From the Leadership

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

We approached 2024 with a sense of hope and optimism. Despite the multiple new economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical challenges at that time, we remained confident about the future, and anchored that hope on a fast-growing economy buoyed by resilient consumption and investment spending. Metrobank, backed by a formidable balance sheet, strong liquidity and capital structure, stood ready to support the financial needs of our customers.

Banking with Purpose

Beyond providing financial services to our customers, we at Metrobank recognize that our role extends to carving a more prosperous and sustainable future for our stakeholders. Every initiative we undertake reflects our commitment to ensuring that our actions today contribute to a more resilient tomorrow.

With the Philippines being one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, Metrobank’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient future remains strongly guided by our aspiration to support the transition towards a low-carbon economy. We are accelerating the transition to clean energy. Through strategic partnerships with our valued partners, we support projects that foster environmental resilience and energy efficiency.

Advancing Sustainable Finance: We strengthened engagements, guided by our Sustainable Finance Framework, which outlines how we integrate environmental and social risk assessments into our lending and investment decisions. By embedding sustainability into our financial practices, we uphold our responsibility to drive long-term economic adaptability and stability.

Green and ESG Finance Initiatives: Our sustainable finance initiatives reflect our belief that financial institutions must actively support the transition to a sustainable future. We facilitated green loans with industry leaders, directly funding clean energy projects that contribute to lowering carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy adoption. Furthermore, our involvement in the issuance of ESG-themed bonds, such as Ayala Land's Sustainability-Linked Bond (SLB) and Maynilad's Blue Bond, underscores our commitment to driving capital toward responsible, forward-thinking projects that address the most pressing sustainability challenges.

Inclusive Growth and Community Empowerment

In 2024, we extended PHP34.4 billion in loans to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—businesses that are the backbone of our economy. By providing access to capital, we help entrepreneurs expand, innovate, and generate employment opportunities that uplift entire communities.

Financial literacy is key to sustainable development, equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions. In 2024, we conducted over 600 financial education initiatives, reaching more than 58,000 individuals. From first-time investors using Earnest to high-net-worth clients accessing Wealth Insights, we continue to promote financial empowerment.

Our extensive branch network and digital channels ensure that financial services are accessible to all. In 2024, our remittance network processed over USD10.0 billion, accentuating the vital role of remittances in supporting Filipino families and businesses.

Our commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is further grounded through the works of Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and the Purple Hearts Club (PHC). We believe that businesses thrive when communities prosper, and our CSR initiatives are designed to create lasting, meaningful change. MBFI, our corporate citizenship arm, strategically invests in education, health, community development, and disaster relief, ensuring that our contributions lead to measurable improvements in people's lives. Meanwhile, PHC, an entirely employee-led volunteer group, fosters a culture of service by mobilizing chapter-initiated community projects. In 2024, our collective efforts amounted to over PHP155.9 million in program expenditures, grants, and employee donations.

MBFI combined direct program implementation with strategic grants and partnerships, ensuring alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through targeted initiatives, we improved sanitation for over 2,000 students, enhancing health and well-being in underserved schools. Our disaster resilience programs focused on proactive prevention and mitigation, equipping vulnerable communities with the tools needed to withstand future challenges. Meanwhile, we also empowered 82 organizations to celebrate and support 339,000 teachers nationwide during the National Teachers' month, reinforcing our commitment to education as a cornerstone of the country's progress. Beyond education, we collaborated with organizations driving food security solutions and advancing livelihood programs that equip individuals with entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy, fostering self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.

Our focus is clear. As a catalyst for sustainable growth, we are creating more opportunities for Filipinos and delivering value through an inclusive financial system that benefits our clients and shareholders. As we expand every segment of our business, we aim to be a more relevant partner, supporting the growth of local businesses and communities, and continue making a meaningful impact on the nation. On behalf of the Board of Directors, our dedicated leadership team, and hardworking employees, we express our gratitude to our stakeholders, partners, and customers for their unwavering support. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and, together, we are confident in our shared success.

ARTHUR TY Chairman