President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
October 28, 2024

“For 39 years, the Metrobank Foundation has been shining a spotlight on Filipinos — the teachers, the soldiers, and police officers — whose work strengthens the very foundation of our nation,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remarked as he bestowed the medal of excellence to 10 outstanding individuals who have gone beyond their work that transformed lives and committed to elevate Filipino communities — the new faces of public service and living examples of what it truly means to be a Bagong Pilipino (New Filipino).

During his speech at the awarding ceremony in Malacañan Palace, the President emphasized that the 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, consisting of four (4) teachers, three (3) soldiers and three (3) police officers, embodied the finest qualities that the country aspires to — patriotism, integrity, courage and social responsibility.

“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… As you wear these medallions, carry them as a reminder of your determination to keep pushing forward. You have set a high standard, and I know you will continue to surpass it,” he continued.

He conveyed his profound gratitude to the Metrobank Foundation and its partners for honoring exemplary Filipino public servants, reassuring them that the Administration will stand by its mission to uplift those who strive to make the Bagong Pilipinas a reality.

“To our awardees, continue to be the catalysts of change when you go back now to your communities. Challenge them to dream bigger, to aspire higher, and to take action with the same fervor that you have demonstrated, especially now typhoons and storms are made stronger because of climate change and the challenges become even harder to deal with… We need more people like you — innovative, selfless, socially responsible; this is what I have always seen in Filipinos — we never get tired of helping others,” he added.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive urged all Filipinos to unite and work toward a brighter future, highlighting the importance of collective commitment to achieving greatness. “Together, let us write the next chapter of our history — the Bagong Pilipinas filled with promise, hope, and the undeniable spirit of the Filipino,” President Marcos Jr. stated.

This year’s 10 awardees join the distinguished ranks of 715 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos recognized since 1985. In addition to the golden medallion presented by the President, each awardee received a cash prize of PhP1 million and a trophy.

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