House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The lower chamber has adopted a measure to congratulate and commend the recipients of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino awards, which is considered the most prestigious career-service award given to outstanding individuals in the academe, military, and police sectors. 

Adopted during plenary session last Sept. 20 was House Resolution (HR) No.1312. It was principally authored by House Speaker Martin Romualdez. 

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program highlights the achievements of 10 distinguished Filipinos, comprising four educators, three dedicated military personnel, and three commendable police officers. 

The award comprehensively evaluates an individual's entire career, acknowledging all accomplishments and contributions, regardless of size, both within and beyond their official duties, from the beginning of their career to the present day. 

“Whereas, for exemplifying commitment, selflessness and dedication in the pursuit of public service, the House of Representatives proudly joins the Metrobank Foundation Inc. in honoring and commending these 10 exceptional individuals who exemplify public service as a worthy endeavor,” read HR No.1312. 

“Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives to congratulate and commend the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Awardees for their dedication and steadfast commitment in providing exceptional public service,” it added. 

Recipients of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for teachers were Rex Sario, Master Teacher I/Teacher-in-charge of Balogo Elementary School (Pangantucan, Bukidnon); June Elias Patalinghug, EdD, Master Teacher II at Catalunan Grade Elementary School (Davao City); Edgar Durana, MAEd, Master Teacher I / SPED Coordinator at Don Jose Ynares Sr. Memorial National High School (Binangonan, Rizal); and Jovelyn Delosa, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Vice President for Academic Affairs of Northern Bukidnon State College (Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon). 

Meanwhile, the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award winners for soldiers were Staff Sergeant Danilo Banquiao, Civil-Military Officer-Non-Commission Officer of 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division of Philippine Army (Marawi City, Lanao del Sur); Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bitancur, Assistant Commandant of the Basic Military School, Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command-Philippine Air Force (Lipa City, Batangas); and Colonel Joseph Jeremias Cirilo Dator, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations of the Presidential Security Group and former Commanding Officer of the 10th Military Intelligence Battalion, 10th Infantry Division (Mawab, Davao de Oro). 

Recipients of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for police officers were Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Bendo, Section Team Leader of the District Mobile Force Battalion of Manila Police District; Major Mae Ann Cunanan, Chief of Police Community Relations Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and former Chief of the Case Monitoring Section, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, PRO 9 in Zamboanga City; and Colonel Renell Sabaldica, Chief of Morale and Welfare Division of Directorate for Personnel and Records Management in Camp Crame, Quezon City, and former Provincial Director of Cagayan Police Provincial Office in Tuguegarao City. 

Serving as Romualdez's co-authors to the measure were Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos, Commitee on Accounts Chairperson Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre.