2017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos

Program Implementing Partners

4/F Executive Offices, Metrobank Plaza,

Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, 1200 Makati City, Philippines

Telephone Nos.: (+632) 857-5918 / (+632) 898-8855

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E-Mail: foundation@metrobank.com.ph

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@MBFIPhils

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But it is not for the faint of heart: to achieve anything excellent for the nation requires a sustained commitment to serve beyond one’s self, and the grit to weather failure and setbacks along the way.

Excellence takes time. It is the outcome of years upon years of working without waning: because there is no effort achieved without error, as much as there are no lessons learnt without losses.

Excellence demands fullness of character. It requires the integrity of heart, the will of mind, and the skillfulness of hands to work in tandem in serving the nation. All three values must be exercised, synchronously, with no room for compromise or complacency.

Above all, excellence for the nation is a matter of collaboration. It is not the toil of one person, rather the responsibility of a collective: marching shoulder-to-shoulder in mutual aid and respect towards the common good.

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos have consistently raised the bar of excellence in their fields. Their unsung narratives of triumph and resilience are our nation’s hope and inspiration—reminding us that all our actions, whether great or small, will yield lasting transformation as long as it is done for the right reasons.

This is why we at the Metrobank Foundation continuously strive to amplify the reach of their vision.

We provide our Outstanding Filipinos with a platform for their voices to be heard across the nation and open avenues for cooperation between like-minded individuals. We trust that with each person they inspire to act, we press closer and closer towards the attainment of our common goals for the nation.

The FLAME represents our Outstanding Filipinos’ tireless zeal to serve without counting the cost. It is excellence refined through seasons and struggles, shining brightly to touch hearts and transform minds. The Flame is an inspiration and a challenge to become beacons of light for a better nation.

The pursuit of service excellence is a path strewn with boundless opportunities to make a difference.

My warmest greetings and congratulations to the organizers, partners, Board of Judges and recipients of the 2017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos

The true meaning of heroism has evolved over time from sacrificing one’s life for freedom and democracy to dedicating his or her selfless service for the welfare and development of our fellowmen. This is what we realized in the works of this year’s batch of awardees as they offered their time and effort to secure our people’s well-being.

To the teachers, soldiers and police officers who have demonstrated excellence, integrity and passion in serving our communities, you do our country proud. Because of your accomplishments, the Philippines is now an even more progressive nation. I trust that you will continue to make a difference in society as we carry on the pursuit of real and lasting change.

I also thank the Metrobank Foundation for never ceasing to recognize the exemplary contributions of various individuals and groups in nation-building. May you remain steadfast in your advocacies that help uplift the lives of our citizens, particularly the poor and marginalized.

Again, congratulations and I wish you all the best in your future undertakings.

The President of the Philippines

MANILA

7 September 2017

RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE

MALACAÑAN PALACE MANILA

Our warmest greetings to the members of the Metrobank Foundation, and congratulations to the winners of the 2017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos.

We laud Metrobank Foundation’s commitment to excellence, engagement, and empowerment, reaching out to Filipinos who have dedicated their lives and service to helping those in need. As it has been our mission at the Office of the Vice President to reach the last, the least, and the lost, we are fortunate to have the Metrobank Foundation as an ally in this endeavor.

It is our hope that you will be able to encourage countless others to lead a life of service, and that other organizations will follow in your footsteps of focusing on social development, bringing hope and opportunity to Filipino communities nationwide.

More power to Metrobank Foundation, and again, congratulations to this year’s winners.

LENI ROBREDO Vice President Republic of the Philippines

Iwould like to extend my warmest congratulations to the 2017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos.

Our quest for good government begins with public servants who carry with them solid morals and commitment to public service. Without a doubt, this year’s outstanding teachers, soldiers and police officers are among the patriots who contribute to the noble pursuit of serving the Filipino people, and in strengthening the very foundations of good governance.

Allow me to also commend the Metrobank Foundation for staying true to its vision of promoting a culture of professionalism, excellence, and heroism. You have been very instrumental in inspiring our fellow Filipinos towards the highest ideals of public service.

Again, congratulations and Mabuhay!

PANFILO M. LACSON Senator Republic of the Philippines Chairperson, Final Board of Judges 2017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos

On behalf of the Metrobank Group, I earnestly congratulate this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos.

These 10 exemplary public servants have braved the odds and blazed a trail in their chosen disciplines. They have inspired other people, through effort and example, to work towards the larger goal of building a better nation. They embody the unrelenting commitment of the Metrobank Group: to inspire and empower the Filipino people with opportunities to lead meaningful, productive lives and become agents of positive change and influence in their communities.

To our awardees, I am filled with immense pride whenever I think about all the great triumphs and sacrifices you have made in true service to our country and its citizenry. You have dared to innovate the system, challenged the status quo, and labored through worthy causes, even with your entire lives and careers on the line. Truly, you deserve this singular honor.

I look forward to the positive collaboration and initiatives that will emerge from this encounter. Your selection is a testament that the Philippines has much to hope and celebrate amidst these changing times.

Welcome to the Metrobank Foundation family.

DR. GEORGE S.K. TY Chairman and Founder Metrobank Group and Metrobank Foundation, Inc.

Guided by the philanthropic vision of George S.K. Ty, the Metrobank Foundation has long recognized the modest, unwavering dedication of individuals who quietly hold the foundations of our society together, and supports them in their vocation to make a greater impact.

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, now the country’s most prestigious and sought after professional service award, pays tribute to the excellence and sacrifices of our Filipino teachers, soldiers, and police officers— ordinary individuals who have dedicated themselves to a lifetime of service to fellow Filipinos.

This year’s 10 Outstanding Filipinos—4 teachers, 3 soldiers, and 3 police officers—have rendered service above and beyond the call of duty. They have risen above challenges and adversities to lay the groundwork for meaningful, sustainable mechanisms of growth for our society.

Amidst these trying times, these outstanding men and women who have passed the rigor of the Foundation’s search and selection phases stand as modern-day heroes: examples of what ordinary citizens can achieve given the right motivation and support. Our Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos give us hope that among those who have sworn to serve the citizenry, the values of patriotism, courage, integrity, and social responsibility are very much alive and well.

“It is our belief that a country can only develop fully if its citizens are given the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential. This can only come about if the citizenry has a supportive environment which puts a premium on achievement, and if people’s efforts are mutually grounded on a culture of service excellence.”

