President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged the Filipinos to continue doing their respective share in realizing the goal of a more productive, peaceful, and progressive Philippines.

Addressing the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos in Malacañang, Marcos pointed out that the Filipino people do not have "a damaged culture."

"We not only honor you but through you, we honor Filipinos. And we remind our countrymen, this is what a Filipino is," Marcos said.

"We are not a damaged culture. I hate that term. We are a great people, and you are the example of that greatness," he added.

He also lauded the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos for their exemplary achievements and selfless service to the country.

Marcos said the awardees are "worthy of emulation" for their dedication to their respective professions and for going "above and beyond what (people expect) of them."

The President also said that the awardees' accomplishments bring the country closer to his vision of a "Bagong Pilipinas" or a new Philippines that has a globally competitive education system, a safe and empowered citizenry, and a society that offers equal opportunities for all.

Marcos said that the awardees' accomplishments bring the country closer to the Bagong Pilipinas that he is determined to build.

"Your excellence that you have demonstrated in your pursuits is, truly, worth emulating," Marcos said.

"Your accomplishments bring us also closer to Bagong Pilipinas that we are determined to build — a nation that has a globally competitive education system, a safe and empowered citizenry, and a society that offers equal opportunities for all," he added.

Marcos thanked the awardees for their "commendable service to your people and your country."

"What you have unleashed is a transformative force that creates ripples of positive transformation in the communities that you serve and beyond," he said.