Daily TribuneOutstanding Filipinos exemplify the true meaning of ‘Beyond Excellence,’ as their contributions in service and community involvements are geared toward making a difference beyond their own selves, but in sectors where they serve and the country at large.
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The 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, comprising four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers, each received a P1 million cash prize, a gold medallion, and ‘The Flame’ trophy from Metrobank chairman Arthur Ty (sixth from left) and Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña (seventh from left) in a hybrid conferment ceremony on 5 September at the Metrobank Plaza Auditorium, Makati City. | Photograph courtesy of Metrobank Foundation
The Board of Judges of the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos: (from left) Frederick Go, Benjamin Ramos, Sen. Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, Agapito Joe Zaldarriaga and Ma. Cecilia Alcantara. | Photograph courtesy of Metrobank Foundation
In celebration of Metrobank's 60th anniversary, the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Award was conferred to four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers in a hybrid ceremony on 5 September. Each received a P1 million cash prize, gold medallion, and "The Flame" trophy.
Following the government's health protocols on Covid-19, Metrobank Foundation chairperson Arthur Ty and Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña turned over the prizes to the 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, 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 and 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," Poe-Llamanzares said.
Outstanding Filipinos exemplify the true meaning of "Beyond Excellence," as their contributions in service and community involvements are geared toward 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 are: Junmerth 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 Confesor, Ph.D., Professor 6, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (Iligan City); and Leonila 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 are: T/Sgt. Joel Tuganan, First Sergeant of the Delta Company, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao); Col. Maria Victoria Juan NC, Army Chief Nurse, Office of the Army Chief Nurse, Headquarters Philippine Army (Taguig City); and Col. Stephen 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 are: PEMS Rogelio Rodriguez Jr., Investigator, Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (Quezon City); P/Capt. Rosalino Panlaqui, Chief of Police, Jalajala Municipal Police Station (Jalajala, Rizal); and P/Col. Lambert 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, "The role and value of our teachers can never be replaced. This 'calling' remains in the hearts of the country's teachers. We are only representatives of millions of teachers in the country who continue to work not only in the name of duty, but in the name of love for every life we hold in our rooms, in every community we serve."
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.
Lastly, responding on behalf of the police officers, P/Col. Suerte said, "We may have different stories, but we clearly share common grounds in nation building, peacekeeping and service to people. I am honored to receive this award with you and I intend to keep your stories with me as I press on my journey."
Through the years, the search has continuously ensured that its screening and selection processes are attuned to the times while upholding the core ideals that it stands for. This year, the board of assessors composed of members from various sectors of society reviewed, evaluated and interviewed the semi-finalists to determine the shortlist.
The 18 finalists were then interviewed by a final board of judges to scrutinize their accomplishments.
The board was chaired by Sen. Poe-Llamanzares and co-chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando. The members were: Robinsons Land Corporation's president and CEO Frederick Go; Nine Media Corporation/CNN Philippines president Benjamin Ramos; Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines president Ma. Cecilia Alcantara; and International Association of Business Communicators Philippines chairperson Joe Zaldarriaga.
The awardees join the ranks of 685 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos since 1985. The program is held in partnership with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, PSBank, Rotary Club of Makati Metro and the Rotary Club of New Manila East.
