Dy urges Metrobank’s Outstanding Filipinos: Uplift others, serve nation

Speaker Faustino Dy III — Photo from his Facebook account MANILA, Philippines — Use your skills and talents not only to achieve personal success but also to improve the lives of others and serve the country, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III urged the awardees of the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, which had the theme “Beyond Excellence.” “Excellence is being good at what you do. ‘Beyond excellence’ is when the good you do benefits others. When you go beyond the call of duty to serve our kababayans,” Dy said on Monday in his sponsorship speech for a resolution honoring the 10 awardees for their “dedication, exemplary performance, and contributions to nation-building.” “This is beyond excellence — to go beyond what is expected of us, to give without asking in return, to value service above self.” Article continues after this advertisement The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos recognizes teachers, soldiers, and police officers who demonstrate excellence in their professions and render service beyond the call of duty. READ: Speaker Dy: We can build a ‘Bagong Kongreso’ This year’s awardees are: Award for Teachers Dr. Emmanuel D. Guarde, Master Teacher III at Cornelio Lintawagin Memorial Elementary School in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro: “Oriental Mindoro’s Steward of Indigenous Knowledge and Heritage” Sheila Marie M. Amigo, Master Teacher I at Siay National High School in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay: “Zamboanga Sibugay’s Trailblazer in Transformative and Compassionate Learning” Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong, Professor VI and director for Environmental and Safety Management at Central Mindanao University in Maramag, Bukidnon: “Bukidnon’s Visionary Inventor in Physics Education” Dr. Jefferson A. Hora, Professor VI and dean of the College of Engineering at Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte: “Mindanao’s Revolutionary Mentor in Microelectronics Education and Innovation” Award for Soldiers Article continues after this advertisement Staff Sgt. Joebelle O. Cerdinio, signal noncommissioned Officer of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army: “Zamboanga Peninsula’s Sentinel of Unified Response and Communication” Staff Sgt. John Daren P. Noche, noncommissioned officer in charge for Safety of Tactical Operations Group 10, Philippine Air Force: “Philippine Air Force’s Innovator for Safer Communities” Lt. Col. Rommel M. Geli, commanding officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps: “Philippine Marine Corps’ Servant Leader in Territorial Defense and Peacebuilding” Award for Police Officers Police Master Sgt. Dwight Alexis B. Supsupin, team leader of the Technical Support Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region: “Cordillera’s Catalyst of Transformative Community Policing” Police Maj. Baby Rose P. Cajulao, chief of the Community Affairs Section, Regional Community Affairs and Development Division, Police Regional Office 2: “Cagayan Valley’s Police Advocate for Community Empowerment” Police Lt. Col. Robert R. Mansueto, deputy provincial director for Administration of the Antique Police Provincial Office, Police Regional Office 6: “Western Visayas’ Champion of Digital Systems for Public Safety” Aim for meaningful service Dy said the honorees showed how professional excellence could be transformed into meaningful service to the Filipino people. Article continues after this advertisement “In your deeds, you have shown that excellence can be a way to serve. Talent can become caring. And one person’s success can pave the way for the majority to rise,” he said in Filipino. He stressed that Filipinos can use their abilities to complement government programs and major policy decisions to work for the common good. “The progress of the Philippines depends not only on big programs or decisions. It also depends on millions of Filipinos who use their abilities not only for their personal benefit but also to help us lift the people,” Dy said. Historical figures, he pointed out, are not the only ones who have shown heroism but also “teachers who refuse to give up on their students, police officers who protect communities, soldiers who serve far from their families, and ordinary Filipinos who act even without recognition.” “Every day, silent Filipinos doing good and heroic deeds,” Dy said. “There are ordinary Filipinos who don’t wait for others to act. They themselves find a way to serve others — even without being seen, even without applause, even without recognition.” READ: Bojie Dy urges mayors to use technology to serve constituents He urged the awardees to continue inspiring other Filipinos to pursue excellence with compassion and a sense of responsibility toward others. “Because the Philippines we want to build will be shaped by millions of Filipinos choosing to do their part for the benefit of others. Let’s make our excellence more meaningful by making positive changes in the lives of others,” he said. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. “May you continue using your excellence to serve, give hope, and open opportunities for more of our countrymen.” /atm