Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña (third from left) turns over a check donation to Inquirer Publisher Atty. Raul Pangalangan (second from left) for victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.” Looking on are Inquirer Corporate Affairs Manager Connie Kalagayan (left) and the foundation’s deputy executive director, Nicanor L. Torres, Jr.
MANILA, Philippines—The Metrobank Group, Toyota Motor Philippines, and Toyota Financial Services Philippines are donating P50 million for the ongoing relief operations for families displaced by Supertyphoon “Yolanda.” Through the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and GT-Metro Foundation, Inc. (Ty family foundation), an initial P25 million will be allotted for relief operations in the calamity-stricken provinces of Leyte, Iloilo, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Aklan, Antique and Palawan.
A portion will be coursed through different socio-civic and media organizations spearheading donation drives.
To support their ongoing donation drive, P500,000 was given to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The amount was turned-over by Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña to Inquirer President Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez and corporate affairs head Connie Kalagayan.
The other P25 million will go to the reconstruction and rebuilding of churches, schools and others.
“We are saddened by the extent of destruction in the lives and properties among our fellow Filipinos in the Visayas including the province of Palawan brought about by this recent calamity. To help mitigate their sufferings, we have mobilized the resources of the Metrobank Group. We hope that other corporations will also do their share as a show of solidarity to the victims,” said Metrobank Group chairman and founder Dr. George SK Ty.
Meanwhile, Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH), the healthcare affiliate of the Metrobank Group, is currently arranging for the conduct of medical missions in hardest hit areas in the Visayas.
Earlier, Global Business Power Corp. (GBPC), the Metrobank Group’s power firm, opened its multi-purpose hall in Iloilo to serve as temporary shelter to around 300 individuals. They have also provided assistance to Cebu and Mindoro in the form of mats and relief packs.
Established on Jan. 8, 1979, by George S. K. Ty, 16 years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), the Metrobank Foundation is engaged in social development projects in the Philippines and other parts of Asia.
As the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, the foundation implements various programs in education, visual arts and healthcare. It also maintains an active and dynamic partnership with other organizations that likewise provide services for the disadvantaged.