The Senate of the Philippines commended this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos—comprised of four (4) teachers, three (soldiers), and three (3) police officers—in a plenary session held last September 13, 2022.

The 19th Congress passed Resolution No. 106 authored by Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares who chaired this year’s Final Board of Judges. The Senate Resolution was co-sponsored by Senators Joel Villanueva, Loren Legarda, Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara, Win Gatchalian, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

This resolution honors this year’s awardees for their contributions to society, especially during this period of unrest. Senator Poe-Llamanzares led the ceremonies, together with. Chairperson for the Committee on Basic Education, Arts, and Culture Senator Gatchalian; Chairperson for the Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education Francis Escudero; Chairperson for the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Senator dela Rosa; and Chairperson for the Committee o National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada.

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos is a career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors. Outstanding Filipinos exemplify the true meaning of “Beyond Excellence,” as their contributions in service and community involvements are geared towards making a difference beyond their own selves, but in sectors where they serve and the country at large.

Recipients of the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers are (1) Mr. Junmerth C. Jorta, “Bukidnon’s Ingenious Educator for the Indigenous Peoples,” Teacher I and Officer-in-Charge of Keupiyanan Te Balugo (San Fernando, Bukidnon); (2) Christine Joy DR. Aguila, Ph.D., “Quezon City’s Champion Educator of Filipino Language Instruction,” Special Science Teacher 5, Philippine Science High School – Main Campus (Quezon City); (3) Mark Nolan P. Confesor, Ph.D., “Mindanao’s Physicist-Educator Extraordinaire,” Professor 6, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (Iligan City); and (4) Leonila F. Dans, M.D., M.Sc., “Manila’s Pioneering Educator on Pediatric Rheumatology,” Professor 12, University of the Philippines Manila (City of Manila).

Recipients of the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers are (5) Technical Sergeant Joel L. Tuganan PA, “Central Mindanao’s Combat Ace and Marksman,” First Sergeant of the Delta Company, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao); (6) Colonel Maria Victoria P. Juan NC, “Philippine Army’s Health Service Innovator,” Army Chief Nurse, Office of the Army Chief Nurse, Headquarters Philippine Army (Taguig City); and (7) Colonel Stephen L. Cabanlet PN(M), “Philippine Marine Corps’ Visionary Warrior for Peace,” Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations, U3, Western Command, Camp Gen. Artemio Ricarte (Puerto Princesa City).

Meanwhile, recipients of the 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers are (8) Police Executive Master Sergeant Rogelio A. Rodriguez Jr., “Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s Crime-busting Intelligence Operative,” Investigator, Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (Quezon City); (9) Police Captain Rosalino E. Panlaqui, “Jalajala, Rizal’s Chief Protector and Community Relations Advocate,” Chief of Police, Jalajala Municipal Police Station (Jalajala, Rizal); and (10) Police Colonel Lambert A. Suerte, “PNP Special Action Force’s Stalwart of Law and Public Safety,” Battalion Commander, Regional Mobile Force Battalion – National Capital Region Police Office (Taguig City).

Delivering a response on behalf of the awardees, Dr. Dans said “Bukod sa karangalan na dulot ng award, napakalaking karangalan po na marinig ang mga kwento ng buhay ng kasama kong 3 pulis, 3 sundalo at 3 guro. Una, nagsimula silang lahat sa isang layunin lamang – makatulong sa pag-angat sa kabuhayan ng kapwa Pilipino. Pangalawa, wala namang naghangad ng pagkilala sa kanilang ginagawa. Pag may nailigtas, natulungan o naturuan, ang gantimpala ay yung ngiti, yung yakap, o anumang pasasalamat na natanggap. At pangatlo, lahat sila, matibay ang pagmamahal sa pamilya, sa bayan at sa Panginoon. Kaya po, salamat muli sa ating mga mahal na mambabatas sa pagpapahalaga sa amin, pero ako rin ay nagpapasalamat sa mga kasama ko dahil inspired talaga ako sa kanilang serbisyo para sa ating bayan.”

Mark Confesor, Mindanao’s Physicist-Educator Extraordinaire, initiated the establishment of Soft Matter and Biological Physics Laboratory, the first of its kind in the country. In 2016, he was elected as the youngest Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) of Mindanao State University—Iligan Institute of Technology where he mentors the next generation of Filipino physicists.

Colonel Juan, Philippine Army’s Health Service Innovator, is a nurse and military officer who serves as the driving of the Philippine Army’s Health Service. Her innovative streak led to the start of the Aeromedical Evacuation Capability and enhancement of Casualty Care Management System. She is also assigned as the technical staff of the Commanding General of the Philippine Army on nursing-related matters.

Dubbed as PNP Special Action Force’s Stalwart of Law and Public Safety, Police Colonel Suerte’s resolve and expertise as a commander have been tested in several armed encounters with enemy forces. Foremost among these is leading his men to victory and safety during the Marawi City siege in 2017. Throughout his service, his efforts were vital in the liberation of stakeholder groups from security threats.

The awardees were selected by the esteemed members of the Final Board of Judges chaired by Senator Po and co-chaired by Supreme Court of the Philippines Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando. The members include: Robinsons Land Corp. President & CEO Frederick Go; CNN Philippines President Benjamin Ramos; Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President Cecilia Alcantara; and International Association of Business Communicators-Philippines Chairman Agapito “Joe” Zaldarriaga.

Each awardee received a cash prize of PhP 1 million each (net of tax), a golden medallion, and “The Flame” trophy during the formal conferment ceremonies held on September 5, as a highlight of Metrobank’s 60th Anniversary Celebration.

The awardees join the ranks of 685 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos since 1985. The program is held in partnership with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Police, PSBank, Rotary Club of Makati Metro, and the Rotary Club of New Manila East.

Tags: 2022 News