Marcos fetes 10 outstanding Filipinos

SERVICE EXEMPLARS President Marcos (8th from left) with Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) president Aniceto Sobrepeña (6th from left), GT Capital Holdings vice chair Alfred Ty (9th from left) , MBFI chair Arthur Ty (10th from left), and this year’s Outstanding Filipino awardees. —Marianne Bermudez

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos called on this year’s 10 recipients of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos award to continue being catalysts of change despite the mounting challenges they face in their line of work.

In a ceremony in Malacañang on Monday, the President said their medallions should serve as a reminder for them to keep upholding high standards in public service.

READ: Metrobank Foundation recognizes outstanding Filipinos, partners

“[May you] continue to be the catalysts of change when you go back now to your communities. Challenge them to dream bigger, to aspire higher, and to take action with the same fervor that you have demonstrated,” he said.

“You are the new faces of public service—dedicated, selfless, and committed to excellence—the living examples of what it truly means to be a Bagong Pilipino,” the President added.

Marcos made the call as he led the awarding of the Medallion of Excellence to this year’s honorees.

They include teachers Ma. Ella Fabella and Franco Rino Apoyon; professors Dr. Maria Regina Hechanova-Alampay and Dr. Decibel Faustino-Eslava.

Others were uniformed personnel of the Philippine Navy, namely Staff Sgt. Michael Rayanon and Capt. Salvador Sambalilo; Army Major Ron Villarosa Jr.; and police officers Lt. Col. Bryan Bernardino, Maj. Mark Ronan Balmaceda, and Staff Sgt. Llena Sol-Josefa Jovita.

“These honors are a testament to the remarkable heights each of you has reached. Whether you are educating our young, defending our borders, or keeping our communities safe, you have gone beyond what is ordinary. And for that, you deserve nothing less than our highest admiration,” he said.

Each Metrobank awardee receives P1 million in cash, “The Flame” trophy, and a Medallion of Excellence.

Nonwinning finalists receive P50,000 in cash and certificates of recognition.

Semifinalists get a cash incentive worth P20,000 and also a certificate of recognition, according to the Presidential Communications Office. —Melvin Gascon