Metrobank founder receives honorary degree from UST

MANILA, Philippines – “When you have enough especially what you need and things like that, there is a lot of good opportunity in the Philippines for you to do charitable work. You can help a lot of people.”

Dr George S.K Ty had an unfazed dream of putting up a bank not only for mere profit for his family, but for the purpose of giving money away in the spirit of philanthropy.

He sacrificed many things including finishing college. 

Now the group chairman of one of the biggest banking corporations in the country – Metrobank Group of Companies – he has fulfilled his dream. With the accomplishments and accolades that go with his already legendary resume, he is not stopping yet in uplifting the lives of every Filipino.

The University of Santo Tomas, the school where he studied, recently conferred an honorary doctorate degree in Humanities, Honoris Causa for his immense contribution to nation-building.

Wonder child

Since he was young, growing up in Yongchun Country of Fujian Province, Ty already displayed excellent entrepreneurial skills as a factory manager of his family-owned flour mill at a tender age of 18.

But life was not a smooth sail for young George; his family’s company went through difficult times. As a young entrepreneur with no track record, Ty had a hard time securing a loan from the established banks. He resolved, even at a young age, to put up a bank that would provide loans to those who needed it.

He waited in the office of the Central Bank governor every week for several years. It was one of the best decisions in his life.

After careful deliberation, the government agreed. In 1962, Metrobank was born.

Legacy in progress

In less than 30 years, his devotion and focus on recruiting talented individuals catapulted Metrobank to become one of the strongest financial conglomerates in the Philippines. 

Ty established the Metrobank Foundation in 1979, or 16 years after the bank’s incorporation.

Over the course of 35 years, the foundation has made a lasting impact in society with the commitment of bringing genuine service to its clients and affiliates.

Stopping was never an option for George.

With his goal of honoring and nurturing outstanding individuals in the public eye, he orchestrated the development of various programs: The Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT), The Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) for Filipino Artists, The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS), The Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS), The Metrobank Foundation Professional Chairs Program, and the Search for Journalist of the Year (JOY).

Another brainchild of his is the Grants and Calamity Assistance Programs, which assists communities in building a brighter future by providing financial assistance to tragedy-stricken families.

He also acquired a controlling interest in the Manila Doctors Hospital in 1979.

Throughout the years, Metrobank expanded its influence in real estate development, insurance, education, healthcare, automobile manufacture, power generation, hotel and tourism.

Guided philosophy

At the heart of his business endeavors, the family is still the closest to his heart. He is known to be a strict father, teaching his sons and daughters not to be complacent and to do more than what is expected of them.

Since then, his success principle remain intact: Any task worth doing and remembering must be done well, and that social responsibility should always be a benchmark to leadership in business. – Rappler.com

 

Kim Ray-Ed Berberabe is a Rappler Mover from the University of Sto. Tomas.