(Top, L-R): Emmanuel D. Guarde, PhD; Cecilia O. Bucayong, PhD; Jefferson A. Hora, PhD; Sheila Marie M. Amigo; (Bottom, L-R): Police Master Sergeant Dwight Alexis B. Supsupin; Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Mansueto; Police Major Baby Rose P. Cajulao; Staff Sergeant John Daren P. Noche PAF; Lieutenant Colonel Rommel M. Geli PN(M); and Staff Sergeant Joebelle O. Cerdinio (SC) PA.
Photograph courtesy of MBFI
The Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) has named 10 teachers, soldiers and police officers as its 2026 Outstanding Filipinos, recognizing their contributions to their communities and institutions.
The awardees, selected under the theme “Beyond Excellence,” include four teachers, three soldiers and three police officers whose work has helped nurture learners, protect communities and strengthen public order.
The Outstanding Filipino Teachers are Emmanuel D. Guarde, PhD, of Cornelio Lintawagin Memorial Elementary School in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro; Sheila Marie M. Amigo of Siay National High School in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay; Cecilia O. Bucayong, PhD, of Central Mindanao University in Maramag, Bukidnon; and Jefferson A. Hora, PhD, of Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte.
The three Outstanding Filipino Soldiers are Staff Sergeant Joebelle O. Cerdinio (SC) PA, Staff Sergeant John Daren P. Noche PAF and Lieutenant Colonel Rommel M. Geli PN(M).
The Outstanding Filipino Police Officers are Police Master Sergeant Dwight Alexis B. Supsupin, Police Major Baby Rose P. Cajulao and Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Mansueto.
Each awardee will receive P1 million, net of tax, and the Metrobank Foundation’s “Flame” trophy. They will also receive a Medallion of Excellence to be conferred by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace.
The awardees were selected from a nationwide pool through a multi-stage process that included eligibility screening, document review, field validation, background investigations and interviews. Teacher nominees also underwent live teaching demonstrations.
“The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos are more than exemplary teachers, soldiers, and police officers. They are role models who inspire others to serve with integrity, excellence, and purpose,” MBFI President Philip Francisco U. Dy said.
The 2026 conferment ceremony is scheduled for 4 September 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program, established in 1985, has recognized 735 Filipinos to date, including 392 teachers, 178 soldiers and 165 police officers.