– Dr. George S.K. Ty

2017 METROBANK FOUNDATION OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS

SEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

L-R: Staff Sergeant Narding N. Pascual PA, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky P. Bunayog PA (GSC), Lieutenant Colonel Elmer B. Suderio PA (GSC), Jennifer M. Rojo, Alonzo A. Gabriel, Ph. D, Esperanza C. Cabrera, Ph. D., Edgar T. Elago, Police Senior Superintendent Joel B. Doria, Ph.D., Police Chief Inspector Rosalino P. Ibay, Jr., Police Officer 3 Shiela May S. Pansoy

JENNIFER M. ROJO

Tagaytay’s Visionary Science Teacher

Master Teacher II

Neogan Elementary School

Tagaytay City

Years in Service: 21

Field of Specialization:  Science

Science, as a subject area, has a reputation for being difficult due to its very nature. But Mrs. Jennifer M. Rojo believes the learning of it does not have to be so.

This has been her vision since starting to teach elementary Science two decades ago. Currently a Master Teacher II at Neogan Elementary School—a meek barangay school with around 300 students, situated at the fringes of tourist-laden Tagaytay City—Mrs. Rojo’s desire to make Science as enjoyable as it is informative shows in the various beyond-the-textbook initiatives she has developed over the years.

Among others, she has pioneered the adaptation of ‘Explicit Instruction’ approach as a methodology in teaching elementary Science nationwide. Explicit Instruction—initially espoused in the teaching of reading and writing among novice learners—is an instructional style involving guided interactive activities that allow students to connect new learning with old information, and comprehend highfalutin scientific ideas and jargon in practical ways.

What started as an experimental teaching approach by Mrs. Rojo has gradually spread to become an established teaching pedagogy, now utilized by several teachers from different schools across the country who were able to attend her trainings in the teaching of Science using this innovation.

As part of her Explicit Instruction strategies, Mrs. Rojo introduced in 2015 the JenSci–Voc (Joyful Enrichment in Science Vocabulary), a compilation of adapted scientific vocabulary worksheets in the form of puzzles and games. Used until this day, the JenSci-Voc has helped students,

especially those struggling in English, learn new concepts while having fun along the way.

Due to the absence of a permanent Science laboratory in her elementary school, Mrs. Rojo developed the Mobile Sci-Hub/ Lab—a doll house-looking, multi-level laboratory filled with materials pertinent to the interdisciplinary discussion of hard-to-grasp topics such as Chemistry, Earth Science, electricity, etc. The exteriors of the Hub feature concept maps of plants and animals, while its interiors feature a mini science laboratory and actual models of electric circuits, constellations, earth cycles and soil layers. The Hub is foldable and designed with wheels, making it suitable for schools without laboratory rooms or prone to floods.

Mrs. Rojo was also tapped by the Department of Education to serve as a K to 12 National Science Trainer and writer of instructional materials for Grades 3 and 4 Science. Employing Explicit Instruction strategies in her materials and lectures, she ensured that localized examples were incorporated in the lessons so that learners can easily relate with it. These materials eventually served as the main reference resources produced by DepEd.

A recipient of the Regional Gawad Patnugot Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award from DepEd-Region IVA in 2016, Mrs. Rojo received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the Philippine Normal University and her Masters in Education major in Administration and Supervision from Philippine Christian University. She is a devoted wife and mother to two children.

“I am always inspired to teach, because I know inspired teachers produce inspired pupils. Inspired pupils will then work hard and with passion for their future, doing it for their family and for the whole nation.”

EDGAR T. ELAGO

Agusan del Norte’s Culture Coach

Teacher III

Magallanes National High School

Magallanes, Agusan Del Norte

Years in Service: 10

Field of Specialization: Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) & Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies)

For Mr. Edgar T. Elago, the development of the nation lies in the proper conservation of its cultural heritage. This is the anchor that keeps our national identity buoyantly afloat, especially amidst the challenges of the digital age.

A teacher of Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH) and Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) from the Magallanes National High School in Agusan del Norte, Mr. Elago has constantly looked for ways to extend his art and culture advocacy beyond the classroom and into the larger community.

To foster this love for Filipino art and culture among students and teachers nationwide, Mr. Elago developed several lesson exemplars that introduce a culture-based approach for teaching lessons in the classroom. Unlike a typical lesson plan, Mr. Elago’s lesson exemplars are comprised of culture-based lesson modules and localized instructional materials—which can be used in discussing a comprehensive trove of topics, be it under cultural subjects such as MAPEH and Araling Panlipunan, or technical subjects such as Science and Math.

As part of his National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) scholarship, Mr. Elago served as a resource speaker in various national trainings and seminars, helping other teachers integrate lessons in culture and arts, specifically on performing arts and cultural activities, into different subject areas. Teachers were trained to develop culture-based lesson exemplars and modules, localized visual arts, culture-based song compositions, ethnic dances, and dance drama-theater arts—leading to the overall enhancement of their strategies and teaching pedagogies.

Beyond his advocacy for culture and arts, Mr. Elago is a staunch advocate of accessible education for all. In 2011, Mr. Elago developed ‘Project Scholar’—an initiative that aims to help high school graduates who come from financially challenged households to continue their college education. Under Project Scholar, Mr. Elago has taken it upon himself to facilitate the students’ college applications and help them look for scholarships, using his own resources and meager salary.

To gather extra funding for the scholars, Mr. Elago established Art Shop, a social enterprise that rents out Filipino costumes which he designs himself. Part of the earnings from the art shop is used to fund his college scholarship program. Further, he employs his scholars on a “cash for work” arrangement, doing jobs like producing costumes, manning the shop, and delivering finished costumes to customers.

To date, Mr. Elago’s efforts have benefitted over 60 scholars— among them indigenous peoples, out-of-school-youth, former drug addicts, and children in conflict with the law— significantly reducing incidences of early marriages, drug addiction, and other forms of crimes among these youth.

Mr. Elago is the recipient of the 2017 National Outstanding Teacher in Performing Arts (National Level) from the Philippine Arts and Culture Educators Society (PACES). He was also hailed as the 2016 CARAGA Region Most Outstanding Secondary School Teacher and 2016 Agusan del Norte Most Outstanding Teacher. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Education from Caraga State University -Cabadbaran Campus with 18 units in Secondary Education major in History; and his Master’s in Education major in Educational Management from Saint Joseph Institute of Technology. He also has a Graduate Diploma in Cultural Education from Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan.

“I believe that education is a powerful weapon to change the world. That is why I always make sure to help others pursue their education in any way I can.”

