The Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) said it has reimagined its long-running Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge (MMC) into a new strategic remediation program called Metrobank Foundation SOLUTION (Support for Optimal Learning & Understanding To Improve Overall Numeracy).
It said the shift aims to strengthen numeracy and foster a love for math among Filipino students, addressing current educational challenges.
“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 Sobrepeña.
The Metrobank Foundation SOLUTION remediation program is now being piloted at San Miguel Heights Elementary School in Valenzuela City. The program benefits 150 students in Grades 4 to 6.
Launched by MBFI in 1998, MMC was previously the largest annual math competition in the Philippines for elementary and secondary students. Implemented in partnership with the Department of Education and the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), it saw over 500,000 students participate annually from both public and private schools nationwide.
Metrobank Foundation SOLUTION focuses on foundational skills, integrating the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons and a supportive learning environment in its remediation classes.
Twelve teachers at San Miguel Heights Elementary School have been trained in TaRL and SEL strategies to conduct six Saturday remediation sessions. These sessions are designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills among the participating students.
“While the format of our program has evolved, our commitment to nurturing numeracy skills and inspiring a love for mathematics remains the same,” Sobrepeña said.
Developed by the Indian non-governmental organization Pratham, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approach is a proven learning program that customizes instruction based on a student’s current knowledge and skills, rather than their age or grade level. It is implemented in thousands of schools globally.
MBFI integrated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to help students overcome the perception of math as a challenging subject.
“Beyond math competency, a mindset shift is essential, as Math is often perceived as a challenging subject, creating anxiety and pressure on learners,” said Sobrepeña.
“When students believe in their own capability to solve problems, they become empowered and resilient.” Antonio Zulueta, Jr., Executive Director of AHA Learning Center, a partner in the pilot, noted, “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,” he said.
