KINILALA ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez ang Ten Outstanding Filipinos ng 2023 Metrobank Foundation na tinuruan nito bilang mga bayani ng modernong panahon dahil sa kanilang natatanging paglilingkod sa bansa.

Sa kanyang mensahe sa mga awardees, sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez na ang 10 natatanging Pilipino na kinilala ng Metrobank ang pinakamagandang halimbawa ng ating bansa.

“The Metrobank Foundation has always been at the forefront of recognizing brilliance in public service. Today’s event is a reflection of their belief that heroes reside amongst us. They might not wear capes, but they shine brightly with courage, integrity, patriotism, and dedication,” ani Romualdez, lider ng Kamara na may 311 miyembro.

Sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez sa apat na awardees mula sa sektor ng edukasyon na sila ang humuhubog sa susunod na henerasyon at ipinapaintindi sa mga ito ang diwa ng pagiging Pilipino, pagmamahal sa bansa at ang kanilang responsibilidad sa tatahaking landas ng bansa.

Kinilala rin ni Speaker Romualdez ang katapangan ng mga sundalo at pulis na nakatanggap ng award at ang kanilang kahalagahan sa pagpapanatili ng kaligtasan, karapatan, at suberenya ng bansa.

“The risks you take and the sacrifices you make are reflections of your unwavering commitment to the Filipino people. In the quiet moments of your service lie the loud echoes of heroism,” sabi pa ni Speaker Romualdez.

Ang halaga umano ng mga ginawaran ng parangal ay higit sa premyo, trophy, at medalya na kanilang nakuha kundi makikita sa mga buhay na kanilang natulungan.

“Today, as we celebrate each one of you, let’s also remind ourselves of our shared responsibility and potential. Your journeys serve as compelling examples, urging us all to strive for greatness in service,” dagdag pa ng lider ng Kamara.

Kamakailan ay pinagtibay ng Kamara ang House Resolution 1312 na pumupuri at bumabati sa mga tumanggap ng 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Awards.

Ang HR 1312 ay inakda nina Speaker Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, at Tingog Partylist Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez at Jude A. Acidre.

Ang mga tumanggap ng 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Teachers ay sina Rex M. Sario, Master Teacher I/Teacher-in-charge of Balogo Elementary School (Pangantucan, Bukidnon); June Elias V. Patalinghug, EdD, Master Teacher II at Catalunan Grade Elementary School (Davao City); Edgar R. Durana, MAEd, Master Teacher I / SPED Coordinator at Don Jose M. Ynares Sr. Memorial National High School (Binangonan, Rizal); at Jovelyn G Delosa, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Vice President for Academic Affairs of Northern Bukidnon State College (Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon).

Ang mga nagwagi naman ng 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers ay sina Staff Sergeant Danilo S. Banquiao, Civil-Military Officer-Non-Commission Officer ng 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division ng Philippine Army (Marawi City, Lanao del Sur); Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Bitancur, Assistant Commandant ng Basic Military School, Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command-Philippine Air Force (Lipa City, Batangas); at Colonel Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations ng Presidential Security Group at dating Commanding Officer of the 10th Military Intelligence Battalion, 10th Infantry Division (Mawab, Davao de Oro).

Ang mga recipient naman ng 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers ay sina Chief Master Sergeant Dennis D. Bendo, Section Team Leader ng District Mobile Force Battalion ng Manila Police District; Major Mae Ann R. Cunanan, Chief of Police Community Relations Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at dating Chief of the Case Monitoring Section, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, PRO 9 sa Zamboanga City; at Colonel Renell R. Sabaldica, Chief of Morale and Welfare Division ng Directorate for Personnel and Records Management ng Camp Crame, Quezon City, at dating Provincial Director of Cagayan Police Provincial Office sa Tuguegarao City.