These 10 Filipinos have dedicated their lives to providing outstanding public service, consistently going above and beyond to uplift their communities.
On September 5, it was their turn to be honored as Metrobank Foundation’s Outstanding Filipinos, continuing the organization’s tradition, which was established by the late taipan George S. K. Ty in 1979.
The 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, recognized for their remarkable dedication in the fields of academe, military, and police, are listed below. Readers can also click here to see a more detailed profile of each awardee.
Outstanding Filipino Teachers:
• Ma. Ella F. Fabella, Master Teacher II, Maasin Learning Center, Zamboanga City
• Franco Rino C. Apoyon, Head Teacher II, Kabasalan National High School, Zamboanga Sibugay
• Decibel V. Faustino-Eslava, Ph.D., Professor 9, UP Los Baños, Laguna
• Maria Regina M. Hechanova-Alampay, Ph.D., Professor, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
Outstanding Filipino Soldiers:
• Captain Salvador M. Sambalilo PN (GSC), Assistant Chief of Fleet Staff, Philippine Navy, Naval Operating Base, Subic, Zambales
• Major Ron JR T. Villarosa (INF) PA, Chief of the Civil Affairs Division, Philippine Army, Taguig City
• Staff Sergeant Michael S. Rayanon PN(M), Public Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer, Philippine Navy, San Vicente, Palawan
Outstanding Filipino Police Officers:
• Police Lieutenant Colonel Bryan G. Bernardino, Chief of Police, Tacurong City Police Station, Sultan Kudarat
• Police Major Mark Ronan B. Balmaceda, Deputy Force Commander, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, NCRPO, Taguig City
• Police Staff Sergeant Llena Sol-Josefa M. Jovita, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, Cagayan de Oro City
During the awarding ceremonies held at the Grand Hyatt Manila as part of Metrobank’s 62nd anniversary celebrations, each awardee received a P1 million cash prize (net of tax), a golden medallion, and the iconic “The Flame” trophy.
The awards were presented by Metrobank Foundation officials, including Metrobank Chair Arthur V. Ty, GT Capital Holdings Vice Chair Alfred V. Ty, Metrobank President Fabian S. Dee, and MBFI President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña.
They were joined by distinguished guests Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara and Senator Mark A. Villar.
“May we all never grow tired of striving for excellence and embodying what it means to have ‘a heart that serves’—excelling in what we do, engaging our communities, and empowering the nation, just like the example of the Outstanding Filipino teachers, soldiers, and police officers we are honoring tonight,” Sobrepeña said in his welcome remarks at the Grand Hyatt Manila.
“The [Metrobank Foundation] Outstanding Filipinos is a testament to how every one of us works together to elevate our lives, to be a positive agent of change, and influence in our communities,” said Angara, who was the guest of honor.
“This award continues to ignite passion and dedication among Filipinos, as it stands as concrete evidence of a prevailing commitment among some of our civil servants to protect and promote the right of every Filipino,” he added.
The awardees were selected from hundreds of nominations through a rigorous process. A multi-sectoral board, including representatives from academia, government, civil society, and media, reviewed documents, conducted interviews, and required live teaching demonstrations for semi-finalist teachers.
Eighteen finalists were then interviewed by the final board of judges, chaired by Villar and co-chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh. Other judges included Congressman Roman T. Romulo, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy E. Velicaria-Garafil, Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina G. Belmonte, San Beda University Rector-President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. O. Maranan, OSB, and Philippine Star Business Editor Iris Cecilia Gonzales.
This year’s winners join 715 others recognized since the program’s inception in 1985, conducted in partnership with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, PSBank, Rotary Club of Makati Metro, and Rotary Club of New Manila East.
