FILIPINOS should use their talents, skills and professional success to create opportunities for others and help build a better nation, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III said Monday.
Dy made the call while honoring the 10 recipients of the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, saying their achievements demonstrate that excellence becomes more meaningful when it is used in the service of others.
“Excellence is being good at what you do. ‘Beyond excellence’ is when the good you do benefits others,” Dy said.
He said the awardees—composed of teachers, soldiers and police officers—showed that outstanding performance can go beyond personal achievement and become a form of public service.
The Speaker emphasized that nation-building is not the responsibility of government alone. He said the country also depends on millions of Filipinos who willingly use their abilities for the common good.
He pointed to teachers who continue to guide students despite challenges, soldiers who serve far from their families, police officers who protect communities, and ordinary citizens who help others without expecting recognition.
“Araw-araw, may mga Pilipinong tahimik na gumagawa ng kabayanihan at kabutihan,” Dy said.
He added that true service does not always come with awards or public recognition, noting that many Filipinos choose to act simply because they believe they can make a difference.
The Speaker said the honorees demonstrated how professional excellence can be transformed into meaningful service, particularly through innovation, education, public safety, peacebuilding and community empowerment.
This year’s awardees include four teachers: Dr. Emmanuel D. Guarde, Sheila Marie M. Amigo, Dr. Cecilia O. Bucayong and Dr. Jefferson A. Hora.
The three recipients in the soldiers category are Staff Sergeant Joebelle O. Cerdinio, Staff Sergeant John Daren P. Noche and Lieutenant Colonel Rommel M. Geli.
The four police awardees are Police Master Sergeant Dwight Alexis B. Supsupin, Police Major Baby Rose P. Cajulao and Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Mansueto.
Dy also introduced a House resolution honoring and commending the awardees for their exemplary performance, dedication to duty and contributions to nation-building.
He urged the honorees to continue inspiring others to pursue excellence while keeping compassion and responsibility at the heart of their work.
“The Philippines we want to build will be shaped by millions of Filipinos choosing to do their part for the benefit of others,” Dy said.
He called on Filipinos to make their achievements count not only for themselves but also for the communities and country they serve.
“Gawin nating mas makabuluhan ang ating kahusayan para makapagbigay ng positibong pagbabago sa buhay ng ating kapwa,” he said.
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