Most corporate awards celebrate executives, products or brands. Metrobank Foundation's best-known program does something different: it looks for public school teachers, soldiers and police officers who quietly transform their communities, and puts them on a national stage.
Founded on January 8, 1979, by Dr. George S.K. Ty, 16 years after he established Metrobank, the foundation serves as the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group. Its motto, "Excel. Engage. Empower.", guides work spanning public service excellence, education, health care, the visual arts and good governance.
A search that began in 1985
The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos program, founded by Ty in 1985, has honored 735 awardees as of 2026: 392 teachers, 178 soldiers and 165 police officers. Each awardee receives ₱1 million net of tax, a trophy called "The Flame," and a Medallion of Excellence conferred by the President of the Philippines at Malacañang.
The 2026 awarding ceremony was held on September 4 at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, as part of Metrobank's 64th anniversary, under the theme "Beyond Excellence." The board of judges was chaired by Senator Panfilo Lacson.
The stories behind the medals
This year's ten awardees show the range of public service the program seeks out. Teacher Emmanuel Guarde has spent 16 years working with the Alangan Mangyan Indigenous community in Oriental Mindoro, where he helped establish a primary school. Sheila Marie Amigo of Siay National High School in Zamboanga Sibugay built a low-cost physics program that grew from 15 to more than 3,000 students, and has mentored more than 200 teachers.
Among the soldiers, Staff Sergeant Joebelle Cerdinio of the Philippine Army, who was wounded in the 2017 Marawi siege, went on to co-develop a digital platform that cut information processing time by more than half. Among the police, Police Major Baby Rose Cajulao's Project Manang BIDAY trained more than 1,300 women as drug prevention advocates.
"They are role models who inspire others to serve with integrity, excellence, and purpose," said Philip Francisco "Boyet" Dy, who became president of Metrobank Foundation in July 2025, succeeding longtime leader Aniceto "Chito" Sobrepeña. When President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received the awardees in late September, he told them: "You remind us that nation-building is not confined to high office."
Beyond the awards
The foundation's work extends well beyond its flagship search. Its Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) competition has recognized more than 200 Filipino artists since 1984; in 2025, three grand awardees received ₱500,000 each. In 2023, the Metrobank Group reported supporting 1,234 scholars and helping 11,933 families through disaster response. In September 2026, Metrobank Foundation and GT Foundation awarded ₱75 million in grants to 35 social development organizations. The foundation is also the principal owner of Manila Doctors Hospital.
Why it matters
In a country where teachers, soldiers and police officers often work with limited resources and little recognition, the program's value lies as much in visibility as in prize money. By telling the stories of public servants who go beyond their job descriptions, Metrobank Foundation turns individual excellence into an example for others, and shows how corporate philanthropy can strengthen public institutions rather than replace them.
