Three personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were honored as among the 2023 Metrobank Outstanding Filipinos for demonstrating exemplary leadership, integrity, and genuine commitment to serving the public.
AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. praised the soldiers as the award was bestowed to Staff Sgt. Danilo S. Banquiao, from the 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army; Lt. Col. Joseph J. Bitancur, assistant commandant of the Basic Military School, Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command of the Philippine Air Force; and Col. Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator, assistant chief of staff for operations (G3) of the Presidential Security Group.
The military men accepted the awards during a conferment ceremony held in Taguig City on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Called the “Philippine Army’s Innovator of Military Intelligence,” Dator led innovative practices in intelligence operations, gaining him the distinction of Officer of the Year in every office he has held.
As a former commanding officer of the 10th Military Intelligence Battalion, 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao de Oro, Dator’s leadership resulted in the rehabilitation of former members of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, paving the way for an insurgency-free Davao region.
He also principally authored the intelligence annex of the Philippine Army’s Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan,” which would serve as the blueprint for intelligence operations across the country.
Meanwhile, Banquaio was dubbed as Lanao Del Sur’s Peace and Youth Empowerment Sentinel for his efforts that advocate peace and development in the province.
For his part, Bitancur is named Philippine Air Force’s Model Mentor on Military Training and was recognized for ensuring the highest standards in training of military trainees.
“This celebration is not just about recognizing individual accomplishments but a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and collective efforts. I stand here not only as a proud awardee but as a witness as well to the incredible potential within each one of us to effect positive change,” Dator said.
The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos recognized 10 Filipino exemplars composed of three soldiers, three police officers, and four teachers.
The other awardees from the academe sector were Rex M. Sario, Master Teacher I / Teacher-in-Charge of Balogo Elementary School (Pangantucan, Bukidnon); June Elias V. Patalinghug, EdD, Master Teacher II, Catalunan Grande Elementary School (Davao City); Edgar R. Durana, MAEd, Master Teacher I / SPED Coordinator, Don Jose Ynares Memorial National High School (Binangonan, Rizal); and (4) Jovelyn G. Delosa, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Northern Bukidnon State College (Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon).
Meanwhile, the awardees from the Philippine National Police include Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis D. Bendo, Section Team Leader, District Mobile Force Battalion, Manila Police District (City of Manila); Police Major Mae Ann R. Cunanan, Chief, Police Community Relations, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Chief, Case Monitoring Section, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, PRO 9 in Zamboanga City); and Police Colonel Renell R. Sabaldica, Chief, Morale and Welfare Division, Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Provincial Director of Cagayan Police Provincial Office in Tuguegarao City).
Each awardee received P1 million cash prize, a trophy, and a gold medallion.
The awardees joined the ranks of 695 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos since 1985.