Marcos cites 10 cops, teachers, soldiers

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos on Tuesday honored exemplary teachers, soldiers and policemen whose dedication to public service has helped strengthen institutions and improve the lives of Filipinos.

Marcos awarded the Medallion of Excellence to 10 recipients of the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos during a ceremony at Malacañang.

The awardees were teachers Emmanuel Guarde of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro; Sheila Marie Amigo of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay; Cecilia Bucayong of Maramag, Bukidnon and Jefferson Hora of Iligan, Lanao del Norte; soldiers S/Sgt. Joebelle Cerdinio of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; S/Sgt. John Daren Noche of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte and Lt. Col. Rommel Geli; police M/Sgt. Dwight Alexis Supsupin, Maj. Baby Rose Cajulao and Lt.Col. Robert Mansueto.

“It recognizes exemplary professionals in education, the military and the police whose service has changed the lives of their communities in profound ways. They all wear different uniforms but share the same instinct: to serve our people above all else,” Marcos said.

He said the awardees from the education sector have contributed to improving learning through culturally responsive tools, innovative approaches to physics education and research on emerging technologies.

He also cited the contributions of the military awardees in strengthening coordination among government agencies, improving efficiency through digital platforms and enhancing maritime awareness and operational preparedness in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos said the police awardees have demonstrated the importance of prevention and innovation in public safety, including efforts to steer young people away from crime.

The Chief Executive cited the expansion of career progression and improved welfare for newly hired and promoted teachers, modernization of military equipment, improved pay and allowances for soldiers and the rollout of digitized and unified systems for local government security and disaster response.

For more than four decades, the Metrobank Foundation has been recognizing outstanding Filipino exemplary teachers, soldiers and police officers who go beyond their call of duty as educators, peacekeepers and defenders of the nation.

Each awardee received P1 million, “The Flame” trophy and a Medallion of Excellence.

National semifinalists and national finalists are also recognized through cash incentives and certificates of recognition.