MARAWI CITY, February 12, 2019 – Members of the Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED) and other alumni organizations of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos recently launched a pay-it-forward project called Guro, Pulis at Sundalo na may Galing, Puso at Sigasig (GPS²), through the assistance of the Department of Education (DepEd), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in January.

To contribute to restoring normalcy, especially in the lives of the learners, the group visited Marawi Sagonsongan Pilot Elementary School—one of the largest temporary schools. The awardees conducted simultaneous storytelling sessions and distributed teddy bears to Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners, courtesy of Metrobank Card Corporation. The group also visited Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School for a brief ocular inspection and conversation with faculty members.

This first ever collaborative project of NOTED, TOPSOLDIERS [The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Integrity, Excellence and Responsibility to Society] and PROTECT [Police Officers Responsible for Organizing, Transforming and Empowering Communities], is in time for this year’s celebration of the Metrobank Foundation’s 40th anniversary.

The delegation was led by Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) president Aniceto Sobrepeña, joined by a number of Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos including: Dr. Ernelea Cao; Dr. Mary Ann Serrano; Dr. Mark Torres; Dr. Ruben Abucayon; Dr. Rizal Vidallo, Olivia Caling; MGen. Romeo Poquiz (Ret.); BGen. Alex Tamondong (Ret.); BGen. Ariel Caculitan; Col. Elmer Suderio PA; PCSupt. Mario Rariza, Jr.; PSSupt. Pascual Muñoz, Jr.; PSSupt. Alex Sintin; PSupt. Carlo Manuel; and PCI Rosalino Ibay, among other awardees.

To further its assistance to reach out to affected educators and schoolchildren of Marawi City, NOTED, TOPSOLDIERS, and PROTECT likewise launched a call for donation (both in-kind or cash) last December 2018 to support GPS².

Proceeds will fund the establishments of libraries and WASH [Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation] facilities, and the provision of teachers’ and learners’ kits to benefit affected educators and learners. Interested donors may get in touch with the MBFI Excellence Awards Unit at 898-8757 / 0917-562-9980 / 0933-309-9585.

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