‘Innovative Approaches in HIV Outreach for the Transgender Population: A Case Study of the GLAM Project at Amos Tara Community Center.’
LCF member Joy~Nostalg Foundation hosted the awarding ceremony for the Masayang Pamilya Teens Program in Pasinaya, Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Over 100 attendees, including youth, supportive parents, and Community Volunteers, gathered to celebrate the occasion. The event highlighted the community’s collective dedication to strengthening Filipino families through education and active involvement.
Visit the Joy~Nostalg Foundation Facebook post on the event to learn more and view more pictures.
PHINMA Corporation has brought back the Service Awards after eight years to honor individuals who have impacted their communities outside of work.
“The PHINMA Service Awards not only honor our employees, but also celebrate the spirit of service that defines our Company,” said Ramon R. del Rosario, Jr., PHINMA Chairman and CEO during the awarding ceremony last March 22, emphasizing the priority isn’t tenure but the recognition of individuals for their initiatives benefiting communities outside the workplace—whether through volunteerism, advocacy, or innovative problem-solving within the broader community.
This year’s event also combines PHINMA’s Service Awards and PHINMA Foundation’s Making Lives Better (MLB) Award into one award-giving initiative moving forward. To recall, the MLB Award has two categories: PHINMA National Scholarship (PNS) Scholar, and the newly introduced Big Brother/Big Sister (BBBS) Hero.
“I am extremely pleased with these two developments as we finally recognize the crucial work that our Big Brothers and Big Sisters do for the success of the PNS Program and we further strengthen the integration of Phinma Foundation’s activities into the core of the PHINMA Group,” said PHINMA Foundation President Roberto Laviña.
The PNS Scholar category highlights a new graduate of the PNS who was likewise recognized as an exemplary student, an excellent leader, and an outstanding scholar. To qualify for this award, one must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.25 without any failing or incomplete remarks in their transcript of records; completed all four modules of the Leadership Camp; and serve a leadership role in at least one organization within or outside campus.
This year’s PNS Scholar awardee is Maribel Esguerra, who graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in social science education from Philippine Normal University Manila. Also a part of PNS Batch 2023, she is now a college instructor and a Remote and Distance (RAD) Learning Program coordinator at PHINMA Saint Jude College – Manila.
“My most sincere gratitude to all of the remarkable individuals in the PHINMA National Scholarship program. Thank you for giving us, scholars, avenues that brought us closer to opportunities not only to grow, but to also make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Esguerra during her acceptance speech.
The BBSS Hero category, meanwhile, pays tribute to an exemplary mentor who has significantly contributed to their mentees’ growth and development through impactful guidance and leadership. To qualify for this award, one must have been an active BBBS for School Year 2022-2023; finished a cycle with at least one mentee, meaning said mentee must have graduated; consistently meets up for K25 sessions; consistently answers the portfolio and attends BBBS workshops or the PNS Lead Camp.
Recognized this year under this category is Aida Santamaria, Human Resources Manager of PHINMA for over two decades, who has served as a Big Sister to PNS scholars since 2008. Her 16-year mentorship saw the graduation of six PHINMA scholars.
Santamaria said the BBBS program was very close to her heart, as it was about building relationships, mentoring, listening, and journeying with the country’s future leaders.
“Honestly, I think I was the one who benefited from being an Ate to my little sisters. Why? Because I did not only get to test my patience, but I also learned from the stories they shared with me,” Santamaria said during her acceptance speech. “Together we were able to overcome so many kumustahan sessions and the challenges that come with them.”
The BBBS category likewise had the ff. criteria: 30% Effective Mentorship; 30% Commitment; 20% Impact on Scholar/s; and 20% Demonstrated Leadership.
Meanwhile, the PNS Scholar category had these rubrics: 10% Scholars’ Votes; 25% Scholarship, pertaining to academic performance and other awards; 15% Mentorship, referring to consistency of K25 meet-ups; 25% Leadership, or their performance in terms of leadership activities, submission of portfolio and other requirements, plus commitment to community services; and 25% Exemplar of Core Values, referring to integrity, love of country, professionalism, and competence.
