Ten Filipinos whose work has made a difference in education, science, national security and public safety have been named the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos.

The Metrobank Foundation conferred the awards during a ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Manila on 4 September, held as part of Metrobank’s 64th anniversary celebration.

The honorees, selected from hundreds of nominations nationwide, include four teachers, three soldiers and three police officers recognized for their dedication, integrity, courage and compassion beyond the usual demands of their professions.

Each awardee received P1 million net of tax, a golden medallion and “The Flame” trophy.

Metrobank president Fabian S. Dee said the awardees demonstrate the values of accountability, discipline and service.

“Their achievements remind us that success is built on accountability, discipline and a commitment to serving others well. These are principles that have guided Metrobank throughout its history and continue to shape how we create value for our clients, support businesses, and contribute to our country’s growth,” Dee said.

Among the four teachers recognized is Dr. Emmanuel D. Guarde of Oriental Mindoro, who spent 16 years working with the Alangan Mangyan community to develop culture-based education while helping establish a primary school and improve access to sanitation, solar lighting, healthcare and livelihood initiatives.

In Zamboanga Sibugay, Engr. Sheila Marie M. Amigo made physics more accessible through her Dynamic Utilization of Learning by Amusement initiative, which uses low-cost and recycled materials for interactive lessons. The program grew from 15 learners to more than 3,000 students, while she mentored over 200 teachers.

Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong of Bukidnon, meanwhile, spent nearly three decades making physics more tangible for Filipino learners. Her patented instructional apparatus has been adopted by 21 institutions across Mindanao, reaching more than 6,000 students and 500 educators.

In Iligan City, Dr. Jefferson A. Hora helped expand Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology’s microelectronics laboratory into the Center for Integrated Circuits Design in 2023. His research initiatives have mobilized more than P100 million in funding and produced 72 Scopus-indexed publications and four Philippine patent filings.

The three soldier awardees were also recognized for finding innovative ways to serve.

Staff Sgt. Joebelle O. Cerdinio, who was seriously wounded during the 2017 Marawi Siege, redirected his expertise to military communications and co-developed the GESCON command-and-control platform, cutting information-processing time by more than 50 percent.

Staff Sgt. John Daren P. Noche developed three digital systems that reduced firearms-accounting time by 50 percent, personnel processing time by 90 percent and mission risk assessments from hours to seconds.

Lt. Col. Rommel M. Geli, meanwhile, strengthened maritime surveillance and intelligence in Palawan amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Since 2013, he has advanced intelligence-gathering using indigenous boats and developed a Maritime Domain Awareness framework and satellite-enabled surveillance system.

The three police awardees were recognized for community-centered approaches to public safety.

Police Master Sgt. Dwight Alexis B. Supsupin developed the Sulat Kamay Program to help young people build resilience against extremist influence, while Police Maj. Baby Rose P. Cajulao led Project Manang BIDAY, which mobilized more than 1,300 advocates for community-based drug prevention in Cagayan.

In Antique, Police Lt. Col. Robert R. Mansueto used technology and collaboration to strengthen data-driven policing and road safety through systems including the Traffic Information and Monitoring System and Barangay e-Blotter System.

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program has recognized exemplary professionals since 1985. With this year’s awardees, it has now honored 735 Outstanding Filipinos over 41 years.