These align with the key priority areas (KPAs) identified by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).
Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), which describes itself as a “developmental organization” and its partners have walked together with communities to meet the changing needs in the education sector.
MBFI has partnered with Binhi English Literacy Foundation, Inc. to implement an after-school remediation program that helps kindergarten and Grade 1 learners strengthen their reading and comprehension skills.
The program is key to developing functional literacy, or the ability to understand and apply what one reads.
The program has delivered strong learning gains, with kindergarten learners improving by an average of 63.6% and Grade 1 learners by 53.3%, both exceeding the 30% to 50% target.
Moreover, learners also developed key foundational skills such as letter recognition, phonics, spelling, and early writing.
In addition, the MBFI also launched the Metrobank Foundation SOLUTION (Support for Optimal Learning & Understanding To Improve Overall Numeracy) in 2025.
The program aims to help learners overcome fear and build confidence in working with numbers.
In its pilot implementation at San Miguel Heights Elementary School in Valenzuela, the program recorded strong results, where it was able to achieve a 26% average increase in numeracy scores, with 95.4% of students showing improvement.
It also helped reduce math anxiety among 64.2% of learners, alongside increased confidence and participation in class.
Meanwhile, to help address shortage of basic learning materials and equipment, the Metrobank Foundation and its partners have provided learning kits, printed and digital modules, and equipment such as photocopiers, radios, and computers.
In 2021 alone, MBFI, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), donated printers to 45 public schools in the School Divisions of Laguna, Iloilo, and Davao del Norte, as well as to selected schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).
To date, more than PHP8.4 million worth of learning equipment and supplies have also been provided to enable more effective teaching and expanding students’ access to learning materials.
Apart from the materials, the foundation supports the construction of classrooms, libraries, and reading spaces to improve learning conditions, including a PHP11.5 million pledge to DepEd this year for classrooms in last-mile schools.
Regarding health and safety, the MBFI partnered with Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) Foundation, Manila Water Foundation, and World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (WVDF).
Together, they provided PHP1.8 million to build handwashing facilities in schools and communities nationwide, especially in underserved areas, to help promote better hygiene, reduce illness, and support regular school attendance.
The National Teachers’ Month (NTM) movement, led by the Foundation since its launch as the “Teachers’ Month Campaign” in 2008, continues to recognize the vital role of educators in nation-building.
Through partner-led initiatives, it provides opportunities for recognition, engagement, and professional support, which also help sustain teacher morale and reinforce the importance of the teaching profession in improving learning outcomes.
Moreover, the MBFI also noted that it supports early childhood development through grants and feeding programs benefitting thousands that help prepare children for school readiness, including nutrition interventions for pregnant and lactating mothers and children aged 0–5—grounded on the critical first 1,000 days of life for brain development and lifelong learning.
At the tertiary level, scholarship programs such as the Metrobank Scholarship Program continue to support college students through financial assistance and mentorship, which has been running for 30 years.
Thousands of scholars have been supported, with 150 new scholarships to be awarded across 15 partner universities this school year.
“As the country confronts a deepening learning crisis, MBFI continues to work hand in hand with partners to deliver evidence-based solutions that empower learners, support teachers, and strengthen communities,” it told.
The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was established in January 1979 by Dr. George S. K. Ty, who also founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank).
The MBFI envisions itself to be the country’s “premier corporate philanthropic foundation,” which contributes a significant impact on social development.
Its flagship programs include the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos; Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE); Metrobank Scholarship Program (MSP); and the Metrobank MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC), which has been reimagined as the Metrobank Foundation SOLUTION (Support for Optimal Learning & Understanding To Improve Overall Numeracy).
The MBFI is also the principal owner of the Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH), one of the leading centers of wellness in the country.