FORMER awardees of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program recently organized a multi-sectoral community development initiative for the residents of Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan on 20 April 2024.
Dubbed as the ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐จ, ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ, ๐๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐จ ๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ , ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐จ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ (๐๐๐๐), a total of 80 families (223 residents) and 107 military and uniformed personnel benefitted from the program. Pag-asa is a small island situated within the #WestPhilippineSea.
The program included free medical and dental consultations, including tooth extractions. Infants were administered with free vaccinations, and residents were provided with essential medicines, vitamins, and eyeglasses. Teaching and learning kits were provided for all teachers and students. Food packs, hygiene kits, solar kits, and slippers were also given away to all residents.
Supported by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc., the program was jointly led and organized by the alumni network of former Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos — the Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED) led by its President, UPD Professor Emeritus Ernelea P Cao; The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Integrity, Excellence and Responsibility to Society (TOPSOLDIERS) currently chaired by AFP Chief of Staff, GEN Romeo S Brawner Jr; and the Police Officers Responsible for Organizing, Transforming and Empowering Communities (PROTECT) under the helm of PMGEN Edgar Alan O Okubo, PNP’s Director for Police Community Relations. Partners also include the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, One Meralco Foundation, and Donate Philippines.
The group will be returning by November 2024 with high impact projects and more partners.
Learn more about the program 
: mbfoundation.org.ph/outstanding-filipinos/about-the-program/
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