Marcos: There is still integrity in government service

MANILA, Philippines — With the government facing distrust over corruption issues, President Marcos vowed to continue cleansing the bureaucracy of wrongdoing, as he lauded this year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos for proving that there are public servants who perform their roles with honor.

Speaking during the awarding ceremony at Malacañang yesterday, Marcos described the awardees as “exemplary individuals who have gone the extra mile to transform lives, to uplift communities.”

“You showed that true service to the nation is not measured by one’s status in society, but in the desire to bring about change to our countrymen,” the President said.

“You are the face of the new Filipino: honest, has a strong will and wholeheartedly renders service to fellow Filipinos.”

Marcos said every honest teacher, soldier and police personnel is a victory against the corruption plaguing the country.

“At a time when our nation faces many challenges that shake our people’s trust in our institutions, your stories once again give us reason to believe in the goodness of our people. They remind us that integrity and excellence must be at the heart of the work that we all do,” the President said.

“And so, we confer these awards at a time when we also confront a difficult question, one that is not lost on any of us. Can we still trust the government?  And to that, I say: Look at these men and women. In their service, you will find your answer. Because of them, we are reminded that hope is never lost, that integrity lives in our institutions, that honor still defines what it means to be a Filipino.”

Marcos said the awardees serve as an inspiration to correct the wrong practices in the government.

“We continue to clean the government ranks to ensure that each official, each public servant is worthy of the trust given by the people. This fight is not easy,” he said.

“It will be hard and sometimes it will be painful, but it will be worth it because what we are fighting for is a country that our children will inherit (and) a nation that they can be proud of, that they can be proud to say I am Filipino.”

The President also praised the awards program, saying it has become “a beacon of integrity and inspiration” and has proven that “even at the most difficult times, there will always be Filipinos who remain committed to serving and leading with honor.”

This year’s Outstanding Filipinos who received the Medallion of Excellence include four teachers: Noel Sadinas, who turned a dumpsite into a learning space for indigenous students; Amando Perfecto Molin, whose acts of kindness inspired students across Southeast Asia; Mylene Uy, who pioneered natural products research in Mindanao, and Angelo Mark Walag, who championed experiential learning and empowered teachers in underserved schools.

The President also honored three soldiers: Underwater Operations man First Class Anro Anthony Turallo for helping reclaim communities from violent extremism; Col. Ricky Canatoy for rebuilding war-torn villages, and Col. Joey Fontiveros for establishing the nation’s first cyber battalion.
Marcos also feted three law enforcers: Police Master Sgt. Ivan Velasco for community-driven programs that unite law enforcement and environmental protection; Police Maj. Elmira Relox for restoring the dignity of countless women and children through her rescue and reintegration efforts, and Police Col. Frederick Obar for innovative reforms and digital learning system that have transformed the way the police serve the public.

Launched in 1985, the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program is the most prestigious career-service award for Filipino teachers, soldiers and police officers.

Each awardee received P1 million, the Medallion of Excellence, and “The Flame” trophy, all of which symbolize their lifelong commitment to public service.