Search is on for 2016 outstanding soldiers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 31): Search is on for 2016 outstanding soldiers

The search is on again for the 2016 The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS).

The Armed Forces of the Philippines signed with the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MFI) and Rotary Club of Makati Metro (RCMM) recently signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the annual search.

AFP chief of staff General Hernando DCA Iriberri along with MFI president Mr Aniceto M Sobrepeña, and RCMM president Atty. Al Miguel T Leogardo led the signing of the agreement.

“The search for TOPS started in 1994 and has produced 176 awardees who continue to serve as models of excellence, professionalism, nobility, and integrity in their service,” Leogardo said.

Also present in the ceremony are senior military and defense officials including Major Service commanders and past TOPS awardees. Among them are  AFP Vice Chief of Staff Mgen Romeo T Tanalgo (2009), AFP Sergeant Major Romeo H Jandugan (2009), 1st Air Division Commander MGen Raul Del Rosario (2011), and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations BGen Carlito Galvez. 

Now on its 16th year, TOPS has become a highly sought after award among soldiers who have shown exemplary service worthy of the honor.

“This is our social contract to all the men and women of the AFP for tirelessly battling for the peace of our nation. We believe that Filipino soldiers do not just fight insurgents or defend our territorial integrity, but continuously maintain a strong relationship with the community they serve,” Sobrepaña said.

Meanwhile, Iriberri lauded both MFI and RCMM for the enduring partnership and the support they have given in recognizing the valuable contributions of the Filipino soldiers to the country.

“More than recognizing the men and women of the AFP, the success of the search for TOPS is a testament to the relevance and responsiveness of the entire AFP to the nation,” Iriberri said.

The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers is an annual search jointly undertaken by the Rotary Club of Makati Metro and the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the AFP.

The search aims to honor the men and women of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Forces and the Technical Services who served as models of excellence, professionalism, integrity and nobility in the military service.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/241446106863/search-is-on-for-2016-outstanding-soldiers