The fight against corruption will be hard and painful, but it will be worth it, President Marcos said.

In honoring outstanding public servants on Tuesday, Oct. 21, Marcos was reminded of the challenges that shook the people's trust in government, acknowledging that there will be more challenges to come.

So, he gave an assurance that his administration will not back down, especially with the help of public servants—like the teachers, police officers, and soldiers who were recognized by the Metrobank Foundation as outstanding Filipinos.

"Patuloy tayo sa paglilinis ng hanay ng pamahalaan upang matiyak na ang bawat opisyal, bawat lingkod-bayan ay karapat-dapat sa tiwalang ibinibigay sa kanila ng taumbayan (We continue to cleanse the ranks of government to ensure that every official and every public servant is deserving of the trust given to them by the people)," Marcos said in his speech.

"Hindi madali ang laban na ito. Marami pa tayong haharapin, marami pa tayong pagdadaanan (This fight is not easy. There are still many challenges ahead and much more that we will have to go through)," he added.

"It will be hard and sometimes it will be painful, but it will be worth it because what we are fighting for is a country that our children will inherit [and] a nation that they can be proud of, that they can be proud to say I am Filipino," Marcos further said.

The President stressed that having people in the government who are dedicated to public service and have integrity, there is hope that people can still trust its institutions.

"And so, we confer these awards at a time when we also confront a difficult question, one that is not lost on any of us. Mapagkakatiwalaan ba ang pamahalaan (Can we still trust the government)?" Marcos expressed.

"And to that, I say: Look at these men and women. In their service, you will find your answer. Because of them, we are reminded that hope is never lost, that integrity lives in our institutions, that honor still defines what it means to be a Filipino," he added.

The Chief Executive emphasized that "every honest teacher, soldier, and police officer is a victory against the corruption and cynicism that plague our nation."

He said that the awardees are part of the government's inspiration to strive to correct the long-standing wrongdoings within the government.

Marcos awarded the medallion of excellence to the 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace.

The awardees comprised four teachers, three soldiers and three police officers.

This year’s outstanding Filipinos were Noel Sadinas, who was honored for turning a dumpsite into a learning space for indigenous students; Amando Perfecto Molin, whose acts of kindness brought inspiration to students across Southeast Asia; Dr. Mylene Uy, who pioneered natural products research in Mindanao; and Dr. Angelo Mark Walag, who championed experiential learning and empowered teachers in underserved schools.

Among the ranks of soldiers, the President awarded Underwater Operationsman First Class Anro Anthony Turallo for his courage that helped reclaim communities from violent extremism; Colonel Ricky Canatoy for rebuilding war-torn villages; and Colonel Joey Fontiveros for establishing the nation’s first Cyber Battalion.

In the police service, the Chief Executive honored Police Master Sergeant Ivan Velasco for community-driven programs that unite law enforcement and environmental protection; Police Major Elmira Relox for restoring the dignity of countless women and children through her rescue and reintegration efforts; and Police Colonel Frederick Obar for innovative reforms and digital learning system that have transformed the way the police serve the public.