In celebration of the Metrobank’s 60th anniversary, its diamond year, the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Awardwas conferred to four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers in a hybrid ceremony on September 5. Each received P1 million cash prize, gold medallion, and “The Flame” trophy.
Following the government’s health protocols on COVID-19, Metrobank Foundation chairman Arthur V. Ty and Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña turned over the prizes to the 10 awardees at the Metrobank Plaza Auditorium, Makati City.
This is the first time since 2019 that the conferment ceremony was held on-site.
Meanwhile, Senator Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, also the chairperson of the Final Board of Judges, delivered the keynote address through a video message. Distinguished officials from the government, business, civil society, academe, diplomatic community, and the public watched the event via Zoom, Facebook, YouTube.
“Those of you who have been chosen as our 2022 Outstanding Filipinos are a cut above the rest. You are now members of an elite club of public servants who have proven your mettle not just by your excellence but by living a life ‘Beyond Excellence.’ Maraming salamat sa inyong marangal at dedikadong paglilingkod sa bayan,” said Sen. Poe-Llamanzares.
Outstanding Filipinos exemplify the true meaning of “Beyond Excellence,” as their contributions in service and community involvements are geared towards making a difference beyond their own selves, but in sectors where they serve and the country at large.
Recipients of the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers were Junmerth C. Jorta, Teacher I and Officer-in-Charge of Keupiyanan Te Balugo (San Fernando, Bukidnon); Christine Joy DR. Aguila, Ph.D., Special Science Teacher 5, Philippine Science High School – Main Campus (Quezon City); Mark Noel P. Confesor, Ph.D., Professor 6, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (Iligan City); and Leonila F. Dans, M.D., M.Sc., Professor 12, University of the Philippines Manila (City of Manila).
Recipients of the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers were Technical Sergeant Joel L. Tuganan PA, First Sergeant of the Delta Company, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao); Colonel Maria Victoria P. Juan NC, Army Chief Nurse, Office of the Army Chief Nurse, Headquarters Philippine Army (Taguig City); and Colonel Stephen L. Cabanlet PN(M), Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations, U3, Western Command, Camp Gen. Artemio Ricarte (Puerto Princesa City).
Meanwhile, recipients of the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers were Police Executive Master Sergeant Rogelio A. Rodriguez Jr., Investigator, Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (Quezon City); Police Captain Rosalino E. Panlaqui, Chief of Police, Jalajala Municipal Police Station (Jalajala, Rizal); and Police Colonel Lambert A. Suerte, Battalion Commander, Regional Mobile Force Battalion – National Capital Region Police Office (Taguig City).
Delivering a response on behalf of the teachers, Dr. Aguila said “Hindi kailanman mapapalitan ang gampanin at halaga nating mga guro. Nananatili ang ‘calling’na ito sa puso ng mga guro ng bayan. Kami po ay kinatawan lamang ng milyon-milyong guro sa bansa na patuloy na gumagawa hindi lamang sa ngalan ng tungkulin bagkus ay sangalan ng pagmamahal sabawatbuhaynaaminghawaksaamingmgasilid, sa bawat komunidad na aming pinaglilingkuran.”
Dr. Aguila, “Quezon City’s Champion Educator of Filipino Language Instruction,” is a teacher-advocate of the Filipino language, with numerous contributions to the academe in the areas of assessment and teaching excellence. Through her dedication to Filipino language and culture, she has championed excellence and leadership among her students as a beloved Binibini and to her colleagues as a mentor.
To represent the soldier awardees, Col. Cabanlet said they were recognized for their calling in bringing the nation forward. “Our country has struggled long enough for unity and peace, literally in places where there is actual insurgency and figuratively in our current political and economic state. They say the night is darkest at the break of dawn, and the light is about to break. It is now the season for the visionaries; therefore, let us continue with our chosen advocacy,” he added.