ESPERANZA C. CABRERA

RMT, MSc, Ph. D., DPAM

Manila’s Master Microbiologist

Professor 10 and University Fellow

De La Salle University

City of Manila

Years in Service: 38

Field of Specialization: Microbiology

The acuity of the mind and passion of the heart together form the underlying foundation of Dr. Esperanza C. Cabrera’s long streak of accomplishments as a seasoned educator-microbiologist.

Through the years, Dr. Cabrera has expanded the boundaries of scientific knowledge in the country—volunteering her expertise to transform the lives of countless students, enrich the competencies of budding and professional microbiologists, and uplift overall human conditions in places needing crucial aid.

Long a pillar at the De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila, Dr. Cabrera led the institution of the BS Human Biology program and the development of well-equipped facilities in microbiology and molecular science in the university. Through her efforts, various researches, which would have not been possible prior to the establishment of the facilities, have been carried out—covering a wide array of fields such as antimicrobial research, microbial drug resistance, and fungal studies, to name a few. Adding to DLSU’s prestige as a leading research university, these researches have been published in various local and international ISI Thomson Reuters-indexed and Scopus Elsevierindexed scientific journals.

Aside from trailblazing initiatives in her school, Dr. Cabrera is a major contributor to the continuous upgrading of skills and competence in the microbiologists’ milieu. In her various capacities in the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. (PSM) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), Dr. Cabrera has organized and served as resource speaker in various trainings, workshops, fora, and symposia nationwide and abroad. Her involvement in the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM), the certifying arm of PSM, allowed her to significantly contribute to the certification of microbiologists,

thereby professionalizing the practice of microbiology and promoting professional growth among Filipino microbiologists. She has also served as thesis/dissertation adviser, reader and examination panelist across other top-notch universities: University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas and Centro Escolar University.

In addition to her active involvement in DLSU, PSM, ASM and PAM, she has endeavored in significant research work done to help the broader community. A prime example of this is her study conducted in the overcrowded bulwarks of the Manila City Jail and the National Bilibid Prison, where there were outbreaks of boils or ‘pigsa’ among the inmates. She found out that these were caused by a deadly strain of antibiotic resistant bacterium, and that the antibiotics being administered to the infected inmates were not appropriate and effective in treating the disease. After identifying the problem, the proper antibiotic regimens were administered to the inmates—hence providing cure and preventing further spread of infection.

In her other research work, Dr. Cabrera has made her results available to the concerned administrators of hospital institutions with which she collaborates with, so that effective management measures can be crafted and implemented to mitigate risks of nosocomial and community-mediated disease transmission.

Dr. Cabrera received her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from the University of Santo Tomas, summa cum laude, and later earned her Ph. D. in Biological Science from the same university. She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Health major in Medical Microbiology from the University of the Philippines. She is happily married with two children.

“Teaching is not confined to teaching concepts in one’s field, but extends to the development of individuals as competent, upright, humane and responsible citizens of the country. I recognize my crucial role as a teacher in nation building. As such, I have no choice but to do my best in my profession.”

ALONZO A. GABRIEL

Ph. D. RMicro, DPAM

Diliman’s Food Security Advocate

Full Professor & University Scientist

University of the Philippines Diliman

Quezon City

Years in Service: 14

Field of Specialization: Food Science and Technology

In a third world country like the Philippines, the relevance and urgency of food safety and security is more often than not ignored, overshadowed by more pertinent food issues such as hunger and malnutrition.

But for Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel, food security is a crucial national issue, one that deserves much deeper attention than it gets. The Philippines, being a tropical developing country, is especially at risk. The food in most Filipino households is a hotbed teeming with deadly organisms just awaiting an opportunity to infect the whole society.

This is where most of Dr. Gabriel’s work comes in. As a food science and technology professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman, he led the establishment of the country’s first and only Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Hygiene based at UP’s College of Home Economics. The laboratory is highly specialized with capabilities in water and microbiological analysis, patterned after international standards, and is continuously improved through initiatives spearheaded by Dr. Gabriel. Since its establishment in 2010, the laboratory has been opened to high school, graduate, and post-graduate students and faculty not just from UP Diliman but from other institutions as well. He allows them to make use of the lab for their own researches and projects, and exposes the younger students to the trends and advancements in microbiology.

Being one of the most productive laboratories in the whole university has resulted to various research papers being published internationally by Dr. Gabriel, his students, and fellow faculty. Through his collaborations with other

academic units and government offices, it has allowed Dr. Gabriel to pioneer novel technologies, such as the use of plasma and ultraviolet radiation in killing bacteria in food without destroying the nutrients.

Outside the university, Dr. Gabriel was a crucial member of the Philippine Food Defense Core Technical Working Group (TWG) convened by the Department of Agriculture and the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) in 2011. Among the five-man core TWG, he was one of the three technical writers who authored the Philippine National Food Defense Standard as a response to global conflict situations faced in the present day and age.

Now free-to-use and downloadable online, this National Food Defense Guide is relevant and responsive to the needs particularly of food manufacturing industries in the country that export their products, as it allows them to comply with standards set by the ASEAN and the US FDA.

At the grassroots level, Dr. Gabriel’s desire to cascade food security education down to the masses has led him to develop relevant modules and training materials used for the conduct of awareness drives and nationwide public consultations on food defense. Some of which he himself conducted were workshops for food industry players held in Tagaytay, Bacolod, Davao, and General Santos, to name a few.

A Gawad Chanselor Para sa Natatanging Guro awardee in 2016, Dr. Gabriel earned his undergraduate degree in Food Technology and his master’s degree in Food Science from UP Diliman. He received his Ph. D. in Biofunctional Science and Technology Major in Food Microbiology and Hygiene from Hiroshima University in Japan.

“The principles of Honor, Excellence, and Service guide my professional life. Excellence without honor is unacceptable; excellence is meaningless if people do not benefit from it. Service to my people should only be of excellent quality and through honorable means.”

NARDING N. PASCUAL PA STAFF SERGEANT

Caraga’s Lumad Hero

Squad Leader, Bravo Company

26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion

4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army Talacogon, Agusan del Sur

Years in Service: 18

Amidst the far-flung, mountainous wilderness of San Luis municipality in Agusan del Sur is a meek Lumad soldier armed with grit and dedication to fight for the rights and uplift the living conditions of his fellow tribespeople. His name is Staff Sergeant Narding N. Pascual, a proud native of the local Banwaon tribe.

As chief of the local defense and security in his home tribe, SSg. Pascual leads the group of indigenous Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGUs) in their struggle towards peace and sustainable development in the community. He has spearheaded a series of engagements against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) rebel units—particularly those under the Guerilla Front (GF) Committee 88, considered as the biggest armed formation in the country. Highly revered and respected by his own tribespeople, SSg. Pascual confidently holds the ground in the San Luis area and neighboring communities even as armed terrorisations continue to exist.

