President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, commending them for demonstrating what it truly means to be a “Bagong Pilipino.”

“You are the new faces of public service—dedicated, selfless, and committed to excellence—the living examples of what it truly means to be a Bagong Pilipino,” President Marcos said in his speech during the awarding ceremony in Malacañang on Monday.

President Marcos led the awarding of the Medallion of Excellence to this year’s 10 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos.

The 10 Outstanding Filipinos awarded were teachers Ma. Ella Fabella and Franco Rino Apoyon; professors Dr. Maria Regina Hechanova-Alampay and Dr. Decibel Faustino-Eslava.

Philippine Navy (PN) SSG Michael Rayanon; and Philippine Army (PA) Major Ron Villarosa Jr.; PN Captain Salvador Sambalilo; Police Officers SSG Llena Sol-Josefa Jovita; Major Mark Ronan Balmaceda; and Lt.Col. Bryan Bernardino were also awarded.

“It is always a privilege to stand here and give credit to those who embody the finest qualities that we aspire for: patriotism, integrity, courage, and social responsibility,” President Marcos said.

The President reminded the awardees to carry their medallions as a reminder of their determination to keep pushing forward as they set a high standard in public service.

“These honors are a testament to the remarkable heights each of you has reached. Whether you are educating our young, defending our borders, or keeping our communities safe, you have gone beyond what is ordinary. And for that, you deserve nothing less than our highest admiration,” he said.

Each awardee will receive P1 million cash prize, “The Flame” trophy, and a Medallion of Excellence. Non-winning finalists will be given P50,000 cash incentive, and certificate of recognition.

Non-winning semi-finalists will receive a cash incentive worth PhP20,000 and a certificate of recognition. | PND