Standard Chartered Bank gives back via community initiatives

MANILA, Philippines - Standard Chartered Bank, the oldest international bank in the Philippines, continues to be a trusted ally of the nation as it celebrates its 140th year in the country. The bank is taking this opportunity to mark this milestone in a meaningful way by affirming its commitment to the Philippines through a series of community initiatives.

Beyond its contributions to the nation’s economic growth, Standard Chartered Bank has always been passionate about making a difference in the lives of people who are most in need. At its anniversary gala dinner earlier this year, the Bank announced that it would donate $1 million to the Philippines over the next three years to tackle avoidable blindness through its Seeing is Believing program. The program will see the bank partner with CBM International and the Cataract Foundation of the Philippines to conduct eye screening tests across the country and will also seek to address eye sight issues among the young.

Timeless visions of the Filipino spirit

In addition to its Seeing is Believing commitment, Standard Chartered Bank is also launching Capturing Timeless Visions, a photography competition that endeavors to capture the timeless essence of the Filipino spirit through a camera’s lens as part of its 140^th anniversary celebration. This competition reflects not only the bank’s long presence in the country but also its commitment to addressing avoidable blindness. The best entries will be auctioned off to charity for the benefit of the Seeing is Believing campaign.

The Capturing Timeless Visions photography competition has three categories: Values, Heritage, and People. Values captures the qualities that make Filipinos a cut above the rest, from the spirit of bayanihan and hard work, to strong family ties and courtesy. Heritage honors the Philippines’ rich traditions and colorful history, while People celebrates the country’s most precious assets, the hardworking, resilient and cheerful Filipinos themselves.

The contest is split into two divisions: Professional and Enthusiast. The Professional level is open to photographers who currently receive or have received payment for their photographs.   The Enthusiast level is for hobbyists who have not received any payment for their photographs. Contestants may use digital or film-based cameras and may submit any number of entries per category but may only win once. 

Three of the best entries in the Professional Division will take home P100,000 each, while three of the best entries in the Enthusiast Division will win P50,000 each. Three runners-up and 20 Juror’s Choice will also be selected in each division. 

Standard Chartered Bank will start accepting entries on July 28. The deadline for submission of entries in Metro Manila is Aug. 31, while those from the provinces have until Sept. 1 to send in their photos. Entries should be submitted to One Workshop, Inc. at Suite 324 LRI Design Plaza, Nicanor Garcia St., Bel-Air II, Makati City. For the complete mechanics of the competition and entry forms, visit Capturing Timeless Visions at www.standardchartered.com/ph or like its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/capturingtimelessvisions2020.