Apart from Esguerra and Santamaria, this year’s PHINMA Service Awards were also given to David John Cadiao (PHINMA University of Pangasinan – Urdaneta), Jejomar Quiros (PHINMA Saint Jude College), and Ron Ranier Reyes (PHINMA Corporation).
5th Metrobank Foundation Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES). For exemplifying “A Heart that Serves”, MBFI conferred 32 exceptional individuals consisting of teachers, police officers, soldiers, artists, journalists, and scholars with ACES. Joining them on stage (middle, from left to right) are MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, GT Foundation president Alfred V. Ty, and Metrobank president Fabian S. Dee.
Celebrating its 45th year this 2024, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) continues to carry on the legacy of generosity of the late Dr. George S.K. Ty, founder of both the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) and MBFI. With the vision to become the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation, MBFI is determined to engage and empower communities toward nation-building through its various corporate social responsibility programs on excellence recognition, visual arts, education, disaster response, and grant-giving.
To commemorate the milestone occasion, MBFI recognized exceptional individuals from its roster of awardees and scholars who continued performing their duties with excellence and contributing positively to their respective institutions and communities. They were conferred the 5th Metrobank Foundation Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES), having exemplified “A Heart that Serves”—the foundation’s anniversary theme for this year.
“A Heart that Serves” is a philosophy that defines the foundation’s advocacies. MBFI believes that hearts at work symbolize the untamable Filipino character−sincere and selfless. The foundation takes pride in dedicating its energies to the empowerment of others, knowing that nation-building becomes an easy task when all hearts are working together towards its fulfillment. This has been MBFI’s mission since 1979.
This same heart can be seen in the enduring commitment of the exemplary individuals that MBFI honored during their anniversary celebration held at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig last February 29, 2024.
“A heart that serves is powerful and transformative as we have seen through the last 45 years of Metrobank Foundation’s work. We celebrate it as the legacy of Dr. George S. K. Ty, the man who started it all. It was his corporate vision that the Metrobank conglomerate would pursue nation-building by serving the people who have been an integral part of the company’s acceleration. Service to the community is enshrined in the core values of the Metrobank Group, a payback, as much as a paying forward, the collective success of the business,” said MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña in his message.
More than 30 individuals were recognized during the event, each receiving the ‘Spiral’ medallion created by 1984 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) awardee, Roberto Feleo.
The honorees were chosen among the previous awardees of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos (OF), which recognizes exemplars from the academe, military, and the police, as well as of the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) program, which honors the talent and hard work of young Filipino artists. Also included in the roster are the Metrobank Foundation Journalists of the Year (JOY) awardees and Metrobank Foundation scholars.
ACES awardees from the roster of the Metrobank Foundation OF are: Roy B. Basa, Ph.D. (2016), Allan Moore S. Cabrillas, Ph.D. (2014), Allan M. Canonigo, Ph.D. (2004), Ernelea P. Cao, Ph.D. (2016), Thomas Edison E. Dela Cruz, Dr Rer Nat (2015), Ernani S. Fernandez Jr., Ed.D. (2015), Rowena R. Hibanada, Ph.D. (2008), Glendale B. Lamiseria, MS (2007), Lourdes L. Matan, Ph.D. (2009), Rejie F. Palmos, Ph.D. (2015), Samuel R. Soliven, Ph.D. (2003), Mark Anthony J. Torres, Ph.D. (2016), Catherine P. Vistro-Yu, Ed.D. (2012), Col. Wilfredo B Manalang Jr, GSC (2016), BGen Pedro Ramon L Sinajon Jr, AFP (Ret) (1999), PSMS Aida L Awitin (2018), PMAJ Helen L Dela Cruz (2011), PBGEN Joel B Doria, Ph.D. (2017), PMGEN Edgar Alan O Okubo (2013), PCPT Shiela May S Pansoy, MPsy (2017), PMAJ Anna Lisa R Reyes (2008), and PCOL Jemuel F Siason, MPA (2016).
