HE may have been known best as one of the country’s leading bankers, but among those with the finest memories of Dr. George S. K. Ty are those who benefited from decades of his philanthropy, especially in education.
The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Sunday that it will be “always grateful” to Ty, Metrobank and Metrobank Foundation Inc. founder who passed away on Friday (November 23) at the age of 86.
“The DepEd will always be grateful to Dr. Ty for his lifelong commitment to the advancement of education, culture and arts in the Philippines through various programs and initiatives spearheaded by Metrobank Foundation—one of the country’s most dynamic corporate philanthropic organizations,” the DepEd said in a statement as its extended sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Ty.
The DepEd noted among the significant contributions of Ty the Metro-bank Foundation’s Outstanding Filipinos awards series that recognizes the best soldiers, teachers, policemen and journalists, among others; the Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge that has inspired thousands of Math teachers and students to excel and the National Teachers’ Month celebration.
“As an award-giving body, Metrobank Foundation blazed the trail in giving due recognition to exemplary men and women—teachers, soldiers, and policemen. Now, there are more and more civic organizations and government agencies following the Foundation’s footsteps,” the DepEd added.
The life and works of Dr. Ty, the DepEd said, reflect his “genuine desire and noble goal to contribute to societal development and nation-building.”
“His legacy will live on as every year, outstanding Filipinos will remind us that where there is service beyond excellence, there is joy and there is a future for our learners,” the DepEd said.
Founded Metrobank
Ty established Metrobank in 1962, and has been de facto chairman emeritus as early as 2008 as his sons Arthur and Alfred headed the many companies in the group in his stead.
He was known to grow Metrobank as one of the top banks in the country and expanded its reach internationally.
He went beyond banking and transformed the Bank to a diverse business conglomerate with successful joint ventures—with the Toyota Motor Corp., AXA insurance, Orix Metro Leasing to name a few.
The Metrobank Group counts as its members 18 domestic subsidiaries, partners and affiliates in various industries and 32 foreign branches, subsidiaries and representative offices.
Memorial services started on Sunday, November 25, 2018, at the Heritage Park, Taguig City.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Philippine National Red Cross, CBCP Caritas Filipinas Foundation and Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, to honor his spirit of generosity and memory.