The Manila Times, a prominent media institution, has been honored by the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) with the Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy, and Commitment to Excellence (Peace) award. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon exceptional organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to nation-building and collaboration.
Expressing gratitude for the award, Dante “Klink” Ang 2nd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Manila Times, thanked Metrobank for the recognition. He humbly acknowledged that as a member of the media, their primary focus is to report the news. Being recognized for simply doing their job is a rare and cherished occurrence.
Ang also expressed his honor in being mentioned alongside Metrobank, a renowned institution in the Philippines that has consistently supported leaders in various sectors, including the police force, army, and education. The Manila Times is proud to be associated with such a reputable company.
The Peace award was bestowed upon twenty-nine other exceptional institutions, each receiving the Kapit Bisig trophy. Designed by Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) awardee and architect Jonathan Dangue, the trophy symbolizes bayanihan or camaraderie among the awarded organizations. These organizations include national government agencies, non-government and socio-civic organizations, international organizations, the academe, the business sector, media organizations, and Covid-19 intervention partners.
In addition to the Peace award, the Metrobank Foundation also presented the 5th Metrobank Foundation Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (Aces) to outstanding scholars and individuals who have made a significant positive impact in their communities. The 32 Aces awardees were honored with the Spiral medallion, designed by another MADE awardee, Roberto Feleo. The spiral represents the journey and progress achieved by the awardees.
Among the Aces awardees were the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, who have made notable contributions in the academe, military and police sectors, as well as the MADE program, Metrobank Foundation scholars, and Journalists of the Year.
Furthermore, the foundation recognized Filipino soldiers and police officers who have excelled in their respective fields and were promoted to the rank of generals. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to their country.
MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña emphasized that the awards were given based on the awardees’ continuing excellence and service. The event also marked the commemoration of MBFI’s 45th anniversary and highlighted their progress in various corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, including education, grant-giving, and disaster response.
Sobrepeña described the anniversary theme, “A heart that serves,” as powerful and transformative, reflecting the vision of George Ty, the founder of Metrobank Foundation. Over the past 45 years, the foundation has dedicated itself to nation-building by serving the people who have been integral to the company’s growth.
Sobrepeña encouraged the awardees to continue their advocacies and strive for even greater achievements. He acknowledged that while their partnerships and interventions have benefited different sectors of Philippine society, there is still much work to be done. The shared dream is to create an inclusive, sustainable, and accessible future for every Filipino, and together, they can contribute to this vision for the benefit of future generations.
In conclusion, The Manila Times’ recognition as a Partner in Empowerment and Advocacy demonstrates their commitment to journalistic excellence and their role in nation-building. The Peace award and the Aces awards serve as a testament to the exceptional individuals and organizations who are making a positive impact on Philippine society.
Source: The Manila Times