Metrobank outstanding soldiers, policemen, teachers to become millionaires

Three soldiers, three police officers and four teachers who made a difference and have excelled in the performance of their duties will become millionaires in this year’s Search for Outstanding Filipinos.

Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña, who led the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, said the prize money is now being doubled.

“This afternoon, we are very happy to formally sign our memorandum of agreement with the AFP including the major service units of the AFP for the launch of the 2017 search for the outstanding soldiers or TOPS,” Sobrepeña told The STAR.

“One thing very important about this year is that we are now increasing the cash prize from half-a-million pesos each to P1 million each for three soldiers, together with three outstanding police officers and four outstanding teachers,” he added.

“We have been continuing the tradition of trying to help professionalize all of these agencies, the people working here, this is in partnership with host organizations, AFP, PNP, DepEd and CHED,” he said.

“Since the cash prize and the attendant prestige has been leveled up, we will be more rigorous in terms of reviewing the nominations,” he stressed.

In previous years, the search requires the nominees to have at least seven years of professional experience but for 2017, the minimum is raised to 10 years professional experience.

“We will review their accomplishments for the past decade and also there will be a more detailed field validation of the accomplishments,” he said.

The final judging will be in July with the winners announced in August and awarded on Sept. 5 on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Metrobank.

The MOA signing was attended by AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Salvador Mison, Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, AFP Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff Col. Jess Estoesta, and Rotary Club of Makati Metro president Johnny Sy.

“We are looking for recognized models of excellence who thrive amidst challenges with dignity and confidence. They must also display patriotism, integrity, courage and social responsibility – the values that Filipinos are most proud of,” Sobrepeña said.