Metrobank, GT foundations support UA&P scholarship
Metrobank-led foundations have infused fresh funds to help deserving students around the Philippines to join the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).
GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), and Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) signed a memorandum of agreement with UA&P on February 15, 2023, to seal their commitment to fund more students or future leaders through scholarship grant programs. The grant covers full tuition and miscellaneous fees, a monthly stipend of P8,000, an Internet allowance of P1,000/month, a laptop, and one-on-one mentorship with a member of the UA&P Board of Trustees.
Aniceto Sobrepeña, GT Foundation executive director and also Metrobank Foundation president called on incoming college and junior college students from Cebu to take part in this program.
UA&P said the generous joint donation would allow them to continue making a significant impact in preparing future leaders and reach out to as many students as possible, especially those from the provinces.
The Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr., Scholarship Grant is open to all incoming college and junior college students with a high school average of at least 90 percent, who possess exemplary leadership credentials and show potential to be trailblazers and catalysts for change in the community.
According to Sobrepeña, the grant is GT Foundation’s and Metrobank Foundation’s way of honoring the late Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr., who has been instrumental in the business success of Metrobank and in pursuing the advocacies of Metrobank Foundation.
After more than two decades of government service, Dr. Mapa, Jr. served Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank) for over 30 years in various capacities. He was President of Metrobank from 1989 to 1991, Vice chairman from 1992 to 2005, Chairman of the Metrobank Board of Advisers from 2006 to 2009, and Senior Adviser from 2010 to 2019.
His father, Dr. Placido Mapa, Sr., was the founding President of Metrobank, who was often remembered not for his numerous professional accomplishments but for his character.
GTFI was established on October 7, 2009, as the family foundation of the late Metrobank Chairman, Dr. George S. K. Ty. The purpose of the foundation was to contribute to the upliftment of Filipinos through initiatives contributing to the improvement of the education, health, environment, technology, and innovation sectors.
MBFI, on the other hand, was established on January 8, 1979, by Dr. George S.K. Ty, 16 years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank). Created to implement Metrobank’s corporate social responsibility, MBFI aims to provide and fund programs focusing on education, visual arts, health, and recognizing excellence among key professions.
Consistent with its roadmap, “Excel, Engage, Empower,” the Foundation’s programs seek to inspire people to excel in what they do, engage them and the communities they belong to, and empower them to become agents of positive change and influence—all for the onward pursuit of nation-building.