SSg. Pascual’s efforts have caused a number of rebels to surrender before military headquarters, the recovery of firearms, takeover of a rebel encampment, and retrieval of rebel paraphernalia and documents—thereby weakening insurgent operations in the area.

An advocate of nonviolent struggle, SSg. Pascual is instrumental in the realization of community development projects which have tremendously benefited the Banwaon tribes in San Luis.

Among these projects is the construction of a two-classroom primary school building for elementary pupils in the area.

Although a high school graduate, SSg. Pascual firmly believes in the importance of education as a tool for development.

On another front, SSg. Pascual did the groundwork for the rural electrification project in Sitio Km. 24 in Mahagsay, San Luis. Because of his persistent engagement with the municipal government and the villagers, power lines were built, connecting over 60 households including his command’s patrol base. Throughout the duration of the electrification project, SSg. Pascual provided road security to utility workers and materials so as to be safe from rebel attacks. With electricity now available in the household, the huts where Banwaons live have portable radios and light bulbs.

SSg. Pascual also initiated a livelihood project in the form of a falcata tree plantation covering four hectares in Mahagsay. Falcata is a source of raw material for paper and plywood and is sold by the trunk to ready buyers in Agusan del Sur and neighboring provinces. The plantation started with about 6,000 seedlings sourced locally by SSg. Pascual, and is now being maintained by the Banwaons in the area.

Finally, SSg. Pascual and Supreme Datu Napongahan are working towards securing a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) for the Banwaon communities numbering about 5,000 individuals in seven barangays in San Luis, and another barangay in the adjacent municipality of Esperanza in Agusan del Sur.

A recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Star, the country’s second highest military award after the Medal of Valor, SSg. Pascual is married and has four children.

“As a soldier and a Banwaon tribe member, I always make sure that I safeguard and advocate for the preservation of our ethnic culture. A soldier should not only be a skilled leader in the battlefield, but more importantly a good servant of the community.”

ELMER B. SUDERIO PA (GSC) LIEUTENANT COLONEL

Basilan’s Soldier-Trailblazer

Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 Operations Officer, Joint Task Force Marawi

1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army

Camp Major L. Sang-an Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur

Years in Service: 28

Storybooks and news items typically portray a soldier as a fighter: courageous, cunning, fully armed on the frontlines of the horrific battlefield. But in his 28-year career in military service, Lieutenant Colonel Elmer B. Suderio has proven a soldier is not bound by those standards. A true soldier, even when not equipped for combat, is a trailblazer: performing tasks not for the glory of victory, but for the progress of the community.

As commander of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion (3SRBn) deployed in the strife-torn island of Basilan, Lt. Col. Suderio led a series of successful combat operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists from 2015 to 2017. By employing several out-of-the-box methods to deal with enemies, he was able to neutralize highly-wanted terrorists and capture their strongholds, consequently improving peace and order conditions in an area where war has long been a norm. Backed by strong human rights advocacy, he is also known for having his soldiers provide humane treatment to captured terrorists—an effort which led to the recognition of 3SRBn as the best Scout Ranger Battalion in 2016.

In 1998, Lt. Col. Suderio proved how prolific an administrator he was during his stint as the Company Commander of the 12th Scout Ranger Company (12th SRC), a newly formed company in Basilan whose more than 100 problematic soldiers were sourced from rejects of other Scout Ranger companies. Lt. Col. Suderio transformed the 12th SRC into a disciplined and cohesive unit, developing their combat skills while implementing welfare programs to maintain high morale. The 12th SRC was eventually adjudged as the best Company of the First Scout Ranger Regiment that same year.

Recognizing the need to train officers in administrative responsibilities, Lt. Col. Suderio led the conceptualization of a three-unit subject for the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) curriculum, titled MA 341 or “Unit Administration” in 2006. Before the inclusion of MA 341 in the PMA curriculum, there were no subjects preparing cadets to tackle administrative functions in a military unit. This is important given that more than 50 percent of an officer’s time is actually spent handling administrative matters. Initially designed for cadets going to the Army, the course is now also major subject for members of the Navy and Air Force, benefitting about 300 graduates per year.

Beyond the bounds of duty, Lt. Col. Suderio understands the importance of winning hearts and minds if a just and lasting peace is to be achieved. As such, he worked to provide alternative livelihood opportunities for Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) returnees after the organization signed a peace treaty pact with the government in 1998.

Lt. Col. Suderio has also leveraged his strong working relationships with local chief executives to implement community support programs especially in the remote areas of Basilan. Through these civil military operations, he has helped bridge gaps between the military and the community.

Lt. Col. Suderio is a recipient of many awards, including Gold Cross Medals for gallantry in action against the ASG and Gawad sa Kaunlaran medals for his civic action programs. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Philippine Military Academy in 1993; his Master of Arts in Education major in Mathematics from the University of the Cordilleras, magna cum laude, in 2009; and finally his Masters in Public Administration major in Development and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines in 2013. He is a husband and father to three children.

“As we strive hard to accomplish our missions, we should not forget to anchor our ways to the common good—protecting the oppressed, upholding human rights, and helping the needy. In a profession that tests values to their limits, our achievements should not compromise the best of human character.”

RICKY P. BUNAYOG PA (GSC)

Central Mindanao’s Warrior-Peacekeeper

Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army Camp General Siongco

Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao

Years in Service: 28

“In every designation I was entrusted to, I made it a point to make at least one significant contribution to both the Army organization and the area my unit serves. I believe that if everyone does his share of the task no matter how trifling it may be, the Army will be able to accomplish its mission and make the community far better than when we first set foot on it.”

In violence-plagued Central Mindanao, a region where intergenerational secessionist movements and blood feuds weave themselves into the very tapestry of society, the pursuit of peace remains an ever-elusive ideal. But it is not without hope—as long as there are public servants and peacekeepers willing to take on the challenge of moving towards it.

Lieutenant Colonel Ricky P. Bunayog has taken this challenge as his life mission. With the experience of having spent many years in an area that has already seen too much war, Lt. Col. Bunayog realizes his mission to serve as a warrior is, and should always be, balanced with his duty to become a peacekeeper.

As Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations of the 6th Infantry Division in Central Mindanao, he has facilitated hundreds of combat operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other enduring armed lawless groups. These operations resulted to the neutralization of high-value criminals and the recovery of various war materials and ammunitions.

