(Bottom L-R) Metrobank Foundation Inc. President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. join the awardees in a photo-op session during their courtesy visit at the Social Hall of the House Representatives last 25 September 2025.

The 10 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos awardees were honored during their courtesy visit at the House of Representatives in Quezon City last 25 September. During the visit, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other lawmakers adopted House Resolution (HR) No. 1312, consolidated with HR No. 1298, commending the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos of 2023.

Speaker Romualdez lauded the achievements and accomplishments of the Outstanding Filipinos awardees that led to their recognition.

“While a cash prize, trophy, and gold medallion are tokens of our appreciation, know that your true worth lies in the lives you’ve touched, the futures you’ve shaped, and the peace you’ve secured. Your stories, challenges, and triumphs inspire us and countless others,” Speaker Romualdez said. “Let’s also remind ourselves of our shared responsibility and potential. Your journeys serve as compelling examples, urging us all to strive for greatness in service.”

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos is a prestigious career-service award for Filipino exemplars in the academe, military, and police sectors.

Guided by the theme of “Beyond Excellence”, a Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino is recognized for rendering service above and beyond his/her call of duty. His/her accomplishments must have inspired and influenced their peers as well as the people in their respective communities. Their works must have transformed a community with a lasting positive impact on people and to the country.

Awardees stand as they are honored in the Plenary Hall of the House of Representatives through House Resolution No. 1312 last 25 September 2023

Recipients of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers are (1) Mr. Rex M. Sario, MAT, “Bukidnon’s Icon for Transformative Education in the Modern Age,” Master Teacher I/Teacher-in-Charge of Balogo Elementary School (Pangantucan, Bukidnon); (2) June Elias V. Patalinghug, Ed.D., “Davao City’s Modern Teacher Influencer,” Master Teacher II, Catalunan Grande Elementary School (Davao City); (3) Edgar R. Durana, MAEd, “Rizal’s Relentless Educator for People-with Special-Needs,” Master Teacher I/SPED Coordinator, Don Jose Ynares Sr. Memorial National High School (Binangonan, Rizal); and (4) Jovelyn G. Delosa, Ph.D., “Bukidnon’s Assessment Strategist for Modern Educators,” Associate Professor/Vice President for Academic Affairs, Northern Bukidnon State College (Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon).

Winning the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers were (5) Staff Sergeant Danilo S Banquiao PA, “Lanao del Sur’s Peace and Youth Empowerment Sentinel,” Civil-Military Officer – Non-Commissioned Officer, 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur); (6) Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J Bitancur PAF, “Philippine Air Force’s Model Mentor on Military Training,”Executive Officer, Office of the Assistant Chief of Command Staff for Operations, C-3 Air Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force (Lipa City, Batangas); and (7) Colonel Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C Dator PA, “Philippine Army’s Innovator of Military Intelligence,” Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), Presidential Security Group (City of Manila) (formerly Commanding Officer, 10th Military Intelligence Battalion, 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Davao de Oro).

Meanwhile, recipients of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers are (8) Police Chief Master Sergeant Dennis D. Bendo, “Manila City’s Police Mentor for the Out-of-School-Youth and Children-in-Conflict-with-the-Law,” Section Team Leader, District Mobile Force Battalion, Manila Police District (City of Manila); (9) Police Major Mae Ann R. Cunanan, “PNP’s Vanguard of Police Integrity”, Chief, Police Community Relations, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Chief, Case Monitoring Section, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, PRO 9 in Zamboanga City); and (10) Police Colonel Renell R. Sabaldica, “PNP’s Transformational Leader for Innovative Law Enforcement and Community Development,” Chief, Morale and Welfare Division, Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, Camp Crame (Quezon City) (formerly Provincial Director of Cagayan Police Provincial Office in Tuguegarao City).

June Elias V. Patalinghug is a trailblazing teacher who is also a social media influencer. Pushing the boundaries of traditional teaching, his mission is to unlock the full potential of his students by infusing creativity, arts, and nature into his teaching approach. A true maverick, he leveraged social media platforms like Tiktok and Facebook as innovative teaching tools.

Metrobank Outstanding Filipino Awardee June Elias V. Patalinghug gives his privilege speech before members of the House of Representatives during their courtesy visit last 25 September.

“Being an educator in the Philippines is both a tremendous honor and an enormous obligation. We hold the key to unleashing the potential of each child by fostering their talents and honing them holistically while never giving up in hurdling various adversities in the field,” Patalinghug said.

Staff Sergeant Danilo S. Banquiao’s noble mission is to champion compassion over conflict as well as empathy over hostility. Equipped not with weapons, but with commitment to keep harmony among reformed extremist and the youth, he inspires them to become active partners in pursuit of solidarity and reconciliation.

Metrobank Outstanding Filipino Awardee Staff Sergeant Danilo Banquiao pose with Zamboanga Del Sur 1st District Representative Hon. Divina Grace Yu during the courtesy visit last September 25

Police Colonel Renell R. Sabaldica is considered a transformational leader in innovative law enforcement and community development. Having a 26-year career in the PNP, he stands as a stalwart guardian of peace and order. He has redefined the meaning of public safety looking beyond measures to prevent crime to happen but also to invest in programs that promote community engagement, modern policing strategies, as well as in ensuring the welfare of service personnel.

Metrobank Outstanding Filipino awardee Col. Renell Sabaldica (right) and wife Leah (left) pose for a photo-op with Cagayan 3rd District Representative Hon. Joseph Lara (center)

The 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos were awarded during the formal conferment ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Taguig City last August 29 as part of Metrobank’s 61st Anniversary Celebration, with each awardee receiving a cash prize of one million pesos (net of tax), a golden medallion, and “The Flame” trophy.

The awardees join the ranks of 695 other 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 National Police, PSBank, Rotary Club of Makati Metro, and the Rotary Club of New Manila East.

Tags: 2023 News