Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) has received the distinction of Institusyong Tagapagtaguyod ng Kultura at Sining (Institution-Champion of Culture and Arts) from the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) at the inaugural Ang MUSEO Awards. The recognition honors the Foundation’s more than four decades of championing Filipino artists and advancing Philippine visual arts.
The award was conferred on October 22, 2026, at the National Museum of Natural History, as MFPI celebrated its 40th anniversary. It recognizes MBFI’s sustained commitment to cultural stewardship through its flagship Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) program.
“This recognition is our heartfelt appreciation for the decades of passionate work that Metrobank Foundation, Inc. has done for Philippine visual arts, and most importantly, to the Filipino artists who give life and meaning to our cultural identity,” said Ang MUSEO Awards Chair Ma. Belen Fernando.
Metrobank founder and art patron Dr. George S.K. Ty established MADE in 1984, originally under the name Metrobank National Painting Competition. The initiative was founded on the belief that visual art could give young Filipinos a platform to express themselves and share their perspectives amid the country’s socio-economic realities.
Over the years, the competition has evolved beyond recognizing artistic excellence. It has also worked to broaden public access to art and create opportunities for Filipino artists to pursue their craft and build meaningful, sustainable careers.
Advancing Artistic Careers Beyond Recognition
One of the ways MADE supports artists is by helping them bring their work to wider audiences. In recent editions of the competition, MADE Grand Awardees have received support for artistic development and solo exhibitions through MBFI’s partnership with Eskinita Art Farm.
For 2007 MADE Grand Awardee for Oil/Acrylic on Canvas Mark Andy Garcia, this support made a meaningful difference early in his career. Garcia, who also served on the 2026 MADE Board of Judges, recalled how the Foundation helped him mount his first solo exhibition.
“During my first solo exhibit, nakatulong talaga ang Metrobank Foundation sa amin noon. Nandoon ang support nila para sa aming solo exhibit, one-man show,” Garcia shared, recalling how the Foundation supported their solo exhibition.
Building a Stronger Artist Community
An artist’s growth is shaped not only by opportunities to showcase their work but also by the relationships they build along the way. Through MADE, artists become part of a community where they can exchange ideas, learn from peers across generations, and find encouragement as they navigate the challenges of their creative practice.
For 2025 MADE Grand Awardee for Mixed Media Jao Pelaez, joining the competition opened doors to relationships that continued to enrich his artistic journey.
“After MADE, lumaki yung art community na nasamahan ko. Dumami yung kaibigan kong artists,” he shared, describing how he became part of a wider art community and developed friendships with fellow artists.
Connecting with both younger and more experienced creatives also gave Pelaez opportunities to learn from their perspectives and experiences.
Fellow 2025 MADE Grand Awardee for Oil/Acrylic on Canvas Jack de Castro likewise emphasized the importance of having a supportive community. Being surrounded by people who understand the challenges of an artistic career, offer guidance, and share their experiences can remind artists that they are not alone in pursuing their craft.
De Castro also highlighted the value of combining cash prizes with residency opportunities. While financial support helps cover everyday needs, a residency provides dedicated time and space for artists to focus on creating and improving their work. Together, these forms of assistance recognize that sustaining an artistic practice requires more than talent and opportunity—it also takes resources and a community that encourages continued growth.
Bringing Art Into Wider Public Conversations
MADE also provides opportunities for artists to reach broader audiences and encourage conversations beyond the creative community.
For 2026 MADE Grand Awardee for Sculpture Aldrin Olaguir, the competition gave his work an opportunity to become part of a wider public dialogue.
“MADE offered my work a chance to move beyond me, allowing people to bring their own experiences and interpretations into the piece,” Olaguir shared in an interview with Kanto PH.
“For me, MADE wasn’t simply a competition or another exhibition opportunity. It became a place where I could test whether this idea could become part of a larger conversation about where we are as a society right now,” he added.
Listening and Responding to Artists’ Needs
Understanding artists’ needs is essential to ensuring that MADE’s support remains relevant and meaningful as they pursue their craft and work toward sustainable careers.
Visual artist, sculptor, and Chair of the 2026 MADE Board of Judges Reg Yuson commended the Foundation for its continued commitment to Filipino artists.
“The fact that the Metrobank Foundation consistently consults artists on how to improve its program says a lot about its commitment to the arts,” Yuson said.
This commitment to listening and responding to artists’ needs remains central to the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen its contributions to the Philippine arts community.
As Metrobank Foundation President Philip Francisco Dy shared, “This recognition strengthens our commitment to working with institutions such as the Museum Foundation of the Philippines to help foster a collaborative arts ecosystem where artists can build sustainable careers and Philippine art can thrive.”
For more than four decades, MADE has demonstrated that investing in artists is also an investment in the country’s cultural future. By nurturing talent, creating opportunities, and strengthening the creative community, Metrobank Foundation continues to help Filipino artists inspire dialogue, preserve cultural identity, and shape the nation’s evolving story.