ACES was also presented to MADE awardees: Leslie E. De Chavez (2003), Christopher L. Gomez (2012), Felix M. Miguel (1989), and Heidrun Milan, IDr (2010); to JOY awardees: Rodrigo “Jiggy” D. Manicad Jr. (2013), Horacio “Howie” G. Severino (2015), and Maria Teresa “Marites” D. Vitug (2015); and to former Metrobank Foundation scholars Mary Rachelle C. Batanes, MA, Maria Rosario P. Ilao, and Brian Gil S. Sarinas, Ph.D.
Institutional partners were also honored during the special gathering, under the 4th Metrobank Foundation Award for Partners in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE) to acknowledge their collaborative efforts with MBFI toward nation-building.
“We encourage you to continue with us in this noble call to nation-building, leveraging our modest resources, and amplifying your work as our partners to be there for the disadvantaged and the marginalized. Let us not get tired of doing what is right,” said Sobrepeña, addressing the partners of the foundation.
Thirty (30) institutions that include national government agencies, non-government and socio-civic organizations, international organizations as well as the academe, business, and media received the ‘Kapit-Bisig’ trophy created by Architect Jonathan Dangue, 2011 MADE awardee.
From the National Government Agencies, MBFI acknowledged partners from the Department of Education, the Philippine National Police, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Postal Corporation.
From Non-Government and Socio-Civic Organizations, MBFI honored Got Heart Foundation, Inc., Linangan Art Residency, BAYO Foundation, Inc., International Care Ministries, Metrobank Foundation Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators, BINHI English Literacy Foundation, Inc., Food for the Hungry, Inc. Branch Office, Philippine Business for Education, World Vision Development Foundation, Inc., and Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.
Partners recognized from the business sector include City Savings Bank, Inc., China Bank Savings, BDO Network Bank/BDO Foundation, PLDT-Smart Foundation, Inc., Globe Telecom, and Manila Doctors Hospital.
The PEACE award was also presented to SEAMEO INNOTECH and Manila Tytana Colleges, as well as to media partners GMA Network, Inc., DWIZ (Aliw Broadcasting Corp.), and The Manila Times, and COVID-19 intervention partners, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines, DZRH (Manila Broadcasting Co.), Manila Water Foundation, and Ateneo de Davao University.
4th Metrobank Foundation Award for Partners in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (PEACE). Metrobank Foundation honored 30 institutional partners from various government agencies, non-government and socio-civic organizations, international organizations, academe, business, and media with the PEACE award to acknowledge their collaborative efforts with MBFI toward nation-building. Joining them on stage (middle, from left to right) are MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, GT Foundation president Alfred V. Ty, and Metrobank president Fabian S. Dee.
Another highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the gallant members of armed forces and police—Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Soldiers and Police Officers who are promoted as star-rank generals. They were: GEN Romeo S Brawner Jr (2013); BGEN Elmer B Suderio PA (2017); BGEN Antonio Z Francisco Jr PAF (2012); BGEN Eliglen F Villaflor PA (GSC) (2016); PMGEN Eric E Noble (Ret) (2009); PMGEN Belli B Tamayo (2012); PMGEN Edgar Allan O Okubo (2013); PMGEN Ronald O Lee (2008); PMGEN Leo M Francisco (2010); PBGEN Alden B Delvo (2009); PMGEN Sidney N Villaflor (2010); PBGEN Wilson Joseph F Lopez (2007); and PBGEN Joel B Doria (Ret) (2017).
Star-rank Generals. Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Soldiers and Police Officers who were promoted as star-rank generals were presented during Metrobank Foundation’s 45th anniversary celebration. They were joined on stage by MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña and GT Foundation president Alfred V. Ty (middle).
Recently, MBFI also recognized its internal stakeholders who were instrumental in helping realize its mission of corporate philanthropy through the Seal of Trust for Allies in Responsive Service (STARS).
MBFI was established on January 8, 1979, sixteen (16) years after Dr. Ty founded Metrobank. It is the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, implementing various programs on education, facilitating excellence recognition among key professions in the civil service and visual arts, and extending grants to address disaster relief and response needs, as well as social development gaps.
