Heroes/heroines, not celebrities

During these times, it cannot be denied that our society needs people who have dedicated themselves into a life of service to fellow Filipinos. They are the ones who work quietly but with utmost integrity, responsibility and efficiency, shunning the limelight as they carry out their jobs and pursue their chosen profession. They are the ones doing their “ordinary jobs extraordinarily well,” and without much fanfare. They are the real heroes/heroines that every society needs, more than the celebrities who are attracting a lot of attention and being excessively admired and idolized in all forms of media. Indeed there is truth to the saying that every society needs heroes/heroines rather than celebrities.

Fortunately there are entities in our country which recognize and adhere to this saying in the exercise of their corporate social responsibility. Worth mentioning here is the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company which has established the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) in order to recognize “the unwavering dedication of extraordinary individuals who quietly hold the foundations of our society together.” Guided by the philanthropic vision of Metrobank Group chairman and founder Dr. George S.K. Ty, the Foundation has been conducting for the last 38 years, the annual search for Outstanding Filipinos as a way of paying tribute to the sacrifices especially of teachers, soldiers, and police officers who have dedicated themselves into a life of service to fellow Filipinos.

Last year 10 teachers, soldiers and police officers were chosen as MBFI Outstanding Filipinos “rendering service above and beyond the call of duty.” Specifically, they are: Jennifer M. Rojo, a Visionary Science Teacher from Tagaytay City who makes the learning of science enjoyable through her beyond the textbook initiatives and methodologies; Edgar T. Elago, a Cultural Coach from Agusan del Norte who has constantly looked for ways to extend his art and culture advocacy into the larger community; Dr. Esperanza C. Cabrera, a Master Microbiologist from Manila who has expanded the boundaries of scientific knowledge in the country, enrich the competencies of budding and professional microbiologists and uplift several human conditions in places needing crucial aid; Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel, University of the Philippines Professor and Scientist who led the establishment of the first and only laboratory of food microbiology and hygiene and made sure that concerns for food safety and security reach the grassroots level; SSG. Narding S. Pascual, Squad Leader Bravo Company 16th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Talacogon Agusan del Sur, the “Lumad Hero from Caraga armed with grit in defending communities from militant forces and in uplifting the living conditions of his fellow Lumads; Lt. Col Elmer B Suderio, Asst. Chief of Staff for Operations, 1st Infantry Division (PA), Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, the soldier-trailblazer from Basilan who employs out of the box methods in dealing with insurgents to eventually transform war-torn communities into peaceful ones; Lt. Col. Ricky P. Bunayog, Asst Chief of Staff for Operations 6th Infantry Division (PA), Central Mindanao’s Warrior Peacekeeper who went beyond executing combat missions into socio-economic activities to win peace; P03 Shiela May S. Pansoy, Davao Del Sur’s Anti-Abuse Advocate who dedicated her life to champion and protect women and children’s rights; PCINSP. Rosalino P. Ibay Jr., Manila Police District’s Finest Officer who led numerous operations against notorious crime syndicates, and carried out humanitarian projects as active community leader; and PSSupt. Joel B. Doria, Cebu City Police Office Director who initiated an anti-criminality crusade called “Project Pokemon” which successfully captured lawless individuals and drug offenders in Cebu City.

In this year’s search for MBFI Ten Outstanding Filipino teachers, soldiers and police officers, themed “Beyond Excellence,” nominations are now open. The awardees represent what MBFI identifies as “key pillars of society.” Four members of the academe will be selected under the teacher component of the search, three soldiers and three police officers will also be selected from the peace and security sectors. Each awardee will receive a P 1 million cash incentive, a trophy, and a gold medallion.

Teachers, soldiers, and police officers who are eligible to join must have a minimum of 10 years of service with at least “very satisfactory” rating in their profession. Those who are set to retire must have at least 3 remaining years of service. Qualified elementary and secondary teachers must have completed academic requirements for Master’s Degree while Higher Education teachers must have a doctorate degree. Qualified AFP commissioned officers (Captain to Colonel) must have completed a Bachelor’s Degree while AFP enlisted personnel (Corporal to Chief Master Sergeant) must have completed a high school. PNP commissioned officers (Police Inspector to Police Senior Superintendent) and non-commissioned officers (Police Officer 2 to Senior Police Officer 4) must have completed a Bachelor’s Degree.

So readers, and/or their friends and family members are invited to nominate any “responsible citizen, exemplary public servant, agent of positive change” whose work have transformed a community with lasting positive impact on our country and our people so as to “move the Philippines closer to the peaceful, equitable, and prosperous nation that it can be.” As Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) president Aniceto Sobrepeña said, “By giving them due recognition, we hope to inspire the Filipino nation further in our collective task of building a strong and progressive society.”

Nomination forms and detailed guidelines are now available via the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Facebook page. Deadline for nominations to be sent to the MBFI Secretariat is on March 1, 2018. For further inquiries, you may call tel. nos. (02) 8988898, (02) 8578757, (02) 9457006 or mobile 0956-8734684, 0925-830 3717, and 0933-5224186. Please look for Kristal Todcor (teachers), Third Salang (soldiers), and Beni Benipayo (police officers). You may also send inquiries via email to [email protected]. Nomination forms can also be accessed through www.mbfoundation.org.ph.

The search is held in partnership with the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education; Rotary Club of Makati Metro; Armed Forces of the Philippines; Rotary Club of New Manila East, Philippine Savings Bank, and the Philippine National Police.