Civic leader Chito Sobrepeña: A legacy of light

I couldn’t remember exactly how I first met Chito Sobrepeña. Regardless of the manner, I think I would have landed on the same observation: it’s as if I have always known him. In large part, I attribute this to his warm and disarming disposition. Walls quickly come down when you talk to him, because you feel safe and welcome. It was a constant refrain from those who came to the wake that they remember Chito as depicted in his portrait: smiling, from ear to ear, and always ready to engage. 

He was one of those rare people with the ability to make you feel that everything else is tuned out when you speak to him, because he is completely and carefully tuned in to you. Despite his stature as long-serving Metrobank Foundation president after an illustrious government career and many other professional accomplishments, he never made it about himself when he interacted with people. He listened first, always.

Then he made you feel visible and valuable not only during conversations, but even outside of that. Everyone spoke fondly about his serial thoughtfulness, receiving little gifts or personal messages from him throughout the year. Various people at the wake showed personal messages they received from him during important milestones, like birthdays and wedding anniversaries.

Relatedly, he was always generous when giving appreciation and went out of his way to build a culture of honoring what is good in others in his own family and beyond. Among many things, Chito was a champion of bringing out the best in people, then shining a light on that. It thus comes as no surprise that both the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program and the multi-sectoral National Teachers’ Month campaign are efforts that are synonymous with his name.

When I transitioned to a role in corporate social responsibility in 2022, I could not have asked for a better mentor. Though a recognized pillar in the field, his approach was personal rather than authoritative, participative rather than directive. He assured me from the start that he wanted me to succeed, and he certainly walked the talk. He entrusted key matters and decisions to me, then backed me up when I made them, while always being ready to give advice or be a listening ear when I needed to think out loud. I was fortunate to witness firsthand the daily discipline, excellence, and methodical approach that he instilled in the organization, which were behind what may sometimes appear to the outside as effortless in how the foundation carries out its work.

Together with learning from him, he established my standing both internally and externally. He went out of his way to introduce and build me up among not just the foundation’s key stakeholders, but even among his personal contacts. In other words, he opened door after door for me. After hearing the tributes and swapping anecdotes during the wake, it was clear that part of his impact was opening doors for countless others, too. By facilitating this introduction or making that referral, he willingly drew from his tremendous network to pursue possibilities in moments of opportunity or provide support in moments of need.

He was gracious throughout the entire transition and his bigness as a person was evidenced by his willingness to create space for other hands — like mine — to nurture the work to which he devoted his life. Reflecting on it now, it must not have been always easy to let go of what you have painstakingly cared for; it takes a tremendous amount of trust, surrender, and humility to let others in. But that’s Chito for you, in the same way that he made sure everyone had a chance for their voice to be heard in any meeting he convened.

In one of our last exchanges during the week of his operation, he told me: “My insight is that God really loves MBFI and GTFI since this thing happened only when you are firmly on board. Do bring our [work] to greater heights!!” In the middle of such devastating developments that he and his family were going through, he still found time to give me strength, comfort, and reassurance. 

I will forever carry you in my heart, Sir Chito. Whatever heights we may be able to reach is thanks to the pieces of your heart’s power and courage that you left with all of us. During the final viewing after the funeral Mass, as I approached you, only one phrase kept on repeating in my mind: “Thank you.” In the end, that was all I was able to utter to you and your family during that final goodbye. Thank you for a life well-lived that will forever stand as a shining example. Thank you for your dedication and service. Thank you for being a mentor to me and to countless others. You brought light to the lives of so many people and shone light on others who do the same.

Though our hearts are darkened by pain, peace glimmers still because at last you are reunited with the Perpetual Light to whom you offered everything. I can see you dancing towards Him, smiling like you always do. And there the Lord is, smiling the biggest smile back at you, with arms wide open. 

A child who has labored with so much love and joy for his country has returned to his true Home, in the loving embrace of the Father. We pray for him even as we pray to him, as we do our part to honor his legacy. – Rappler.com

Philip “Boyet” Dy succeeded Chito Sobrepeña as president of Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) and executive director of GT Foundation (GTFI) in 2025. He previously served as chief of staff with the rank of undersecretary during the entire tenure of Leni Robredo as the 14th vice president of the Philippines.