President Marcos has encouraged the 2024 Metrobank Foundation outstanding Filipinos to influence their respective communities to dream bigger and take actions in various social challenges.
As he led the awarding of medallion of excellence to the 10 outstanding Filipinos on Monday, Oct. 28, at the Malacañan Palace, Marcos told the awardees that the Philippines needs more public servants like them.
"To our awardees, continue to be the catalysts of change. When you go back now to your communities, challenge them to dream bigger, to aspire higher, to take actions with the same fervor that you have demonstrated, especially now typhoons and storms are made stronger because of climate change, and the challenge become even harder to deal with," Marcos said in his speech.
"We need more people like you—innovative, selfless, socially responsible," he told them.
The President honored the public servants, saying they have "gone beyond what is ordinary" in the academe, military, and police sectors.
"As you wear these medallions, carry them as a reminder of your determination to keep pushing forward. You have set a high standard and I know you will continue to surpass it," he said.
Marcos further urged the awardees to continue dreaming of progress for the country, and be relentless in pursuing it.
"As we look into the future, let us dream of progress and be relentless in our pursuit of it. The journey ahead may be long, and it may be winding, but with your unwavering commitment, we will forge a path where our nation rises and flourishes, standing tall and proud among the greats of the world," he said.
The awardees were four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers. They were as follows:
Ma. Ella F. Fabella, Master Teacher II at Maasin Learning Center in Zamboanga City
Franco Rino C. Apoyon, Head Teacher Il at Kabasalan National High School in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay
Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava, Professor 9 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños in Laguna
Maria Regina M. Hechanova-Alampay, professor at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City
Captain Salvador M. Sambalilo, assistant chief of Fleet Staff for Weapons, Communications, Electronics, and Information System, F6 at the Philippine Navy in Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales
Major Ron JR T. Villarosa, chief of the Civil Affairs Division at the Civil-Military Operations Research Center, Civil-Military Operations Regiment of the Philippine Army in Taguig City
Staff Sergeant Michael S. Rayanon, Public Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 of the Philippine Navy in San Vicente, Palawan
Police Lieutenant Colonel Bryan G. Bernardino, Chief of Police at Tacurong City Police Station
Police Major Mark Ronan B. Balmaceda, Deputy Force Commander of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Taguig City
Police Staff Sergeant Llena Sol-Josefa M. Jovita, Monitoring and Evaluation Police Non-Commissioned Officer of the City Police Strategy Management Unit of the Cagayan de Oro City
According to the Metrobank Foundation, each of the awardees received a P 1 million cash prize (net of tax), a golden medallion, and the iconic "The Flame" trophy.
Metrobank pledges P10-M calamity aid
During the awarding ceremony, Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepeña announced that the Metrobank Group pledges P10-million calamity assistance for the communities severely affected by Typhoon Kristine.
"Mr. President, heeding your call for the private sector to contribute to the relief and rehabilitation of affected areas, Metrobank Group, through the Metrobank Foundation, pledges P10 million as calamity assistance," Sobrepeña said.
"We are currently coordinating with the Presidential Management Staff so that this assistance can be directed to communities severely affected and through the appropriate channels to ensure immediate and effective delivery," he added.
Meanwhile, Marcos expressed his gratitude to the Metrobank Foundation and its partners for honoring Filipino exemplary public servants.
"Be assured that we stand with you in this mission to uplift those who make bagong Pilipinas possible," he said.
Now in its 39th year, the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Program highlights exemplary teachers, soldiers, and police officers as role models of excellence, inspiring every Filipino to embrace the values of patriotism, integrity, courage, and social responsibility.
The program is implemented with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), Rotary Club of Makati Metro and Rotary Club of New Manila East.
Since its inception in 1985, the program has recognized 715 outstanding Filipinos — consisting of 384 teachers, 172 soldiers and 159 police officers.