In celebration of Chinese New Year, the Metrobank Group and GT Capital Holdings, Inc. sustained their tradition of giving back to communities through the 2016 “Bags of Blessing” (BOB) project. Through a P10 million worth of donation, bags containing P1,000 worth of food items will be distributed to 10,000 families in select areas in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the National Capital Region.

As one of the chosen sites, 500 families in Maribojoc, Bohol were assisted with food bags containing rice, milk, sugar, canned goods, and noodles among other basic commodities last February 20, 2016 at Sta. Cruz Parish. The distribution was graced by Fr. Gerardo “Jingboy” Saco Jr., parish priest and Metrobank-Bohol Branches led by Evangeline Uy Pacana, cluster sales head.

In time for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) served as the main partner in this undertaking in coordination with select Roman Catholic archdioceses and dioceses all throughout the country and through the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Spearheaded by GT Foundation and Metrobank Foundation, employees from the network of Metrobank branches and the different subsidiaries and affiliates of GT Capital Holdings and the Metrobank Group were mobilized to help in this series of gift-giving activities.

“Amidst the revelry and festivities in the line with the celebration of the Chinese New Year, there is also the reality that there are many underprivileged Filipino families who do not have access to basic social services. We wanted to make the celebration of Chinese New Year a unique one by way of sustaining our tradition of sharing and giving back through this project,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña. “On the 4^th year of the Bags of Blessing, we are privileged to work with CBCP and our church leaders as our way of responding to the call for mercy and compassion among the poor by Pope Francis,” he continued.

Cities chosen to be this year’s venues of Bags of Blessing include: Marikina City (500 families); Quezon City (500 families); Taguig City (500 families); Makati City (500 families); and the city of Manila (700 families).

Furthermore, the other selected Luzon provinces are Imus, Cavite (500 families); Dagupan City, Pangasinan (500 families); Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (500 families); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (500 families); Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija (500 families); and Calumpit, Bulacan (500 families).

Other areas in the Visayas region are Cebu City, Cebu (500 families); Toledo City, Cebu (500 families); La Paz, Iloilo City (500 families); Palo, Leyte (400 families); Guiuan, Eastern Samar (400 families); Provinces in Mindanao include Cagayan de Oro City and Davao City, each site with 500 families to benefit from the project.

*****

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was established on January 8, 1979 by Dr. George S. K. Ty, 16 years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank). As the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, the Foundation implements various programs in education, visual arts and healthcare and maintains an active and dynamic partnership with other organizations that likewise provide services for the underprivileged sectors of society and remains equally responsive to emergency and relief operations for affected Filipinos in times of natural calamities in the Philippines and in Asia. Among the Foundation’s flagship programs are the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE), Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT). The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS), Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS), Search for Journalists of the Year (JOY), Metrogold Scholarship Program (MSP), and Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC). MBFI also spearheads the celebration of the National Teachers’ Month (NTM) held from September 5 to October 5 of every year since 2008. The Foundation also implements the Fellowships for International Understanding Program in partnership with selected international organizations and diplomatic mission. It also supports programs aimed at educating the citizenry on public-interest issues through research and lectures given by the distinguished chair holders of the Metrobank Foundation Professional Chair Lectures, established by the Foundation in partnership with reputable educational institutions. MBFI is also the principal owner of the Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH), one of the leading centers of the wellness in the country. In 2014, the Foundation celebrated its 35^th year with the theme, “Launching Dreams” serving as its beacon in the next five years. It shall continue to Excel, Engage, and Empower, but this time even more conscious in supporting the various sectors of the Philippine community in pursuing their individual and collective dreams – for an educated workforce, for accessible medical care, for outstanding professional careers, and for a responsible and enlightened citizenry. Through the Foundation’s recognition and social development programs, it shall continuously strengthen and assist Filipinos in their endeavors, raising their abilities and improving their way of life, inspiring and uplifting their spirits, so that one day, they may be empowered enough to know reality of their dreams.

GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI) is a non-profit organization that serves as the family foundation of the Ty Family. Established in 2009, GTFI commits to serve the community through programs for education and health, as well as through its legacy projects, grant making activities, and disaster response initiatives. Visit www.facebook.com/gtmetro for more information.