But Lt. Col. Bunayog’s counterterrorism initiatives go beyond executing combat missions. Aside from bearing down hard on dangerous terrorists, he recognizes the need to pursue socio-economic and non-combat activities to win the peace.

Chief among Lt. Col. Bunayog’s non-combat initiatives as Commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion is the resolution of long-standing blood feuds in the province, colloquially known as ‘rido ’ Rido is considered a major issue in Muslim Mindanao, and its historical records speak for itself: it involves generation upon generation of families engaging in clan wars leading to numerous casualties, depriving children of their time at school, and perpetuating divisions among the Moro people.

Lt. Col. Bunayog facilitated the settlement of ridos stemming from land conflicts and religious clashes in the five municipalities of Sultan Kudarat and ten municipalities of Maguindanao. He closely coordinated with provincial governors, town mayors, and local leaders in the said towns in reconciling the warring parties. Eventually, through his persistence, the groups settled their respective ridos and found ways to compromise.

Some of the ridos settled through his initiative were the land conflicts between the Christian and Muslim communities in the villages of Pres. Quirino, Lambayong and Lutayan of Sultan Kudarat; and GSKP, DAS, Ampatuan, Paglat, Datu Paglas and Sultan Sa Barongis in Maguindanao. A true warrior-peacekeeper, Lt. Col. Bunayog has always been neutral and never took sides in the mentioned ridos, all along establishing commandership through said conflicts.

On another front, Lt. Col. Bunayog facilitated the construction of two Madrasah and one 3-room elementary school buildings and the repair of school facilities in Maguindanao, providing Muslim children better schooling and education.

He spearheaded the publication of Lessons Learned Handbook Volumes 8 and 9, the 6ID Warfighting Handbook, and contributed immensely in the PA Marksmanship Skills Development Program formulation.

Lt. Col. Bunayog graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1993. In 2008, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Training and Development at the Griffith University in Australia. Finally, in 2013, he finished his Master’s in Public Management major in Security and Development at the Development Academy of the Philippines, with a Bronze Medal for Academic Excellence. Lt. Col. Bunayog is married and has two children.

SHIELA MAY S. PANSOY POLICE OFFICER 3

Davao del Sur’s Anti-Abuse Herald

Investigator, Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD)

Digos City Police Station

Davao Del Sur Police Provincial Office

Digos City, Davao Del Sur

Years in Service: 11

Avictim who suffers tragedy comes out stronger on the other end. The victim, now a survivor, then becomes an advocate against further victimization. This is how the narrative goes for Police Officer 3 Shiela May S. Pansoy— a former victim of abuse, but is now a proactive anti-abuse champion of the Hagonoy Municipal Police Station in Davao del Sur.

Since assuming her post as an investigator of her station’s Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), PO3 Pansoy has dedicated her life into the function of women and children protection. PO3 Pansoy is instrumental in the implementation of ‘Aksyon Agad’ (Quick Response) for abused children and women in their community—a program which entails the rescue and assistance of victims towards recovery, and filing of cases against abusers. PO3 Pansoy also ensures children are given the opportunity to live in abuse-free foster homes for shelter.

With the subject of children protection so close to her heart, PO3 Pansoy has maintained constant presence in case conferences over children who commit offenses such as petty theft, physical violence, and bullying. She has even visited these children and their parents at home, and continuously monitored them even after they had stopped committing offenses.

PO3 Pansoy has taken her advocacy further by initiating crime awareness-raising activities in Hagonoy schools. She did this by visiting school authorities at the start of each school year and informing them of the availability of support from her

WCPD office. She served as symposia speaker on topics like drug abuse, bullying, violence against women and children, and related laws, in collaboration with her colleagues at the police force, lawyers, and relevant agencies.

Aside from crime awareness initiatives, PO3 Pansoy recognizes the importance of engaging the youth in crime prevention and solution. With the initiative of their police chief, her advocacy eventually became the springboard for the establishment of the Hagonoy Junior Police (HJP) in 2015. The HJP is a group of selected students trained to serve specifically as advocates of anti-bullying and anti-gangsterism in schools. The initiative, which continues to this day, has resulted to significantly lesser cases of crime and bullying for all 24 elementary and secondary schools in Hagonoy.

PO3 Pansoy’s heart for service shows not only in how she champions advocacies dear to her, but also in how she makes herself accessible to the citizens whom she serves.

During her school visitations and barangay assemblies, she always makes it a point to give out her cellphone number and the Hagonoy police’s hotline number to citizens. Since starting this practice in 2011, it has become easier for the citizens to communicate with the Hagonoy police at their most convenient time.

Adjudged as the “Best WCPD Investigator” in both regional and provincial levels in 2016, PO3 Pansoy graduated with the degree Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Holy Cross of Davao College in 2004. She is happily married with three children.

“I always make myself available to the community, constantly involving myself in the activities of other government organizations and reaching out to barangay members. Having harmonious relationships with those I serve and protect makes the police work easy and effective.”

ROSALINO P. IBAY, Jr. POLICE CHIEF INSPECTOR

Manila Police District’s Finest Officer

Chief, District Intelligence and Operation Unit

Manila Police District

City of Manila

Years in Service: 21

The sprawling slums of Tondo, Manila, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, has always held a reputation for forging the toughest crooks, ranging from petty thieves to masterminds of organized crimes. This is what fueled Tondo native Rosalino Ibay, Jr. to eventually pursue the profession of peacekeeping.

Now the Intelligence and Operation Chief of Manila Police District (MPD), Police Chief Inspector Ibay has led numerous operations against the most notorious crimes in Tondo, including cases of robbery, murder, human trafficking, syndicated illegal recruitment, and prostitution. He has also led police operations dubbed as ‘Oplan Baliko’ to stop the illicit spread of counterfeit goods and hazardous imported products at different locations in Manila, leading to the arrest of suspects, confiscated goods, and an increased public awareness and vigilance of such businesses.

In 2013, during his stint as Chief of MPD’s Anti-Carnapping and Hijacking Unit (ANCAR), PCInsp. Ibay was instrumental in the resolution of unprecedented carnapping cases in the City of Manila. Before his assumption as ANCAR Chief, the city was tagged as the carnapping capital of the Philippines. He conceptualized and operationalized the initiative called the Systematic Encoding of Stolen Motor Vehicles, which entails encoding recovered carnapped or abandoned vehicles and regularly uploading the list in MPD’s Manila CRAV Facebook page.

