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The
2005 Search for The
Outstanding Philippine Soldiers
(TOPS)
A Salute to Excellence: The
Outstanding Philippine Soldiers
Speak Out
June 23, 2006
It is a sad but undeniable fact
that the men who fight for our
country’s democracy are hardly
recognized. In a profession that
brings you to far flung areas of the
nation, sacrifice is a word that is
known to all of them. Metrobank
Foundation chooses to honor these
men who risk their lives and
sacrifice family time. Hear what
some of them have to say…
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“Sa kabila na minsan bumababa and
Imahe ng military dahil sa kagagawan
na rin ng ibang grupo, na minsan ay
hindi naman naayon sa ‘ting saligang
batas, patuloy panaming pinag-bubuti
ang aming serbisyo sa propisyong ito
at nasuklian naman ng ganitong halos
di mapantayan na karangalan na
nakamit naming.
Maraming salamat. Dahil sa inyo, nag
karoon ako ng napaka prestigious
award na nangyari sa aking buhay.
Dahil sa award na ito, biglang nag
iba ang tingin sa akin ng mga tao,
lalo na dito sa aming probinsya.
Lahat na iyan ay dahil sa kabutihang
loob sa pag-initiate ng ganitong
search sa aming mga sundalo.
Maraming salamat. Sana magpatuloy pa
itong ganitong hindi mapapantayan na
malasakit sa aming mga sundalo.”
- Sgt. Rudy D. Espuelas
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“Speechless. That is
what I felt during the
awarding ceremonies.
There are only two ways
that military can go to
Malacañang. One is when
you are promoted to a
star rank, the other is
when you are given
recognition for a
prestigious award. Not
all military officers
will step in the palace
during their duration of
their military service.
It is a very distinct
honor for me to be one
of the few.
I felt the sincerity of
the Foundation; its warm
hospitality being the
host of this
recognition. Being the
youngest in this years
batch, and one of the
youngest in the roster
of awardees since 1994,
the Foundation’s
investment in making me
a winner will go a long
way … marami pa akong
years of military
service.
Thank you very much from
the last thread of my
military uniform, and
the last stitch that
wove my rank.”
-
Capt. Giemel O. Espino,
PAF
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"In
behalf of my family and
the whole Philippine
Army, I would like to
express my sincerest
gratitude to the
Metrobank Foundation and
the Rotary Club of
Makati, for having
chosen me as one of the
awardees. This mark of
distinction will find a
special place in my home
that would reminisce
that excellence in every
endeavor begets
recognition.
From the moment I joined
the military, I have
made doing good in every
endeavor as a way of
life. It’s worthy to
note the noble intent of
the Foundation that
inspires every
individual – whoever you
are, whatever level of
society you to belong
to, to strive to stay
focused and ultimately
excel in whatever
endeavor you are in.
This guiding principle
of the organization only
implies individual
change for betterment
and it is therefore but
fitting to describe the
Metrobank Foundation,
Inc. as an instrument of
change.
I will be an instrument
of change!”
-
SMS Fidel A. Alegre, Jr.
(INF) PA
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They are simple men, who have been
called to do great things. A
soldier’s life is no easy task. But
with continued support from society,
we give them what men of their
profession fight for the rest of us:
honor, dignity, and a chance to see
life without camouflage.
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