After nearly three decades at the helm, Aniceto M. Sobrepeña stepped down from his leadership role at the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and GT Foundation, Inc. (GTFI), handing over the reins to policy veteran and development strategist Philip Francisco U. Dy in a symbolic ceremony held July 15 at GT Tower International in Makati City.
The leadership turnover was marked by both formality and warmth, as the joint Boards of Trustees of MBFI and GTFI read a resolution honoring Sobrepeña’s contributions before formally declaring Dy as the incoming President and Executive Director of the foundations.
Dy, who previously served as MBFI’s Executive Vice President and GTFI’s Deputy Executive Director, officially took his oath during the event, signaling the start of a new chapter for the philanthropic arms of the Metrobank Group.
His career prior to MBFI includes serving as Chief of Staff to former Vice President Leni Robredo and as Head Executive Assistant to the late Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.
He also boasts academic credentials from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, where he completed a Master in Public Policy focusing on democracy and institutions.
A summa cum laude and valedictorian graduate from Ateneo de Manila University, Dy has led initiatives in disaster response, volunteer engagement, and grassroots development in education and nutrition.
In a speech mixing humility and ambition, Dy declared, “Buong puso kong niyayakap ang pananagutan at karangalang maging inyong pinuno,” adding that he is excited to see where “our collaboration will lead us in this new chapter.”
Sobrepeña leaves behind a legacy of transformative leadership, having led MBFI since 2006 as its first full-time and non-banker president.
With a background in government as a former Cabinet Secretary under President Corazon Aquino and a former Deputy Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority, Sobrepeña brought both gravitas and strategic foresight to MBFI.
During his tenure, the foundation expanded its impact in public service, education, the arts, and health care, winning over 50 national and international awards along the way.
“Behind every metric is a story—a life touched, a future shaped, a community served,” Sobrepeña said in his farewell remarks, reflecting on the deep personal impact of the foundation’s work.
He emphasized MBFI’s culture of “quiet discipline and bold vision,” underscoring the importance of strategic action and measurable results in development work.
MBFI and GTFI now welcome Dy as their sixth President and second Executive Director respectively, a move widely seen as a continuation of the institutions’ values-driven leadership and commitment to systemic impact.
Industry observers view Dy’s entry as a natural fit given his strong grounding in public policy, collaborative governance, and community-led development.
His experience at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, particularly in managing the Disaster Net Project, is expected to reinforce the foundation’s capacity to respond to crises and build resilient communities.
The turnover comes as MBFI celebrates 45 years since its establishment by Dr. George S.K. Ty, who envisioned the foundation as a vehicle to uplift lives through excellence, engagement, and empowerment—the Foundation’s guiding 3Es.
MBFI’s flagship programs include the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, Metrobank Art & Design Excellence, Metrobank Scholarship Program, MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge, National Teachers’ Month celebration, and Professorial Chair Lectures.
It also owns and operates the Manila Doctors Hospital, one of the country’s premier wellness centers.
With Dy taking the helm, MBFI signals a renewed focus on blending policy innovation with grassroots partnerships, a shift that aligns with growing trends in evidence-based and inclusive philanthropy.
The Foundation has long been known for its quiet effectiveness, but with a leader like Dy—who speaks the language of both government technocrats and civic organizers—it may soon add “louder impact” to its reputation.
As Sobrepeña reminded attendees during his parting words, “The work continues,” a phrase that now sits as both a challenge and a compass for Dy and the next chapter of MBFI’s journey.
