Metrobank Foundation launches 2023 search for Outstanding Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — The Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) on Thursday launched the search for the 2023 Outstanding Filipinos in academe, military and the police.

MBFI president Aniceto Sobrepeña led the ceremonial launch and signing of agreement with partners at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

“Our flagship program, the Metrobank Foundation’s Outstanding Filipinos, has already recognized 695 Filipinos all over the years – 376 teachers, 166 soldiers and 153 police officers. These are extraordinary individuals with ordinary values whose work and advocacies radiate excellence,” said Sobrepeña.

“Excellence, honed through time, 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 learned without losses,” he added.

First conferred in 1985, the MBFI’s Outstanding Filipinos award recognizes 10 individuals – four teachers, three soldiers and three police officers – for their initiatives and concrete contributions to the development of their sector and communities.

It recognizes the excellence and sacrifices of Filipino teachers, soldiers and police officers “who have gone over and beyond the call of duty to serve their profession and their community.”

Nominees must be Filipino citizens with full-time or permanent appointment, have rendered a minimum 10 years of service with at least “very satisfactory” rating in the last 10 years, have not been on leave for more than two years immediately prior to nomination and have at least three years of service remaining before retirement.

They must have exhibited good moral character and have not been adjudged guilty in any civil, administrative or criminal case. They should not have been a finalist two times nor a semifinalist three times in the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Award.

Teacher nominees in the elementary, secondary or alternative learning system must have full teaching load and at least a master’s degree taken within five years from the time of nomination. Higher education teachers must have a doctorate, medical or law degree.

Kindergarten teachers who are in the integrated or elementary school system may also be nominated, as well as those carrying administrative positions, provided that they carry a minimum of six hours per week of teaching load within the school year they are joining.

For soldiers, qualified AFP commissioned officers with the rank of captain to colonel must have completed a bachelor’s degree, while enlisted personnel with rank of corporal to chief master sergeant must have completed at least a high school degree.

Qualified police officers must have completed a bachelor’s degree, including senior commissioned officers (lieutenant colonel to colonel), field grade commissioned officers (lieutenant to major) and non-commissioned officers (corporal to executive master sergeant).

Nominations will be accepted until Jan. 13.

Among those who joined the launch were Department of Education Undersecretary for human resource and organizational development Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, Armed Forces of the Philippines Inspector General Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, PNP Deputy Chief for administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia and National Police Commission vice chairman and executive officer Alberto Bernardo.

Also present were representatives from various partners, including the Philippine Saving Bank, Rotary Club of Manila East and Rotary Club of Makati Metro.