Since the use of the Manila CRAV Facebook page, information has become widespread—reaching a bigger number of people not only within the confines of Manila but also nationwide, including the victims themselves. Under his leadership, the Manila CRAV system has facilitated the return of the vehicles to the rightful owners, aided by the continued and

intensified crime busting of MPD. The Unit’s performance has also reversed Manila’s known reputation as the carnapping capital of the Philippines.

Beyond police work, PCInsp. Ibay is an active community leader. In May 2010, PCInsp. Ibay authored the Barangay Management System (BMS), a computerized records storage system which contains a database of all barangay residents, intended to systematize their profiles for easy reference and access.

The BMS comes with a validated ID system, making tracking of residents and identification of criminals more convenient. The IDs can also be used by residents for their personal dealings such as bank transactions and clearances, among others.

Through PCInsp. Ibay’s continuous efforts to propagate the system, the BMS is now being adopted by 35 barangays in Metro Manila.

PCInsp. Ibay is also the founder and current vice president of the Buklod ng Alyansang Nagkakaisang Anak ng Tondo or BANAT, a non-government organization in Tondo doing humanitarian projects such as medical missions, feeding programs, and distribution of goods to residents.

Adjudged as the “Best Provincial Chief” during his stint in Davao del Norte’s Regional Highway Patrol Group in 2011, Manila Police District’s “Best Junior PCO” in 2013 and 2015, respectively, and the Top 3 of the 10 Most Outstanding APOLE members in 2015, PCInsp. Ibay has been serving the police force for 21 years. He earned his Criminology degree from the Philippine College of Criminology in 2000; and his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Philippine College of Health Sciences in 2011. PCInsp. Ibay is married and has two children.

“I constantly remind myself that all my efforts should be aligned with our mandated solemn duty to serve and protect. Every time people acknowledge my good deeds, I feel a lot stronger and more inspired to continue pushing towards that mandate.”

POLICE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT

JOEL B. DORIA, Ph. D.

Cebu’s POKEMON Groundbreaker

City Director

Cebu City Police Office

Police Regional Office 7

Camp Cabahug, Cebu City

Years in Service: 26

Ask the people of Cebu City what ‘Pokemon’ is, and they will not tell you that it is an anime about virtual pocket monsters or an augmented reality game that revolves on catching one. To them, Pokemon takes on a more serious, community-oriented role: it is an anti-criminality crusade which aims to capture hardened criminals and drug offenders in the community.

This project, which started in September 2016, is the brainchild of Police Senior Superintendent Joel B. Doria, City Director of the Cebu City Police Office. Project POKEMON—which stands in Cebuano speak for, Pakigbatukan Og sumpoon ang Krimen ug ang Epekto sa illegal nga drugas nga Makadaut Og makaguba sa Nasud (Fight and Eradicate Crime and Illegal Drugs that are Detrimental to the Nation)— is a modified one-time-big-time type of police operation, conducted simultaneously by all Cebu City police stations in a randomly picked day of the week. What is unique to the project is its comprehensive breadth: it targets all types of street crimes and, most especially, it involves crime prevention activities such as police patrol and police-community relations activities.

What sets POKEMON even further apart from similar antiillegal drugs initiatives nationwide is its commitment to tackle criminality without losing respect for morality: one year has passed since its implementation, and there has not been any single reported violation nor human rights complaint against it. He was able to achieve this outstanding record mainly through initiating partnerships with key government authorities, particularly the region’s human rights director as well as Cebu’s chief prosecutor. Together, they facilitated the conduct of seminars and workshops for police officers on crucial topics such as human rights and court rules and processes on the filing of cases.

POKEMON has caused a steep decline in crime incidences in Cebu barangays, resulting to the arrest of more than 1,700 criminals, including big-time drug traders, and the confiscation of huge cargos of contrabands worth more than P80 million. Some drug offenders have now become productive citizens, and the community’s trust in the police has significantly improved. POKEMON operations continue until today, with beyond 70 arrests happening every week.

In his 26 years in service, PSSupt. Doria has always ensured the quest for justice does not in any way infringe the pursuit of peace. This shows in the many other duties he has handled over the years, such as the resolution of numerous robbery, murder, and illegal drugs cases in Pasay when he was the city’s station chief, and the safe and secure conduct of tourist-packed festivities such as the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

PSSupt. Doria is a bemedalled officer with 3 Medalya ng Kadakilaan, 10 Medalya ng Kagalingan, 45 Medalya ng Kasanayan, 16 Medalya ng Papuri, and recipient of various awards and recognitions including Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration (PNPSAF-CY2014), Lakan Distinguish Award (PNPA-CY2015) and Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations (PRO7-CY2016). He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety from the Philippine National Police Academy in 1992; and his Masters in Peace and Security Studies as well as his Doctorate of Public Security Administration at the Bicol University in 2001 and 2011, respectively. PSSupt. Doria is married and has three children.

“Despite facing many challenges in the pursuit of duty, I learned that nothing is impossible so long as I remain true to my ideals: to accomplish my mission without ever compromising my genuine love for freedom and respect for humanity.”

2017

METROBANK FOUNDATION OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS

FINAL BOARD OF JUDGES

Chairperson SENATOR

PANFILO M. LACSON Republic of the Philippines

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson was first elected to the Senate of the Philippines in 2001 during the 12th Congress He is currently the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, the Senate Committee on Accounts, and the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement of the 17th Congress of the Philippines.

In his long career in the Senate, he filed bills that aimed to improve public service, enhance reproductive health, promote investments, and bolster the country’s defense capabilities.

From 2013 to 2015, he served as the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). As overall manager and coordinator, he helped craft the Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan, which provides for an overall strategic vision and integrated programs in Yolanda-affected areas.

He was also Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from 1991 to 2001, instituting programs that improved police efficiency and discipline among the ranks. Under his watch, the PNP enjoyed the highest public approval ratings in its history.

Senator Lacson earned his Bachelor of Science from the Philippine Military Academy. He also holds a Master’s degree in Government Management from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Vice Chairperson CONGRESSMAN

FELICIANO R. BELMONTE, JR. 4th District of Quezon City

Congressman Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Jr. was first elected representative of the Fourth District of Quezon City in 1992. A two-time Speaker of the House of Representatives, he is the chairperson of the House Committee on West Philippine Sea of the 17th Congress of the Philippines.

He started his career in government as presidential staff assistant of President Diosdado Macapagal. He has held various leadership positions in organizations including the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the Manila Hotel, the National Reinsurance Corporation of the Philippines, and Philippine Airlines.

As a legislator, he was one of the principal co-authors of the General Appropriations Act of the Philippines and the Salary Standardization Law. He also served as Mayor of Quezon City from 2001 to 2010, helping make Quezon City the most competitive city of Metro Manila.

