|
Emblems of Courage:
The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers
2006 Awardees
THE 2006 TOPS AWARDEES HONORED
Setting aside personal ambition in order to protect the lives and well-being of many, putting their lives on the line for the sake of peace and order - for the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, sacrifice is not an option but a way of life.
Since 1999, the Metrobank Foundation, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati Metro has been telling the stories of these exemplary men and women through The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS). An annual nationwide search for commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, the competition singles out the cream of the crop of the Armed Forces of the Philippines: two personnel and one officer from each of the AFP's three branches, and one awardee representing the Technical Service Units.
A number of this year's winners have shown remarkable skill and courage in the line of fire. Lt. Col. Carlito Galvez, Jr. and Staff Sargeant Roselito Tayros, both from the Philippine Army, have extensive experience fighting insurgency in Mindanao, while Navy technical sergeant Rogelio Obillo received a UN Service Medal and UN Mission Bar for his stint in the country's peacekeeping contingent in Iraq.
TOPS also commends non-combat achievements. The administrative leadership of commissioned officers Captain Jesus Millan and Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Aquino have arned them their place in the Final 10. Army Staff Sergeant Blas Fernandez is best known for facilitating army literacy programs, while Master Sergeant Normelito Enero of the Philippine Air Force is responsible for the computerization of the Central Command. PAF technical sergeant Julius Melvin Billedo's engineering prowess has translated to maximum operational capability and significant savings for the air force fleet, while Seaman 1st Class Hospital Corpsman Romeo Casten's knowledge of underwater military technology is put to good use in both civilian and military operations. Rounding up the winners' circle is Colonel Commie Pagunuran, Commanding Officer of the Camp Navarro General Hospital.
The 2006 TOPS awardees were honored in an awarding ceremony held at the Malacañan Palace early this year. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo personally commended the winners, who each received a trophy and P200,000 cash prize from the Metrobank Foundation.
|
go to program: 