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METROBANK FOUNDATION NAMES 2009 OUTSTANDING PHILIPPINE SOLDIERS
TOPS Awardees Announcement
The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro announce the winners of 2009 Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS).
 “Once again, we are proud to present to the entire nation ten of the most dedicated and accomplished men of the Armed Forces,” states Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto “Chito” Sobrepeña. “This recognition is unique in the sense that it is an expression of the private sector’s high appreciation of the military’s commitment to protect our country and people,” Mr. Sobrepeña adds.
The awardees are commissioned officers and enlisted personnel from the three branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as from the Technical Services. The outstanding soldiers from the Philippine Army are Lieutenant Colonel Lope C. Dagoy, Staff Sergeant Fidel C. Delara, and Master Sergeant Romeo H. Jandugan; while those from the Philippine Navy are Colonel Romeo T. Tanalgo, Data Processor 2nd Class (Staff Sergeant) Reynor S. Calzado and Technical Sergeant Ramon B. Cabeguin. The winners from the Philippine Air Force are Colonel Restituto F. Padilla, Jr., Staff Sergeant Blas C. Austria and Technical Sergeant Salvador S. Buenaobra, Jr.; while Colonel Pedro G. Herrera-Davila of the Judge Advocate General Service is the awardee for the Technical Services category.
Each of 10 awardees will receive a plaque and a cash prize of P250,000, courtesy of Metrobank Foundation. The winners will be awarded by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in ceremonies at the Malacañang Palace on March 26.
Out of 79 nominees this year, only 18 was shortlisted for the final round of judging and interview. Co-chaired by National Security Adviser Norberto B. Gonzales and Representative Maria Zenaida B. Angping of the 3rd District of Manila, the 2009 TOPS Final Board of Judges included Justice Portia A. Hormachuelos of the Court of Appeals, Ambassador Donald Dee of the Philippine Chamber and Commerce Industry, Rev. Fr. Mateo J. de Jesus of San Beda College, Philippine Star President and CEO Miguel G. Belmonte, and 2008 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Public Service Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip.
The Search for TOPS is an annual project of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro. It aims to honor excellence among the men and women in the military as an expression of the civilian sector’s appreciation and gratitude for the soldiers’ selfless acts of gallantry in preserving the nation’s sovereignty.
The Metrobank Foundation is the corporate social responsibly arm of the Metrobank Group of Companies. Over the last 28 years, it has promoted a culture of excellence among Filipinos through its various programs notably the Search for Outstanding Teachers, the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence, The Outstanding Philippine Soldier, Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service, the Metrobank Math Challenge, and College Scholarship Program. The Foundation also has a grants program that assists NGOs and government in the fields of education, healthcare, and the arts. Metrobank Foundation celebrates Filipino excellence and presents wellsprings of hope in the future of our nation. |
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