Metrobank Foundation Honors Outstanding Filipinos with Individual P1 Million Prize

Among the esteemed awardees of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos of 2023 are four dedicated teachers, three commendable soldiers, and three exceptional police officers. 

These exceptional ten individuals have been honored for their extraordinary commitment to their roles, creating a positive impact within their communities.

The accolades for these exceptional individuals, who have excelled in the fields of academia, military, and law enforcement, were unveiled to the public on Thursday, August 3rd.

 

In recognition of their remarkable achievements, each honoree will receive a substantial prize of PhP 1 million (after tax deductions), an elegant golden medallion, and the prestigious "The Flame" trophy. The award ceremony is scheduled for August 29, preceding Metrobank's anniversary celebration in September

Outstanding Filipinos embody the true meaning of “Beyond Excellence” as they go the extra mile in their chosen profession and selflessly extend a helping hand to those in need through their various service and community involvements while overcoming adversities and challenges. Bagging the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers are (1) Mr. Rex M. Sario, MAT, Master Teacher I / Teacher-in-Charge of Balogo Elementary School (Pangantucan, Bukidnon); (2) June Elias V. Patalinghug, EdD, Master Teacher II, Catalunan Grande Elementary School (Davao City); (3) Edgar R. Durana, MAEd, Master Teacher I / SPED Coordinator, Don Jose Ynares Memorial National High School (Binangonan, Rizal); and (4) Jovelyn G. Delosa, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Northern Bukidnon State College (Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon).

To be conferred with the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers are (5) Staff Sergeant Danilo S. Banquiao PA, Civil-Military Officer – Non-Commissioned Officer, 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur); (6) Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Bitancur PAF, Assistant Commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force (Lipa City, Batangas); and (7) Colonel Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), Presidential Security Group (City of Manila) (formerly Commanding Officer, 10th Military Intelligence Battalion, 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao de Oro)

Meanwhile, recipients of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers are (8) Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis D. Bendo, Section Team Leader, District Mobile Force Battalion, Manila Police District (City of Manila); (9) Police Major Mae Ann R. Cunanan, Chief, Police Community Relations, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Chief, Case Monitoring Section, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, PRO 9 in Zamboanga City); and (10) Police Colonel Renell R. Sabaldica, Chief, Morale and Welfare Division, Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Provincial Director of Cagayan Police Provincial Office in Tuguegarao City).

Outstanding Filipinos inspire us to go beyond excellence and pursue a mission that is bigger than ourselves. This year’s batch proved to us how the competence of Filipinos combined with character and compassion can positively impact other people’s lives,” said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña.“As educators, peacekeepers, and defenders, they have chosen to render selfless service to the community and the country even despite many adversities. We hope that their examples and their contributions to the society create a ripple effect that transcends generations,” he added. 

The awardees underwent a guided selection process and were selected from hundreds of nominations. A multi-sectoral Board of Assessors, composed of members from the government, academe, military, and non-government sectors, shortlisted the semi-finalists through a review of documents. The semi-finalists for the three sectors were then interviewed, including requiring live teaching demonstrations for the semi-finalist teachers, at GT Tower International in Makati City to determine the finalists.