September 23, 2026
Metrobank awards Tzu Chi at George S.K. Ty Grants Turnover ceremony
By Joy Rojas
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines was one of 35 social development partners to receive generous support at the George S.K. Ty Grants Turnover Ceremony, an annual event of the Metrobank Foundation and GT Foundation Inc., held on September 4 at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Coinciding with Metrobank’s 64 years of service, this year’s turnover ceremony saw P75 million in grants awarded to partner institutions representing the sectors of education, health, livelihood, disaster management, and community development.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez and Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang were on hand to accept the grant from Metrobank Chairman Arthur V. Ty.
"Metrobank Foundation has long been one of Tzu Chi Philippines's most dependable development partners, and we are deeply grateful for this grant,” said Yuñez.
Indeed, Metrobank’s resources have facilitated Tzu Chi’s timely assistance to beneficiaries seeking help during calamities and urgent medical concerns.
When Super Typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in Leyte in November 2013, Tzu Chi Foundation was able to distribute more than P600 million to Yolanda victims in Tacloban in the shortest amount of time with the help of Metrobank. Aside from expediting the release of funds, Metrobank mobilized its Visayas-based employees to travel to Tacloban to assist Tzu Chi in the distribution of cash aid to the Yolanda victims. In recent years, the bank partnered with Tzu Chi in the distribution of cash aid to victims of typhoons Odette in 2021 and Tino in 2025.
Metrobank also funded the life-changing surgeries of two beneficiaries under Tzu Chi’s Medical Assistance Program. In 2025, Mechel Banga underwent a hemimandibulectomy at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center. In the costly procedure, surgeons removed a benign tumor that had been growing in Banga’s jaw since 2019. Since then, the 40-year-old mechanic, driver, and family man can eat and speak well, as well as work confidently and without pain.
This April, doctors at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center performed surgery on Ansel Belino, 36, for loss of domain incisional hernia. The long-term complication stemmed from a previous abdominal surgery for a stabbing incident in 2006.
“With Metrobank’s support, patients can get the surgery and medicines they urgently need, and breadwinners can return to work and provide for their families again,” added Yuñez. “We hope this partnership will grow even deeper as we continue working together to improve the lives of vulnerable Filipinos."
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez and Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang (fifth and sixth from left) accept a grant during the annual George S.K. Ty Grants Turnover Ceremony of Metrobank Foundation and GT Foundation Inc.
Metrobank Chairman Arthur V. Ty (fourth from left) presents a grant to Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez.
Metrobank Foundation President and GT Foundation Executive Director Philip Francisco U. Dy addresses special guests in his welcome remarks.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto is the event’s guest of honor.
On January 2022, Metrobank partnered with Tzu Chi to facilitate cash aid to victims of Typhoon Odette in Cebu and Southern Leyte.
Flanked by Tzu Chi volunteers and staff, Mechel Banga appears confident and well following the surgical removal of a benign tumor on his left jaw. The procedure was funded by Metrobank.
Through a Metrobank-funded operation, Ansel Belino was able to undergo a procedure for loss of domain incisional hernia. The complication stemmed from a previous abdominal surgery for a stabbing incident in 2006.