Three senators are calling for the establishment of the Philippine Senate Medal of Honor award to recognize outstanding athletes, military, scientists, youth and other civilians for their "extraordinary service and invaluable contribution to nation-building."
Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Juan Edgardo Angara and Francis Tolentino recently filed Senate Resolution No. 781, to propose the award for individuals in various fields of expertise who “served as a symbol of hope to the Filipino nation.”
"It is only fitting to bestow a Philippine Senate Medal of Honor upon deserving Filipinos both in the military and civilians sectors for setting the highest standards of excellence, nationalism an virtue that their fellow countrymen can aspire for," the resolution read.
"By virtue of the proposed Senate Medal of Honor, core values of excellence, integrity, patriotism, nationalism, and hard work, among others worthy of emulation, will be nurtured and further cultivated for the common good of the sovereign Filipino people," it added.
Tolentino, in a statement Tuesday, July 27, likened the proposed recognition to the United States Congress' Congressional Gold Medal, which is their "highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions."
Currently, the Philippine Senate is recognizing and commending exceptional Filipinos by adopting resolutions.
Tolentino said the award could be given to Filipino athletes competing in the ongoing 2020 Tokyo Olympics who would bag a medal for country.
On Monday, July 26, weightlifter and Philippine Air Force sergeant Hidilyn Diaz won the country's first-ever gold medal in the olympics.