Soldier awardees exemplify AFP professionalism, competence

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2023): Soldier awardees exemplify AFP professionalism, competence (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AWARDEES. The 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Soldiers (MFOFAS) awardees (from left) Staff Sgt. Danilo S. Banquiao, Lt. Col. Joseph J. Bitancur, and Col. Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator during the presentation ceremony conducted on Sept. 7 at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The AFP said these awardees exemplify the professionalism and competence of its personnel. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said the three awardees of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Soldiers (MFOFAS) exemplify the professionalism and competence of its personnel.

This year's MFOPAS awardees were Staff Sgt. Danilo S. Banquiao from the 103rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA); Lt. Col. Joseph J. Bitancur, assistant commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force (PAF); and Col. Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator, assistant chief of staff for operations, Presidential Security Group.

The three were formally presented by Metrobank Foundation executive vice president, Philip Francisco Dy, in short ceremony held at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Sept. 7.

Banquiao, who was earlier called Lanao Del Sur’s Peace and Youth Empowerment Sentinel, was cited for his efforts that advocates peace and development in the province; while Bitancur, who was named PAF’s Model Mentor on Military Training, was recognized for ensuring the highest standards in training of military trainees; and Dator, who was called PA's Innovator of Military Intelligence, was feted for his innovative leadership practices in intelligence operations.

“Your stellar accomplishments in your particular domains of expertise and stations indicate your competence, zeal for duty, and fidelity in providing genuine service to the country. You shall be a source of inspiration and role models for our fellow troops and the rest of the Filipino people in striving for excellence in everything that you do,” the AFP chief said in his message delivered by AFP deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Charlton Sean M. Gaerlan.

Meanwhile, Dy assured the AFP that the Metrobank Group, Metrobank Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro remain their allies as the military goes with its mission of winning the hearts and minds of the Filipinos.

“This celebration is not just about recognizing individual accomplishments but a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and collective efforts. I stand here not only as a proud awardee but as a witness as well to the incredible potential within each one of us to effect positive change,” Dator said in his response on behalf of the soldier awardees.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209495