With its long-standing commitment to strengthen numeracy and promote the love for math among Filipino learners, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) reimagines its Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC) into a strategic remediation program, called Metrobank Foundation SOLUTION (Support for Optimal Learning & Understanding To Improve Overall Numeracy).
Strategic Shift of MMC
Launched by MBFI in 1998, MMC is the biggest and widely anticipated annual math competition among elementary and secondary learners in the Philippines. It was implemented in partnership with the Department of Education and the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), participated by more than 500,000 students every year from public and private schools nationwide.
“While we honor the 20-year legacy of MMC in celebrating learners’ excellence in mathematics, the pressing education crisis in our nation calls for a new direction. In response, we are proactively transforming MMC into a remediation program, which is now the Metrobank Foundation SOLUTION, to address critical math learning gaps. This initiative offers right-level, supplemental instruction to grade-schoolers who need it most,” said MBFI President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña.
Metrobank Foundation SOLUTION focuses on foundational skills to empower grade-schoolers to confidently progress to higher levels of learning. It integrates the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons, and a supportive learning environment in its remediation classes.
The pilot run of SOLUTION is currently being implemented at San Miguel Heights Elementary School in Valenzuela City, in partnership with AHA Learning Center. Twelve teachers have been trained in TaRL and SEL strategies to conduct six Saturday remediation sessions focused on strengthening literacy and numeracy skills among 150 grades 4 to 6 learners.
“While the format of our program has evolved, our commitment to nurturing numeracy skills and inspiring a love for mathematics remains the same,” added Sobrepeña.
Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach
TaRL is a tested learning program that matches instruction to the learner’s current knowledge and skills, rather than their age or grade level. It was developed by Pratham, an Indian non-governmental organization, and is being implemented in thousands of schools across the globe.
According to Ms. Wenjie dela Torre, one of the teachers implementing SOLUTION, it was a pleasant surprise for the teachers to see their quiet learners become highly participative. They were equally pleased to discover a new way to engage learners and encourage their active involvement in class.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons
“Beyond math competency, a mindset shift is essential, as Math is often perceived as a challenging subject, creating anxiety and pressure on learners,” shared Sobrepeña. MBFI integrated SEL strategy to MBFI SOLUTION to help learners understand that math, like any skill, is a step-by-step process that can be learned through consistent practice. “When students believe in their own capability to solve problems, they become empowered and resilient,” added Sobrepeña.
“Oftentimes, we look at the education problem as just an academic issue. MBFI SOLUTION looks at it as a motivation opportunity—inspiring students to see math as something fun, real, and possible,” shared AHA Learning Center Executive Director Antonio Zulueta, Jr.
Supportive Learning Environment
For added motivation and accountability, MBFI made sure to bring on board the parents of the learners, who play an important role in encouraging and supporting their children—especially as they continue learning at home. MBFI also engaged the Purple Hearts Club (PHC)—the volunteerism arm of Metrobank—to help facilitate the classes and provide peer support. Around 12 PHC volunteers join the sessions every Saturday to help engage the learners.
Evidence-based Solution
To guarantee the program’s intended impact, MBFI partnered with the Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED), the distinguished alumni network of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teachers. As the third-party evaluator, NOTED will assess both learning outcomes and implementation fidelity, ensuring that the program adheres to TaRL’s core principles while adapting to local contexts. Key focus areas include teacher training effectiveness, student progress measurement, and systemic enablers or barriers to scalability.
“This partnership aligns with NOTED’s mission to advance evidence-based, equitable pedagogies. By combining MBFI’s commitment to educational innovation with our expertise in teacher development and program evaluation, we can turn this pilot into a blueprint for systemic change—one that empowers teachers, engages students, and transforms numeracy education across the Philippines,” shared NOTED President Dr. Ernelea P. Cao.
In addition to rebuilding basic competencies, MBFI invests in scholars and uplifts educators as part of its broader commitment to advancing Philippine education. Beyond this, MBFI champions excellence in public service, preserves and promotes Philippine art, and partners strategically with social development organizations to implement transformative programs that address urgent needs in health, education, livelihood, and disaster risk reduction and management.