President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, September 5, reiterated that his administration is working hard to support the welfare of Filipino teachers, soldiers, and police officers.
The Chief Executive led the awarding ceremony of the 2017 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
In his speech, President Duterte commended Metrobank for acknowledging Filipino role models in the academe, military, and police.
“Let me also commend the Metrobank Foundation for recognizing our Outstanding Filipinos. This reflects the values and ideals of Dr. George SK Ty, who built the Metrobank with the greater purpose of going beyond business to serve ordinary Filipinos and empower them to reach their fullest potentials,” he said.
“It is truly a great pleasure for all of us to recognize the distinguished efforts and sacrifices of our teachers, soldiers and police officers who dedicated themselves to a lifetime of exceptional service,” he added.
The President also congratulated Metrobank for offering more than 50 years of dependable financial services to Filipinos.
“Your dynamic, proactive and valuable endeavors significantly contribute to our collective efforts towards fostering economic development that redounds to the benefit of all,” Duterte said.
The awardees, the President said, are “great exemplars of our peers.”
“With great dedication and commitment, they have become agents of change and influence in their respective communities,” he said.
“Indeed, these Outstanding Filipinos have gone ‘beyond excellence.’ As a fellow public servant, I am honored to work with them in fulfilling our inherent responsibilities and cherished mandates,” the President said.
On the part of the government, President Duterte promised that the administration will continue to work hard to ensure the welfare of the country’s teachers, soldiers and police officers.
“We will provide scholarships for the continued professional development of teachers and increase the combat pay for the PNP and AFP,” he said.
During his speech, the President highlighted the work of soldiers and policemen who risk their lives for the country.
“To our soldiers and policemen: It pains me to see you risk your life for the sake of the freedom, integrity and sovereignty of our nation. I am giving you the highest merit for demonstrating this admirable patriotism. To you, I give you my salute,” he said.
President Duterte also took the opportunity to acknowledge individuals, companies and organizations that have equally made significant contributions to the shared goal of building a better and more prosperous society.
Among Metrobank Foundation’s awardees include four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers.
The teacher awardees are Jennifer Rojo of Neogan Elementary School in Tagaytay City; Edgar Elago of Magallanes National High School in Agusan del Norte; Dr. Esperanza Cabrera of De La Salle University in Manila; and Dr. Alonzo Gabriel of University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City.
The soldiers are Staff Sergeant Narding Pascual of 26th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army; Lt. Col. Elmer Suderio of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army; and Lt. Col. Ricky Bunayog of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
The police officers who received the awards are Police Officer 3 Shiela May Pansoy of Digos City Police Station in Davao del Sur; Police Chief Inspector Rosalino Ibay Jr. of the Manila Police District in the City of Manila; and Police Senior Supt. Joel Doria of Cebu City Police Office.
“You have brought new hope and inspiration for this country. May you remain steadfast in serving our people with excellence, integrity and competence,” the President said.
The awardees are recognized for rendering service above their call of duty and for inspiring and influencing peers and people in their communities through their accomplishments.
In a media interview after the event, the President said it is an insult for people to say that it is the policy of the police to kill.
“Why don’t you try to experience the work of a police? One swallow makes a summer? Two killings makes it a policy of the Republic of the Philippines? Bakit kami mag-patay ng inosente?” he told reporters.
The President also noted that the police and soldiers will never be demoralized “as long as I’m there.”
“Basta sinabi ko, ‘in the performance of duty”. It means to say that your life is in danger and you have to save yourself. Now, if they have committed an excess of that duty, then they shall go to jail,” he said.
Prior to the awarding ceremony, the President joined the unveiling of the Grand Hyatt Manila marker at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
There the President congratulated the prime movers behind the Grand Hyatt Manila, noting that the facility will further boost the country’s vibrant tourism industry and will help accelerate the pace of the country’s economic growth.###PND