He has been the recipient of several awards, including The Outstanding Filipino in Government Service in 2002, Most Outstanding City Mayor of the Philippines in 2003, and Galing Pook Awards as Mayor of Quezon City (2003, 2006, 2008, and 2009).

Cong. Belmonte finished Law at the Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Member SENIOR ASSOCIATE JUSTICE MAGDANGAL M. DE LEON Court of Appeals

Justice Magdangal de Leon is Senior Associate Justice and Chairperson of the Fifth Division at the Court of Appeals.

He previously served as Assistant Solicitor General before his appointment to the Court of Appeals in 2004. The current Chairperson of the Philippine Judicial Academy Remedial Law Department, he is also a faculty member and bar reviewer at the Ateneo Law School and other law schools.

Among other distinctions, he is a recipient of the 2017 Justice Jose Colayco Professorial Chair for Remedial Law, the 2016 Metrobank Foundation Professorial Chair in Remedial Law, and the University of the Philippines Centennial Distinguished Alumnus Award for championing justice and the judiciary in 2008.

The son of National Artist for Music Felipe Padilla de Leon, he is a composer, singer, choral conductor, and arranger who has conducted for the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

Justice de Leon obtained his Foreign Service and Law degrees from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Member HIS EXCELLENCY SUNG KIM

U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines

Ambassador Sung Kim was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines in November 2016, and started this posting in December 2016.

He previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea from 2011 to 2014. In between the two ambassadorships, he served as Special Representative for North Korea Policy in Washington.

Earlier, Ambassador Kim also served as the Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks with the rank of Ambassador. His previous overseas diplomatic assignments include Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, he worked as a prosecutor in Los Angeles, California.

Ambassador Kim earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed a degree in law from Loyola University. He also holds a Master of Laws degree from the London School of Economics and an honorary doctorate from the Catholic University of Korea.

Member OSCAR S. REYES

Chief Executive Officer & President Manila Electric Company

Mr. Oscar Reyes serves as President and Chief Executive Officer at the Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

Before joining Meralco, he spent two decades with the Shell Group, most notably as country chairman for Shell Companies in the Philippines.

He is also a Board Director at several corporations, including Manila Water Company, Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc., and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT). An active leader in social development, he has been the United Nations National Ambassador for HIV-AIDS since 2003 and serves as a trustee of One Meralco Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, and SGV Foundation. He is a member of the Management Association of the Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors, Makati Business Club, and other professional organizations.

Mr. Reyes finished Bachelor of Arts Major in Economics at Ateneo de Manila University. He also completed a Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School.

Member DR. JIKYEONG KANG

President & Dean Asian Institute of Management

Dr. Jikyeong Kang is the tenth and first female President CEO of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). She holds concurrent positions as Dean and MVP Chair in Marketing.

Prior to assuming her post as AIM dean, she was the Director of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at the Manchester Business School. Dr. Kang has also taught at top business schools around the world as a Visiting Professor, including IE in Spain; the Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands; ESSEC in Paris; HEC in Montreal; CEIBS in China; and Sogang Graduate School of Business in Korea.

She currently serves on the International Board of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world’s largest business education alliance. She is also an Independent Director of Security Bank.

Dr. Kang earned her Ph. D. major in Retailing/Marketing from the University of Minnesota, her master’s degree from Colorado State University, and a bachelor’s degree from Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.

Member MOST REV. JOHN F. DU, D.D. Archbishop Archdiocese of Palo, Leyte

Most Rev. John Du was appointed as Archbishop of Palo in February 2012. He has previously served as assistant parish priest in Talisay and Bogo, Cebu as well as Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu and Dumaguete. He was also a member of several Episcopal Commissions under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP): Episcopal Commission on Ecumenical Affairs, Episcopal Commission on Liturgy, Episcopal Commission on Mutual Relations between Bishops and Religious, and Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace. He also served as CBCP Treasurer from 2011 to 2015.

Archbishop Du finished his Bachelor of Arts degree major in Philosophy at San Carlos Seminary College and Bachelor of Arts degree major in Sacred Theology at Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City.

Member MIGUEL C. ENRIQUEZ

Senior Vice President for Radio GMA Network Inc.

Mr. Miguel “Mike” Enriquez is the Senior Vice President for Radio of GMA Network and president of RGMA Network. Co-anchor of the network’s primetime television newscast, “24 Oras,” he also hosts Saksi sa Dobol B and Imbestigador.

He began his career in 1969 as a staff announcer at the Manila Broadcasting Company. Before joining GMA, he also served as Vice President for FM Radio Operations and Board Director at Radio Mindanao Network.

He is a recipient of the 1999 Golden Dove Award for Best Male Newscaster and the Ka Doroy Valencia Broadcaster of the Year Award given by the Kapisanan Ng Mga Brodkaster Ng Pilipinas (KBP). He has also been named as one of the most child-friendly personalities by the Southeast Asian Foundation for Children and thrice consecutively by the Anak TV Seal Awards.

Mr. Enriquez obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree major in Liberal Arts in Commerce from De La Salle University.

2017 METROBANK FOUNDATION OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS

BOARD OF ASSESSORS TEACHERS

ELEMENTARY COMPETITION

SECONDARY COMPETITION

HIGHER EDUCATION COMPETITION

Chairperson

MARILETTE R. ALMAYDA, Ph.D.

Director III & Officer-in-Charge

Bureau of Learning Delivery

Department of Education

Chairperson FE A. HIDALGO, Ph.D. Vice President Foundation for Upgrading the Standard of Education (FUSE)

Chairperson QUEENA LEE-CHUA, Ph.D.

Professor

Mathematics Department

Ateneo De Manila University

Member

EVELINA M. VICENCIO, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Education

University of the East

Member

JOCELYN D.R. ANDAYA, Ph.D.

Director IV

Bureau of Curriculum Development

Department of Education

Member

AMBETH R. OCAMPO, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Department of History

Ateneo De Manila University

Member

FELICITAS E. PADO, Ph.D.

Member, Board of Advisers

Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (NOTED)

Member

ALLAN M. CANONIGO

Science Education Specialist UP National Institute for Science and Math Education Development (NISMED)

Member

TERESO S. TULLAO, Ph.D.