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The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was established on January 8, 1979 by Dr. George S. K. Ty, sixteen (16) years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank). MBFI envisions to be the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation contributing a significant impact on social development. Its flagship programs include the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos; Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE); Metrobank Scholarship Program (MSP); Metrobank MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC); Grants and Social Development Partnerships, Disaster Response, National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration, and the Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair Lectures. MBFI is also the principal owner of the Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH), one of the leading centers of wellness in the country.As a development organization, MBFI aims to uplift individuals and the sectors they represent and strategically link with institutions for a shared purpose. By creating and propagating a culture of excellence and providing solutions to stakeholder’s needs, the Foundation continuously expands its scope of reach to be at the forefront of serving communities. As the heart of the Metrobank Group, “Excel. Engage. Empower” or the 3Es remains its roadmap.
Dr. Albarracin, a former UPERDFI chairman, was among the institution’s “Legacy Donors” or top ten benefactors since 1972 honored during the Thanksgiving Dinner on Feb. 7 at the Makati Sports Club.
The UPERDFI also recognized Dr. Albarracin as a Platinum Donor and PHINMA Foundation as a Gold Donor from December 2022 to November 2023 during the event.
To recall, Dr. Albarracin worked with PHINMA Foundation in providing funding for 11 professorial chairs for the UP CoE — of which six are still being used today.
Just last year, he donated P50 million for the upgrade of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute laboratories. He also contributed to the Technology Development and Strategic Studies Fund, the Student Wellbeing Program, and the UPERDFI administration.
Dr. Albarracin also led a matching fundraising campaign in 2008 for the construction of the Engineering Centennial Dormitory Building 1, now known as the Concordia Albarracin Residence Hall, which caters to male graduate students of UP Diliman.
A UP electrical engineering alumnus himself, Dr. Albarracin believes in the importance of using business as a force for good by investing in the engineers of tomorrow.
“Education plays a crucial role in nation-building, which is why businesses and leaders like myself must take the lead in investing in our students. The future of our nation lies in these aspiring engineers who will map out the blueprint for progress and chart the course for further development,” said Dr. Albarracin.
The PHINMA Foundation has been empowering high school students from 13 different regional and science high schools, as well as college engineering students from 10 various colleges and universities across the Philippines since the inception of its Science Education and Engineering program in 2006 — a testament to its enduring commitment to fostering the potential of Filipino youth.
This academic year, the Foundation proudly supports 87 high school and 44 college students by ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to pursue and complete their college education.
Manila Water Foundation partnered with Odyssey Foundation, Inc. (OFI), the CSR arm of CDO Foodsphere Inc. for a WASH Pamayanan session in the Municipality of Cuenca, Batangas.
WASH Pamayanan encourages community members to be WASH advocates, enhancing knowledge, skills, and attitudes on hygiene and sanitation for healthier homes and communities. WASH Pamayanan was part of OFI’s Gabay Kalusugan Family Enrichment Seminar and concluded with the distribution of OFI’s VitaBun, a vitamin-fortified bread for undernourished children.
The parent-participants received gift bags from Manila Water Foundation’s partner, Philusa Corporation. Each gift bag contains bottles of Cleene Antibacterial Foaming Handsoap and other essential hygiene items. The mothers and fathers also received Ascorbic Acid Poten-Cee vitamin supplements from Pascual Laboratories. The WASH Pamayanan session is part of a series of WASH events in celebration of MWF’s 19th anniversary.
Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), known for its dedication to advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, has been recognized as a ‘Champion of Change’ by the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) during the 37th Anniversary of DOST-TAPI, held at The Heritage Hotel on January 30, 2024.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., DOST Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun, and DOST-TAPI Director Marion Ivy Decena presented the prestigious award to PSFI, along with the 12 esteemed ‘Champions of Change’ chosen from their extensive network of partners nationwide. PSFI’s Program Manager for Education, Kath Valentin-Ringor, and Senior Program Officer for Education and Innovation, Crisille Villaluna, received the plaque for PSFI’s commitment to elevating the quality of STEM education and contribution to enterprise development through innovative initiatives such as Shell NXplorers and Shell LiveWIRE.
