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.

The President also thanked the Metrobank Foundation and its partner stakeholders for initiating the career-service awards.

"I always thought that this was such a wise thing to do to once – you know take a step back from our regular days and to remember what Filipinos can achieve, not abroad, not necessarily abroad but here in the Philippines," he added.

Marcos said that the awards serve as a reminder that Filipinos are capable of great things.

"The Filipino is skilled. And with skill, we can, Filipinos can (do everything). No matter what challenges are presented to us here in the Philippines, we can improve that, we can fix that," he said.

"May you serve as an inspiration to our fellow countrymen as we achieve our goal of building a strong New Philippines," he added.

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos award is the most prestigious career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors.

The 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos include four teachers, three military men, and three police officers.

The teacher awardees include Jovelyn Delosa, Edgar Durana, Rex Sario, and June Elias Patalinghug.

The soldier awardees are Colonel Joseph Dator and Staff Sergeant Danilo Banquiao from the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bitancur.

The awardees in law enforcement are Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Bendo, Police Major Mae Ann Cunanan, and Police Colonel Renell R. Sabaldica.

Metrobank has given awards annually to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their fields and to the country.