Marcos hails Metrobank's outstanding Filipinos

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored on Tuesday the 10 recipients of the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Award, urging them to keep on inspiring and setting a good example in their respective fields.

“To our 10 awardees, know that your fellow Filipinos see you and are grateful to you for all that you have done and continue to do,” Marcos said during the awarding of the Medallion of Excellence in Malacañang Palace.

“You remind us that nation-building is not confined to high office. It is carried out in classrooms, in institutions, [and] in communities all over the country. May this award inspire you to keep going, and may it inspire many more Filipinos to follow your shining example,” he added.

The recipients of the award span the education, military, and police sectors—individuals who Marcos said share the same story of both service and sacrifice.

Marcos pointed out that government policies and programs only go as far as the people who implement them in communities.

In his speech, the President mentioned the progress of Filipino learners in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which showed an improvement in reading, mathematics, and science scores compared to 2022.

“These remind us that improving education requires sustained work from teachers and innovators who strengthen literacy, to make difficult concepts easier to understand, and to bring new technologies and opportunities closer to our learners,” Marcos said.

For the military awardees, Marcos recognized their contributions to national defense, specifically their roles in inter-agency coordination, improving digital platforms, and enhancing maritime awareness and operational preparedness in the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, recipients from the police sector were honored for their role in public safety, guiding young people away from crime, and strengthening the role of women in anti-drug efforts by using digital systems and timely data to improve road safety.

The President reminded the awardees to appreciate the stature and prestige that accompany the award, as it recognizes exemplary professionals in their respective fields of service.

This year’s Ten Outstanding Filipinos who received the Medallion of Excellence are Dr. Emmanuel Guarde, Master Teacher Sheila Marie M. Amigo, Dr. Cecilia Bucayong, Dr. Jefferson Hora, SSgt. Joebelle Cerdinio, SSgt. John Daren Noche, Lt.Col. Rommel Geli, PMSgt. Dwight Alexis Supsupin, PMaj. Baby Rose P. Cajulao, and PLtCl.Robert R. Mansueto. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/LDF, GMA News