Soldiers receive Metrobank awards for public service

Metrobank has conferred the “2023 Metrobank Outstanding Filipinos” award to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Metrobank said the award recognizes exceptional public servants “who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving the people.”

Named as awardees were SSg Danilo S Banquiao PA from the 103rd Brigade, 1ID, Philippine Army; LTC Joseph J Bitancur PAF, Assistant Commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force; and Col. Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C Dator PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), Presidential Security Group.

“Today’s recognition is not meant to be an endpoint. It is a call to action, a call for us to rally behind our police officers, our soldiers, our teachers, and other public officials to support their endeavors and to demand excellence from those who hold public office,” Senator Chiz Escudero, the chairperson of the Final Board of Judges said during the ceremony.

The Chief of Staff, AFP, General Romeo Brawner Jr. was also present as the awards were conferred to SSg Danilo S Banquiao PA from the 103rd Brigade, 1ID, Philippine Army; LTC Joseph J Bitancur PAF, Assistant Commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force; and Col. Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C Dator PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3), Presidential Security Group.

Staff Sgt Banquaio was dubbed Lanao Del Sur’s Peace and Youth Empowerment Sentinel for his efforts that advocate peace and development in Lanao Del Sur; LTC Bitancur named Philippine Air Force’s Model Mentor on Military Training was recognized for ensuring the highest standards in training of military trainees; and Col Dator was called the Philippine Army’s Innovator of Military Intelligence for his innovative leadership practices in intelligence operations.

“This celebration is not just about recognizing individual accomplishments but a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and collective efforts. I stand here not only as a proud awardee but as a witness as well to the incredible potential within each one of us to effect positive change,” said Col Dator, during his response on behalf of the soldier-awardees.

The award recipients were announced on August 3 in recognition of Filipinos in the education, soldiery, and law enforcement sectors who served the country embodying Metrobank’s tagline “Beyond Excellence.