President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. encouraged this year’s recipients of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos award to continue their transformative roles in their communities. During an awarding ceremony held at Malacañang, the President highlighted the honorees’ dedication to public service, urging them to inspire others amid the challenges they face in their fields.
“May you continue to be the catalysts of change when you go back now to your communities,” he remarked. “Challenge them to dream bigger, to aspire higher, and to take action with the same fervor that you have demonstrated.”
Marcos honored ten individuals with the Medallion of Excellence for their exemplary service, including teachers Ma. Ella Fabella and Franco Rino Apoyon, professors Dr. Maria Regina Hechanova-Alampay and Dr. Decibel Faustino-Eslava, as well as dedicated members of the military and police forces: Navy Staff Sgt. Michael Rayanon, Navy Capt. Salvador Sambalilo, Army Major Ron Villarosa Jr., and police officers Lt. Col. Bryan Bernardino, Maj. Mark Ronan Balmaceda, and Staff Sgt. Llena Sol-Josefa Jovita.
“These honors are a testament to the remarkable heights each of you has reached,” he added. “Whether you are educating our young, defending our borders, or keeping our communities safe, you have gone beyond what is ordinary.”
Each awardee received P1 million in cash, “The Flame” trophy, and a Medallion of Excellence. Non-winning finalists received P50,000, while semifinalists earned a cash incentive of P20,000, alongside certificates of recognition.
