The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, has commended the awardees of the 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos who, in their ways as teachers, soldiers, and police officers, have made a significant impact in their communities and the nation.
“In deep appreciation of their commitment and remarkable distinctions as outstanding public servants, it is but fitting and proper for the House of Representatives to honor and commend the 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos for making a noteworthy difference in the lives of many Filipinos,” read House Resolution 1962 adopted last Wednesday, August 28.
In his message during the presentation of the awardees at the House on Monday, Romualdez thanked them for their selflessness, hard work, and contributions to society, saying they have set a high standard for everyone, especially those in government.
“Your actions remind us that true service is about making a difference, regardless of recognition or reward. You show us what it means to serve with purpose and dedication, qualities we in government must always embody,” said the leader of the 307-strong chamber.
“May your examples inspire not just us here today, but all public servants across the country. Together, let us continue to work toward building a nation that values hard work, compassion, and selfless service,” he added.
Romualdez also commended Metrobank Foundation’s continued commitment to recognizing those who go above and beyond in their fields. He said that at a time when it is easy to dwell on the challenges, Metrobank chose to highlight excellence and dedication that make our nation proud.
Recognized under the theme “Beyond Excellence,” the 10 exemplary Filipino public servants and awardees were cited for having demonstrated positive responsiveness to the call of existing and emergent duties, strong leadership, and unquestionable integrity, and providing significant impacts to the communities they serve.
HR 1962 noted that his year’s teacher-awardees displayed expertise in imparting much-sought learning to the students, introducing innovations concerning educational practices and optimizing impactful research and community service.
On the other hand, the resolution cited the soldiers and police officer awardees for their strong leadership, bravery, and discipline, resulting in significant contributions to the nation’s security, collective humanitarian efforts, and maintenance of peace and order in the country.
The awardees include four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers. The teacher awardees are Ma. Ella F. Fabella (Master Teacher II, Maasin Learning Center, Zamboanga City), Franco Rino C. Apoyon (Head Teacher II, Kabasalan National High School, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay), Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava, Ph.D. (Professor 9, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna), Maria Regina M. Hechanova-Alampay, Ph.D. (Professor, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City).
Captain Salvador M. Sambalilo PN (GSC), Assistant Chief of Fleet Staff, Fleet Staff for Weapons, Communications, Electronics and Information System, Philippine Navy Subic, Zambales; Major Ron JR T. Villarosa (INF) PA, Chief of the Civil Affairs Division, Civil-Military Operations Research Center, Civil Military Operations Regiment Philippine Army, Taguig City; and Staff Sergeant Michael S. Rayanon PN (M), Public Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer, Marine Battalion Landing Team 3, Philippine Navy San Vicente, Palawan, were the soldiers chosen for the prestigious award.
Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant Colonel Bryan G. Bernardino, Chief of Police, Tacurong City Police Station, Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office; Police Major Mark Ronan B. Balmaceda, Deputy Force Commander, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Taguig City; and Police Staff Sergeant Llena Sol-Josefa M. Jovita, Monitoring and Evaluation Police Non-Commissioned Officer, City Police Strategy Management Unit, Cagayan de Oro City Police emerged as the distinguished police officers for the prize.
Since 1985, including this year’s outstanding Filipino awardees, a total of 715 outstanding public servants have been recognized by the Metrobank Foundation, consisting of 384 teachers, 172 soldiers and 159 police officers.
