The challenge of isolation, keenly felt in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas such as Batanes Province, requires more than simple aid and demands specialized expertise and unified effort. This need was met head-on by the Guro, Pulis, Sundalo na may Galing, Puso, at Sigasig (GPS²) outreach program spearheaded by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the three distinguished alumni networks of its Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) Outstanding Filipino Teachers, Police Officers, and Soldiers, along with other private and civil society organizations.
The unique strength of GPS² lies in its multi-sectoral foundation, pooling resources and specialized skills from the Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED), The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership (TOPSOLDIERS), and the Police Officers Responsible for Organizing, Transforming, and Empowering Communities (PROTECT). This convergence of excellence is supported by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Education alongside partners like One Meralco Foundation, Manila Tytana Colleges and Rotary Club of Makati Metro, Rotary Club of New Manila East, Rotary Club of Camp Crame, Rotary Club of Makati Poblacion, and Rotary Club of Makati Zobel, and The Fraternal Order of Eagles-Philippine Eagles.
“Naglalayon na magsilbing tanglaw ang GPS² sa patuloy ng pagbabago at pag-angat ng Ivana at marami pang komunidad sa ating bansa,” (“GPS² aims to be a guiding light for the continuous progress and transformation of Ivana, Batanes Province and many other communities across the country.”) said Joseph Anthony M. Quesada, Metrobank Foundation executive director.
GPS² received immediate local validation because it was grounded in the community’s own identified needs, gathered through close consultation with the local government units (LGUs). It also aligns directly with the Batanes Provincial Government’s priority program, Mission H.O.P.E., which focuses on health, housing, opportunities, peace and order, preparedness, education, and e-governance.
Support to Inclusive Learning
Bridging the distance in educational access meant providing highly specialized training and resources. Forty-three teachers from Basco Central School and various schools in Ivana Municipality were given critical knowledge during a session on Inclusive Teaching Strategies and Behavior Modification for learners diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) facilitated by Amcy Esteban—2015 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher—and her colleague from the DepEd Division of Manila, Teacher Ynna Marie Manzano. Furthermore, Police Major Mae Ann Cunanan and Police Lieutenant Marsha Agustin—both Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Police Officers—together with Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher Edgar Durana, led a sign language proficiency workshop for 10 Batanes PNP Women and Children’s Protection Desk officers and local Special Education (SPED) teachers. The session strengthened their ability to communicate with residents with speech and hearing impairments, allowing them to offer more responsive and compassionate support.
2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Police Officer Major Mae Ann Cunanan demonstrating the essential Filipino Sign Language to help officers assigned to the PNP Women and Children’s Protection Desk communicate with speech- and hearing-impaired residents in their communities.
To aid in learning, schools in the municipality also received five desktop computers from Manila Tytana Colleges, a laptop from the 2025 police officer awardee, Police Master Sergeant Ivan Velasco, five Smart TVs from PNPA Class of 2001, 10 printers with ink from the Metrobank Foundation, and 981 workbooks from TOPSOLDIERS and NOTED. Student safety was also addressed directly when Police Major Helen L Dela Cruz conducted a lecture on Republic Act 7610 (Anti-Child Abuse Law) for the children of the Ivana Elementary School.
Overall Health Support
Promoting overall wellness was a key component of the mission, extending from basic physical health to mental resilience. Apart from medical and eye check-ups benefitting 158 individuals, the GPS2 team also provided a crucial session focused on Workplace Mental Wellness and Dealing with Stress facilitated by 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher Dr. Regina Hechanova-Alampay for 85 teachers and police officers. To promote access to healthy produce, PLTCOL Maria Susana V. Pascual led an Organic Farming lecture for 33 farmers. Participants also received seeds and gardening tools to help them start their own sustainable gardens and improve their harvests
Focusing on foundational health practices, Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Susana Pascual conducted an engaging lecture for 61 students, using interactive demonstrations and a lively dance performance, emphasizing proper tooth brushing and handwashing as part of the W.A.S.H. Program. Following the lecture, 200 learners were given hygiene kits consisting of toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, and bath soap, thanks to PROTECT members and Procter & Gamble Philippines and all 344 learners of Ivana Municipality were given a pair of rubber slippers.
Support for Community Preparedness
To ensure the safety of the youth, ENS Fernando Parcon (Ret), a 2016 Outstanding Filipino Soldier and Rotary Club of Makati Metro president, led the basic self-defense training using arnis for high school learners. The municipality also received 336 food packs from the Philippine National Police, 960 pairs of slippers from police officers, 40 solar lights from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 5 solar lamps from a police officer awardee, PMSg Dennis Bendo, and 150 solar flashlights from One Meralco Foundation; more than 20 mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, canes, and walkers, from the Rotary Club of Makati Zobel for 15 individuals; 70 first aid kits from Manila Tytana Colleges; five generator units from the Fraternal Order of Eagles for five different Barangay LGUs; and 170 emergency kits from Makati and Pasig LGUs to enhance community preparedness.
Nominate a Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Today
The remarkable success of this multi-sectoral effort in Batanes is a testament to the powerful difference exemplary individuals can make in their communities. Be part of this movement to amplify excellence by nominating outstanding teachers, soldiers, and police officers who go beyond duty, lead with compassion, and inspire change through the Nomination Portal: https://bit.ly/2026OF-Nominate.
Beyond championing excellence in public service through Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program, MBFI also uplifts learners and educators; preserves and promotes Philippine art; and partners strategically with social development organizations to implement transformative programs that address urgent needs in health, education, livelihood, and disaster risk reduction and management.
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