AFP, Metrobank honor six outstanding Filipino soldiers

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) have recognized six military personnel who were named recipients of the 2021 and 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers (MFOFAS).

They were honored by acting vice chief of staff Vice Admiral Anthony SD Reyes, who represented the AFP chief of staff, and MBFI president and chief executive officer Aniceto Sobrepeña in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday.

Recipients of the 2021 MFOFAS are Col. Augusto Padua, executive officer of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Operations of the Philippine Air Force; Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling, executive officer of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans of the Philippine Army; Technical Sergeant Jake Belino of the PAF’s Tactical Operations Group 1, Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon.

For the 2022 MFOFAS, the recipients are Col. Maria Victoria Juan, the Army chief nurse; Col. Stephen Cabanlet, assistant chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations of the AFP’s Western Command; Technical Sergeant Joel Tuganan, first sergeant of Delta Company, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

The awardees went through a rigorous selection process administered by the Board of Assessors composed of members from the government, academe, military and non-government organizations.

Since 1985, the Metrobank Foundation has honored a total of 695 Outstanding Filipinos – 375 teachers, 166 soldiers and 153 police officers. The program is held in partnership with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, the AFP, Philippine National Police, PSBank, Rotary Club of Makati Metro and the Rotary Club of New Manila East.

“The conferment of these awards is a testament to the integrity and credibility of our Filipino soldiers in rendering sincere public service and a manifestation of our robust and harmonious partnership with various stakeholders, such as the Metrobank Foundation and the Rotary Club of Makati, in working together as agents of positive change in our communities,” Vice Admiral Reyes said during the awarding ceremony.

“For us in government service, specifically in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, it is our sacred duty and personal commitment to go beyond and above our mission to safeguard our national security, uphold our sovereignty and actively support national development,” the vice chief of staff added.