(Photo courtesy of Metrobank Foundation)
MANILA – Senators on Tuesday lauded the 10 Filipinos recognized by the Metrobank Foundation this year for their excellence in their respective fields.
Senator Grace Poe, who sponsored Senate Resolution 106, said the outstanding Filipinos inspire public servants to be the best version of themselves.
"They have gone beyond the call of duty, motivated by the burning desire to improve the quality of life in their communities and to ignite the hope that our nation needs as we recover from the pandemic,” Poe said in her sponsorship speech.
“Meeting these modern-day heroes—trailblazers, courageous, patriotic and excellent public servants is truly an honor,” she added.
The award is conferred upon teachers, soldiers, and police officers who are recognized as models of excellence in their profession and are active agents of positive change.
Poe, who served as chairperson of the final board of judges in Metrobank’s search this year, thanked the foundation for providing a venue for public servants to be commended and become an inspiration to others.
“Though it was challenging to limit the awardees, I believe the board of judges chose fairly bearing in mind this award’s battle cry of ‘beyond excellence’,” Poe said.
The 10 awardees include Junmerth Jorta, Christine Joy Dr. Aguila, Mark Nolan Confesor, Leonila Dans, Technical Sgt. Joel Tuganan, Col. Maria Victoria Juan, Col. Stephen Cabanlet, Police Executive Master Sgt. Rogelio Rodriguez Jr., Police Capt. Rosalino Panlaqui, and Police Col. Lambert Suerte.
The awardees visited the Senate together with officials of the foundation on Tuesday.
“We are grateful to have in our midst these outstanding Filipinos who have shown dedication in the performance of their duties and responsibilities beyond reproach, and for being model citizens in their respective communities,” Poe said.
Senate Majority Joel Villanueva, Senate Pro Tempore Loren Legarada, Senators Nancy Binay, Sherwin Gatchalian, Pia Cayetano, Ramon Revilla, Jr., Bong Go, and Ronald Dela Rosa made their manifestations of support and all other senators were made co-authors of the measure.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also recognized the awardees in a recent formal ceremony held at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace. (PNA)
