SPEAKER DY: USE EXCELLENCE TO UPLIFT OTHERS, SERVE THE NATION

Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Monday urged Filipinos to use their skills and talents not only to achieve personal success, but also to improve the lives of others and contribute to nation-building.

In his speech honoring the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, Speaker Dy said this year’s awardees exemplify the true meaning of going “Beyond Excellence” through their dedication to public service.

“Excellence is being good at what you do. ‘Beyond excellence’ is when the good you do benefits others. When you go beyond the call of duty to serve our kababayans,” the Speaker said.

“This is beyond excellence—to go beyond what is expected of us, to give without asking in return, to value service above self.”

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program recognizes teachers, soldiers, and police officers who demonstrate excellence in their professions and render service beyond the call of duty.

This year’s awardees are:

Award for Teachers

* Dr. Emmanuel D. Guarde, Master Teacher III at Cornelio Lintawagin Memorial Elementary School in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro — “Oriental Mindoro’s Steward of Indigenous Knowledge and Heritage”
* Sheila Marie M. Amigo, Master Teacher I at Siay National High School in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay — “Zamboanga Sibugay’s Trailblazer in Transformative and Compassionate Learning”
* Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong, Professor VI and Director for Environmental and Safety Management at Central Mindanao University in Maramag, Bukidnon — “Bukidnon’s Visionary Inventor in Physics Education”
* Dr. Jefferson A. Hora, Professor VI and Dean of the College of Engineering at Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte — “Mindanao’s Revolutionary Mentor in Microelectronics Education and Innovation”

Award for Soldiers

* Staff Sergeant Joebelle O. Cerdinio (SC) PA, Signal Non-Commissioned Officer of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army — “Zamboanga Peninsula’s Sentinel of Unified Response and Communication”
* Staff Sergeant John Daren P. Noche PAF, Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge for Safety of Tactical Operations Group 10, Philippine Air Force — “Philippine Air Force’s Innovator for Safer Communities”
* Lieutenant Colonel Rommel M. Geli PN(M), Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps — “Philippine Marine Corps’ Servant Leader in Territorial Defense and Peacebuilding”

Award for Police Officers

* Police Master Sergeant Dwight Alexis B. Supsupin, Team Leader of the Technical Support Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region — “Cordillera’s Catalyst of Transformative Community Policing”
* Police Major Baby Rose P. Cajulao, Chief of the Community Affairs Section, Regional Community Affairs and Development Division, Police Regional Office 2 — “Cagayan Valley’s Police Advocate for Community Empowerment”
* Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Mansueto, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration of the Antique Police Provincial Office, Police Regional Office 6 — “Western Visayas’ Champion of Digital Systems for Public Safety”

Speaker Dy said the honorees showed how professional excellence could be transformed into meaningful service to the Filipino people.

“Sa inyong mga ginagawa, ipinapakita ninyo na ang husay ay maaaring maging paraan ng paglilingkod. Ang talento ay maaaring maging malasakit. At ang tagumpay ng isang tao ay maaaring maging daan upang umangat ang karamihan,” he said.

He stressed that the country’s progress depends not only on government programs and major policy decisions, but also on Filipinos who use their abilities for the common good.

“Ang pag-unlad po ng Pilipinas ay hindi lamang nakasalalay sa malalaking programa o desisyon—nakasalalay rin ito sa milyun-milyong Pilipinong gumagamit ng kanilang kakayahan hindi lamang para sa pansariling pakinabang, kundi upang maging katuwang natin para sa pag-angat ng sambayanan,” he said.

The Speaker said heroism is not confined to history, but can be seen every day in teachers who refuse to give up on their students, police officers who protect communities, soldiers who serve far from their families, and ordinary Filipinos who act even without recognition.

“Araw-araw, may mga Pilipinong tahimik na gumagawa ng kabayanihan at kabutihan,” he said.

“May mga ordinaryong Pilipino na hindi na naghihintay pa na may ibang kumilos—sila mismo ang gumagawa ng paraan upang makapagsilbi sa kapwa. Kahit walang nakakakita. Kahit walang palakpakan. Kahit walang parangal.”

Speaker Dy also introduced a House resolution honoring and commending the 10 awardees for their dedication, exemplary performance, and contributions to nation-building.

He called on them to continue inspiring other Filipinos to pursue excellence with compassion and a sense of responsibility toward others.

“Because the Philippines we want to build will be shaped by millions of Filipinos choosing to do their part for the benefit of others. Gawin nating mas makabuluhan ang ating kahusayan para makapagbigay ng positibong pagbabago sa buhay ng ating kapwa,” the Speaker said.

“Nawa’y patuloy ninyong gamitin ang inyong husay upang maglingkod, magbigay ng pag-asa, at magbukas ng mga oportunidad para sa mas marami nating kababayan.” (RM)