The 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos show that excellence is measured not only by achievement, but by the lives changed through a lifetime of service.

Ten Filipinos helping address some of the country’s most pressing challenges, from improving learning outcomes and advancing science and technology to strengthening national security and building safer communities, have been named the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos.

(First row, L-R): SSg Joebelle Cerdinio (SC) PA, SSg John Daren Noche PAF, LTCol Rommel Geli PN(M), Emmanuel Guarde, PhD, Cecilia Bucayong, PhD, Jefferson Hora, PhD, PECE, Engr. Sheila Marie Amigo, PLTCol Robert Mansueto, PMAJ Baby Rose Cajulao,and PMSg Dwight Alexis Supsupin; (Second row, L-R) Metrobank President Fabian Dee, GT Capital Holdings Vice Chairman and Federal Land Chairman Alfred Ty, Metrobank Chairman Arthur Ty, Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go, and Metrobank Foundation President Philip Francisco Dy

The Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) conferred the distinction during a ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Manila on September 4, 2026, as the highlight of Metrobank’s 64th anniversary celebration.

Chosen from hundreds of nominations nationwide, four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers were recognized for demonstrating how dedication, integrity, courage, and compassion can create meaningful change beyond the usual demands of their professions.

Each awardee received 1 million pesos net of tax, a golden medallion, and “The Flame” trophy.

In his opening remarks, Metrobank President Fabian S. Dee highlighted the values behind the recognition. He said, “Their achievements remind us that success is built on accountability, discipline, and a commitment to serving others well. These are principles that have guided Metrobank throughout its history and continue to shape how we create value for our clients, support businesses, and contribute to our country’s growth.”

When a profession becomes a calling

For the teacher awardees, teaching became a way to open opportunities for learners, particularly those in underserved and geographically isolated communities.

In Oriental Mindoro, Dr. Emmanuel D. Guarde spent 16 years working with the Alangan Mangyan community to develop culture-based education that preserves indigenous language, stories, and traditions. Beyond the classroom, he helped establish a primary school and mobilize resources for teachers and learning facilities, while advancing initiatives in sanitation, solar lighting, healthcare, and livelihood.

In Zamboanga Sibugay, Engr. Sheila Marie M. Amigo made physics more accessible through her Dynamic Utilization of Learning by Amusement initiative, which uses low-cost and recycled materials to turn difficult concepts into interactive learning experiences. What began with 15 learners eventually reached over 3,000 students, while she mentored more than 200 teachers and guided student researchers toward national and international recognition.

In Bukidnon, Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong spent nearly three decades making physics tangible for Filipino learners. Her patented instructional apparatus has been adopted by 21 institutions across Mindanao, reaching more than 6,000 students and 500 educators. Through a rural-based international science engagement platform, Physics Meetup, she connected Filipino learners and educators, scientists, and physicists around the world.

Meanwhile, in Iligan City, Dr. Jefferson A. Hora helped advance Mindanao’s role in semi-conductor research and education. He led the expansion of Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology’s microelectronics laboratory into the Center for Integrated Circuits Design in 2023, creating opportunities for students and researchers to engage in integrated circuit design. His research initiatives have mobilized more than PhP 100 million in national and international funding, resulting in 72 Scopus-indexed publications and four Philippine patent filings.

When duty demands more

The three soldier awardees showed that service can also mean finding new ways to contribute when circumstances change.

Staff Sergeant Joebelle O. Cerdinio SC (PA) was seriously wounded during the 2017 Marawi Siege and later declared unfit for combat. He redirected his expertise toward military communications, co-developing the GESCON command-and-control platform, which reduced information-processing time by more than 50 percent. In Zamboanga Sibugay, he also helped establish a unified radio network that trained over 250 operators, strengthened emergency response across 16 municipalities, and served approximately 670,000 residents.

For Staff Sergeant John Daren P. Noche PAF, service meant solving problems beyond his formal training. Without a background in programming, he taught himself to code and developed three digital systems that cut the time required to account for firearms by 50 percent, reduced personnel processing time by 90 percent, and shortened mission risk assessments from hours to seconds, benefiting 483 military personnel. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he became his unit’s sole certified swabber and response point person, helping protect military personnel, their families, and civilian passengers.

In Palawan, Lieutenant Colonel Rommel M. Geli PN(M) drew on 22 years of military service to strengthen maritime surveillance and intelligence amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Since 2013, he has advanced intelligence-gathering through indigenous boats and developed a Maritime Domain Awareness framework and satellite-enabled system for real-time surveillance and coordination.

Beyond defense, he has led literacy, educational, medical, and youth initiatives, bringing Marines into communities where security and development go hand in hand.

When policing becomes a partnership

For the three police awardees, public safety goes beyond crime response. Their careers showed how trust, prevention, communication, and community participation can be just as important to public safety.

Police Master Sergeant Dwight Alexis B. Supsupin developed the Sulat Kamay Program to help young people build resilience against extremist influence through values formation, school partnerships, and community engagement. Other initiatives he led strengthened police-community dialogue, public information, peace education, and youth resilience in the Cordillera.

In Cagayan, Police Major Baby Rose P. Cajulao placed women at the forefront of community-based drug prevention through Project Manang BIDAY, mobilizing more than 1,300 trained advocates across communities. Her work also covers scholarships for aspiring law enforcers, child protection, youth empowerment, and community resilience.

And in Antique, Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Mansueto used technology and collaboration to improve police services. His work on the Traffic Information and Monitoring System and Barangay e-Blotter System strengthened data-driven policing, while his road safety initiatives brought together law enforcement agencies, local governments, schools, and communities around a shared responsibility for public safety.

Beyond excellence

The stories of the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos are different, but they converge on one idea: excellence becomes meaningful when it creates opportunities and improve the lives of others.

Guided by the philanthropic vision of Metrobank founder Dr. George S.K. Ty, the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program has recognized exemplary professionals since 1985. With this year’s awardees, the program has now honored 735 Outstanding Filipinos over 41 years.

The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program honors these contributions as a reminder that nation-building is rarely a single grand act. More often, it is built through years of commitment and sacrifice. And that may be the clearest measure of what it means to be outstanding.