University Fellow and Distinguished Professor

Department of Economics De La Salle University

2017

METROBANK FOUNDATION OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS

BOARD OF ASSESSORS

SOLDIERS

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

ENLISTED PERSONNEL

MYRNA ELIZABETH P. BORROMEO News Anchor CNN Philippines

RONALD U. MENDOZA, Ph.D. Dean Ateneo School of Government

GWENDOLYN PIMENTEL-GANA Commissioner Commission on Human Rights

MARISA Y. LERIAS Special Assistant to the Cabinet Secretary Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council

BOARD OF ASSESSORS

2017 METROBANK FOUNDATION OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS POLICE OFFICERS

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS (SENIOR AND FIELD GRADE)

ATTY. PABLO M. GANCAYCO Past District Governor Rotary International District 3780

ELMAR B. ACOL Network Director Bombo Radyo

LINA C. SARMIENTO Chairperson Human Rights Victims Claim Board

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

MA. LUISA SALONGA – AGAMATA, Ph.D. Head Public Assistance and Information Office Civil Service Commission

ATTY. RUDOLPH STEVE E. JULARBAL Station Manager DZRH

CONG. BERNADETTE HERRERA-DY Representative, Bagong Henerasyon Governor-Elect, Rotary International District 3780

OUTSTANDING FILIPINOS

HONORED BY THE METROBANK FOUNDATION

SINCE 1985

Founded in October 26, 1997, the Metrobank Foundation Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators (MBFI-NOTED), Inc. is an honor society composed of all the winners of the Metrobank Foundation’s Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) since 1985.

With its philosophy, “Outstanding Teachers: Us for Others in the Service of the Nation,” NOTED aims to serve as a conduit of Filipino teacher excellence, engagement and empowerment by providing responsive and functional excellence-driven programs and projects to teachers and educators across levels of education.

TOPSOLDIERS

The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Integrity, Excellence and Responsibility to Society (TOPSOLDIERS) is an association of all members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who have been recognized under the Metrobank Foundation – Rotary Club of Makati Metro Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers or TOPS.

The TOPSOLDIERS envisions its members to grow as disciplined, focused and committed individuals responsive to the needs of the nation and concern for the consequences of its actions. TOPSOLDIERS seek to excel by constantly seeking self improvement and professional advancement among its members, committed to live morally upright lives and genuinely serve the Filipino people, to promote a culture of excellence and transformation among ourselves and within their institution, to promote organizational and management excellence in the communities where they serve, and to undertake meaningful social, economic and civic projects.

NOTED PROTECT

Police Officers Responsible for Organizing, Transforming and Empowering Communities or PROTECT is an alumni organization of awardees previously recognized by the Metrobank Foundation-Rotary Club of the New Manila East Search for the Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in service (COPS). PROTECT is an organization that aims to promote a culture of excellence in the police force by conducting programs that advocate responsible citizenship, not only in the Philippine National Police but more importantly, in their respective communities as well.

PROTECT also has internal programs that benefit its members. These projects include Financial Literacy Program/ Proper Management of Finances, Theory of Change: Genuine Transformation in the PNP and Community Mobilization. The programs ensure personal and professional development of all the members of PROTECT.

VISION

To be the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation contributing a significant impact on social development.

MISSION

As the heart of the Metrobank Group, we live up to our “Excel. Engage. Empower.” roadmap that embodies who we are and what we do.

The Foundation shall endeavor to be the country’s premier corporate philanthropic foundation contributing a significant impact on social development. As a development organization, we aim to uplift individuals and the sectors they represent and strategically link with institutions for a shared-purpose. By creating and propagating a culture of excellence and providing solutions to stakeholder’s needs, we continuously expand our scope of reach and be at the forefront in serving communities. “Excel. Engage. Empower.” or the 3Es shall remain our roadmap.

The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) was established on January 8, 1979 by Dr. George S. K. Ty, sixteen (16) years after he founded the Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank). As the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, the Foundation implements various programs that recognize excellence among key professions, education, arts and culture, and healthcare. It also maintains a dynamic partnership with other organizations that likewise provide services for the underprivileged and marginalized sectors of society and remains responsive to aid survivors of natural calamities in the Philippines and in Asia through relief and rehabilitation efforts.

RECOGNITION PROGRAMS

Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos recognizes exemplary teachers, soldiers, and police officers for rendering service above and beyond their call of duties, guided by the theme “Beyond Excellence”. An Outstanding Filipino is recognized for his/her accomplishments that have inspired and influenced their peers as well as the people in their respective communities. Their works must have transformed a community with a lasting positive impact on people and to the country.

Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) hails Filipino artistry and creativity through the annual competitions in painting and sculpture.

Professorial Chair Lectures, in partnership with government and academic institutions aim to strengthen key professions in the areas of law, health, public service and governance.

EDUCATION

Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge

(MMC) raises the mathematical competitiveness of elementary and high school students nationwide through the annual mathematics competition in partnership with the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

MetroGold Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to underprivileged but academically-deserving students, while instilling among scholars the value of ‘paying-it-forward’ the gift of education they have received.

National Teachers’ Month encourages the different sectors of the society to pay tribute to the teaching profession in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 242 declaring September 5 to October 5 as National Teachers’ Month.

HEALTH

Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) serves as the healthcare arm of the Foundation, offering a wide array of social services such as subsidies for in-house patients, outreach programs, medical missions, and other health-related interventions in adopted communities.

GRANTS

Financial and In-kind Grant Assistance is extended to socio-civic and non-government organizations, as well as, local and national government agencies whose projects/ programs are aligned with the thrusts of the Foundation in health, education, arts and livelihood or HEAL, including the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

DISASTER RESPONSE

The Foundation remains responsive to aid survivors of natural calamities in the Philippines and in Asia through relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Board of Trustees

Dr. George S.K. Ty

Hon. Edgardo J. Angara

Arthur V. Ty

Fabian S. Dee

Aniceto M. Sobrepeña

Alfred V. Ty

Elvira Ong Chan

Marixi R. Prieto

Milagros G. Drilon

Board of Advisers

Hon. Artemio V. Panganiban Chairman

Washington Z. SyCip Senior Adviser

Hon. Albert F. Del Rosario Senior Adviser

Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr. Senior Adviser

James Go Adviser

Alfonso A. Uy Adviser

Mary V. Ty Adviser

Officers:

Dr. George S.K. Ty Chairman

Arthur V. Ty Vice Chairman

Aniceto M. Sobrepeña President

Anjanette T. Dy Buncio Corporate Secretary

Alesandra T. Ty Asst. Corporate Secretary

Zandra M. Ty Vice President

Nicanor L. Torres, Jr. Executive Director

Irene D. Labitad Asst. Executive Director

Marilou C. Bartolome Controller

Atty. Melissa K. Gabor Asst. Corporate Secretary

Antonietta O. Chua Treasurer

Pamela Gardaya Assistant Treasurer