President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged the 10 recipients of the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos award to continue their commitment to public service and inspire more Filipinos to serve their communities.
Speaking at the awarding of the Medallion of Excellence, Marcos said the honorees’ years of service demonstrate how dedication and a strong sense of duty can create lasting benefits for communities.
He said the awardees’ contributions can be seen in stronger institutions, safer communities, and lives changed for the better.
“But policies and programs only go as far as the people who carry them forward. Our 10 awardees show us what happens when skill is matched by dedication and a strong sense of duty,” the President said.
He hoped the recognition should motivate the awardees to continue their work and motivate other Filipinos to pursue a life of service.
“May this award inspire you to keep going, and may it inspire many more Filipinos to follow your shining example,” Marcos said.
The 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos awardees were mostly teachers and members of the military and police.
Among the awardees are Dr. Emmanuel Guarde of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro; Master Teacher Sheila Marie Amigo of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay; Dr. Cecilia Bucayong of Maramag, Bukidnon; Dr. Jefferson Hora of Iligan, Lanao Del Norte; Staff Sergeant Joebelle Cerdinio of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Staff Sergeant John Daren Noche of Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte; Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Geli; Police Master Sergeant Dwight Alexis Supsupin; Police Major Baby Rose Cajulao; and Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Mansueto.
Marcos said the awardees are “exemplary professionals in education, the military, and the police whose service has changed the lives of their communities in profound ways.”
“They all wear different uniforms but share the same instinct: to serve our people above all else,” he said.
“To our 10 awardees, do know that your fellow Filipinos see you and are grateful for all that you have done and continue to do. You remind us that nation-building is not confined to high office. It is also carried out in classrooms, institutions, and communities across the country,” he added.