Metrobank Foundation honors 10 outstanding Filipinos for 2026

he Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) has named its 2026 Outstanding Filipinos, recognizing 10 individuals whose exceptional work has made a meaningful impact on education, community welfare, public safety, and national security.

The awardees include four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers, joining a distinguished roster of Filipinos recognized for their dedication to serving their communities and strengthening public institutions.

Now on its 41st year, the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program was established in 1985 by the late Metrobank Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty. To date, the program has honored 735 Outstanding Filipinos, composed of 392 teachers, 178 soldiers, and 165 police officers.

Under this year’s theme, “Beyond Excellence,” the awardees were selected for their innovative contributions, leadership, and sustained commitment to the people and institutions they serve.

2026 Outstanding Filipino Teachers

• Emmanuel D. Guarde, PhD – Master Teacher III, Cornelio Lintawagin Memorial Elementary School, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro
• Sheila Marie M. Amigo – Master Teacher I, Siay National High School, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay
• Cecilia O. Bucayong, PhD – Professor VI and Director, Office of Environmental and Safety Management, Central Mindanao University, Maramag, Bukidnon
• Jefferson A. Hora, PhD – Professor VI and Dean, College of Engineering, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte

2026 Outstanding Filipino Soldiers

• Staff Sergeant Joebelle O. Cerdinio (SC) PA – Signal Non-Commissioned Officer, 102nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
• Staff Sergeant John Daren P. Noche PAF – Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge for Safety, Tactical Operations Group 10, Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao, Philippine Air Force, Butuan City
• Lieutenant Colonel Rommel M. Geli PN(M) – Commanding Officer, Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps, Puerto Princesa City

2026 Outstanding Filipino Police Officers

• Police Master Sergeant Dwight Alexis B. Supsupin – Team Leader, Technical Support Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, Police Regional Office CAR, La Trinidad, Benguet
• Police Major Baby Rose P. Cajulao – Chief, Community Affairs Section, Regional Community Affairs and Development Division, Police Regional Office 2, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Mansueto – Deputy Provincial Director for Administration, Antique Police Provincial Office, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique

Each awardee will receive ₱1 million, net of tax, along with the Metrobank Foundation’s prestigious “Flame” trophy. They will also be awarded the Medallion of Excellence, which will be conferred by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace.

The honorees were chosen from a nationwide pool of nominees through a rigorous multi-stage selection process that included eligibility screening, document evaluation, field validation, background checks, interviews, and live teaching demonstrations for teacher nominees.

The final selection was conducted by the Final Board of Judges, chaired by Senator Ping Lacson and co-chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez, with representatives from local government, business, and media also serving on the panel.

MBFI President Philip Francisco U. Dy said the awardees represent more than professional excellence, describing them as role models who inspire others to serve with integrity, purpose, and dedication.

The Conferment Ceremony for the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos is scheduled for September 4, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The event will gather former awardees, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, sector leaders, and partners.

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