PRESIDENT AQUINO HONORS OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANTS

President Benigno S. Aquino III together with  Metrobank Foundation Vice Chair Dr. Placido L. Mapa, Jr., Metrobank Group Chair George S.K. Ty and Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto Sobrepena are proudly flanked by the COPS awardees for 2011. Behind them are two members of the Board of Judges (2^nd and 3^rd from left) Lamoiyan Corp. President Dr. Cecilio Pedro and 2^nd District of Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil with PNP Chief Raul Bacalzo and Rotary Club of New Manila East President Bong Cruz.   

This was the message President Benigno S. Aquino III conveyed to the outstanding teachers, soldiers and policemen during awarding ceremonies held last August 26 at the Rizal Hall, Malacanang Palace.  

The event marked the first time that the three awarding ceremonies were held simultaneously to honor the country’s exemplary public servants through Metrobank Foundation’s Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT), The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS), and the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) for 2011.  

COPS honors the courageous, professional and dedicated policemen and women who prevent and solve crime by recognizing and utilizing the shared responsibilities between them and the community. PSBank is a program partner in COPS together with the Rotary Club of New Manila East.  

The 2011 Outstanding Policemen are: PSupt. Steve B. Ludan (Aviation Security Group, Pasay City); Police Chief Inspector Delia J. Ingalla (Taguig City Police Station); PSupt. Samuel P. Turla (Pasay City Police Station); SPO1 Manuel A. Padlan (Antipolo City Police Station); SPO4 Emmanuel P. Isiang (Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office); SPO1 Rodel U. Alcano (Calapan City Police Station); PO2 Rina D. Salaya (Maasin Municipal Police Station) and SPO2 Helen L. Dela Cruz (NCR Criminal & Investigation Detection Group Quezon City).  

In his speech, President Aquino said the government is focused on arms modernization; further training; increased housing, salaries and financial benefits; and improved fiscal management to ensure that budget and resources for teachers, soldiers and policemen are used for the greater good.  

COPS awardee and Aviation Security Group’s Budget and Fiscal Office Head/PSupt. Steve Ludan said ”It’s the greatest blessing and recognizes my 20 years of dedicated police and public service. I’m humbled with this acknowledgment and treat it as a challenge to do more for the good of the service and the community.”  

PO2 Rina Dela Cruz-Salaya of Maasin, Leyte, who has been a consistent topnotcher in nearly all Police Community Relations quarterly performance evaluation since 2007, said that the award was an affirmation to her. “This proves that you don’t have to be assigned to a high profile position or handle high profile cases to be the best at what you do. I believe that every position, no matter how low-key, is important. I hope to become an inspiration to other members of PNP by showing that in my little way, I have done my best to serve my community.” 

All the winners were conferred with the Metrobank Foundation Medal for Excellence and Service by President Aquino, while each of the COPS awardees also received the PNP Medalya ng Katangi-tanging Gawa.   

oOo 

The Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) honors educators who have dedicated their lives to mentoring the youth through classroom instruction and by serving as models of excellence in their respective communities. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), the 27-year SOT has become a sought-after award among educators as it has become a benchmark for excellence in the teaching profession.

Eight (8) public school teachers from the elementary and secondary levels and two (2) higher education professors made it to the list of 2011 Outstanding Teachers. They are: Marcela E. Jingco of Angeles Elementary School (Angeles City); Lora E. Añar of Bukidnon State University (Malaybalay City); Dr. Teodora D. Conde of Andres Bonifacio Elementary School (Sta. Cruz, Manila); Djhoane C. Aguilar  of Panabo Central Elementary School (Panabo City); Dr. Chelo C. Tangan of Cagayan National High School (Tuguegarao City); Buenaventura D. Luces of Lusacan National High School (Tiaong, Quezon); Vilma C. Ambat of Baguio City National High School (Baguio City); and Maricel S. Franco of Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School (Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya); Dr. Jericho Thaddeus P. Luna of the University of the Philippines-Manila (UPM) and Dr. Allan B. De Guzman of the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS), on the other hand, is on its 12^th year of honoring the valor and self-sacrifice demonstrated by the men and women of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). It pays tribute to the members of Army, Navy, Air Force, and AFP Technical Services by highlighting examples of competence, integrity, professionalism, and civic involvement. The program is implemented by Metrobank Foundation together with the Rotary Club of Makati Metro.  

The exemplary members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who were recognized as 2011 Outstanding Soldiers are: Col. Daniel A. Lucero (Kampo Ranao, Lanao del Sur); MSgt. Sixto P. Navarrosa (Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City); CMSgt. Billy C. Benebile  (Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City); Col. Alexander F. Balutan (1^st Marine Brigade, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat); TSgt. Rommel V. Carbon (Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City), DP3 Jairus M. Cenabre (Naval Intelligence and Security Group-NCR); Col. Raul L. del Rosario (Philippine Air Force HQ, Pasay City); MSgt. Maria Teresa M. Bitong (Fernando Air Base, Lipa City); MSgt. Nelson S. Mercado (Fernando Air Base, Lipa City) and Col. Alexis D. Tamondong (Camp Tito Abat, Manaoag, Pangasinan).