These programs have empowered young minds and contributed to cultivating a culture of scientific excellence in the Philippines. Since 2020, Shell LiveWIRE Philippines has supported almost 200 entrepreneurs creating more than 700 local jobs within the sectors of energy, environment and circular economy, and local prosperity. Meanwhile, Shell NXplorers has reached over 2,000 students and trained 300+ teachers nationwide since the program started in 2019 to cultivate STEM Habits of the Mind to address relevant community challenges on food, water, and energy.
As the social arm of Shell Companies in the Philippines, the Foundation has been a crucial instrument in partnering with DOST-TAPI to further youth capacity building, nurture bright ideas, support tech startups, and make technology accessible to underserved communities. Through DOST-TAPI’s mentoring programs including the promotion of Intellectual Property Rights, Shell NXplorers participants can be equipped with skills and mindset necessary to drive innovative idea generation. Moreover, the Institutes’ programs for inventors and startup founders present opportunities for Shell LiveWIRE cohorts to enhance their product and business development. The collaboration between PSFI and DOST-TAPI seeks to instill a passion for science among Filipino youth and entrepreneurs.
Shell LiveWIRE, the flagship enterprise development program of Shell, supports entrepreneurs and helps new business leaders grow. Similarly, NXplorers, Shell’s Global STEM Program, introduces young individuals to the complex and creative thinking needed for making meaningful change.
DOST-TAPI celebrated its 37th Anniversary with the theme: “Defying Boundaries, Celebrating Victories, and Sharing the Glory in Making History!,” which resonates with the achievements of PSFI and its fellow ‘Champions of Change’. We at PSFI extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners. Our collective efforts made this first milestone of 2024 possible. Just as the theme says, let us continue to push the boundaries of possibility and make more societal impacts on moving the Filipinos forward in the pages of history.
Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) Executive Director Louie Boy G. De Real and Trustee and Corporate Secretary Melissa Aquino receive the Excellence Award for Communication Management in the 20th Philippine Quill Awards held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport, Pasay City.
Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI) proudly clinched its 3rd Philippine Quill Award of Excellence, this time for being one of the best in employee engagement through its “Regalo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko” (RMKK) internal fundraising program for the scholarship provided to Security Bank guards, messengers, janitors and other agency personnel.
The award was received by SBFI Trustee and Corporate Secretary Melissa Aquino and Executive Director Louie De Real from International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines last January 23, 2024 at Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport, Pasay City.
This is the 8th Philippine Quill trophy of SBFI since 2015 – now having 3 Excellence Awards (highest distinction) and 5 Merit Awards under its belt.
The RMKK program generated 40% of the annual fund needed for the scholarship of the Bank’s agency personnel, having an average of 100 employees attending each event in 2022 – with the Christmas Concert for a Cause event generating the highest attendance of 959. The SBFI, in partnership with the Bank’s other departments, implemented virtual activities such as Name It to Win It, The Singing Bee, Bingo Night, Family Feud, The Price is Right, 4Pics 1Word, Trivia Night, and Live Selling.
Notably, these activities gave valuable opportunities for employee engagement for both Bank employees who are on work from home setup and for employees stationed in provincial branches and offices, all while helping send more scholars to school.
Moreover, the RMKK program also allowed employees to adopt a scholar for a year through sponsorship of their full year tuition expense and allowances. Employees who accessed internal skill-building platform LinkedIn Learning also helped generate funds for the program with Php 1 for every hour spent in the platform – a program done in collaboration with Security Bank’s training and development arm, SB Academy.
The SBFI also ensured a variety of channels for donation which may be done either through cash deposit, credit card one-time or installment charging, and conversion of credit card reward points as donation.
Beyond raising funds, the program aimed to increase Security Bank employees’ awareness and interest of its companies’ CSR programs and its advocacy of education. The SBFI’s RMKK scholarship program has graduated 46 scholars in college, with 5 receiving Latin honors and 6 employed in Security Bank.
League of Corporate Foundations 