In recognition of the community development and disaster management role of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Metrobank Foundation Inc. announced on Monday this year's 10 outstanding Filipino soldiers.
Army winners in the 2014 Metrobank Foundation Search for the Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) are Col. Teodoro Llamas, Master Sgt. Aladin Dacayanan, and Staff Sgt. Rehum P. Magno.
Winners from the Navy are Capt. Alberto B. Carlos, Marine Sergeant Eugene J. Padilla, and Commissary Steward 2nd Class Felix B. Guaves.
Those from the Air Force are identified as Lt. Col. Adriano SJ Duadico, Staff Sgt. Sheryl Toribio, and Technical Sgt. Benny G. Dofitas.
Also included in this year's winners is Major Fernando Ritchie I. Capulong from the military's Medical Administration Corps.
“There are many stories of sacrifices, bravery, dedication, and heroism in the history of the AFP. Some of these stories are well known, while others are known only to those who served alongside with them. But each of our soldiers has an inspiring testimony to the courage and professionalism with which they carry out their duties,” Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña said.
“As defense and security challenges of our nation have become more complex, we are all the more determined and inspired to honor and recognize our outstanding Filipino soldiers who have indeed served beyond what is expected of them,” he added.
This year’s finalists were selected by a multisectoral Preliminary and Final Board of Judges.
The Preliminary Board of Judges were: Dr. Gilberto M. Llanto, president of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS); Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, Assistant Secretary, Department of Health; Zak Yuson, director of MOVE PH of Rappler; Cherie Mercado-Santos, senior anchor of TV5; Commissioner Jose Manuel S. Mamauag of the Commission on Human Rights; Conchita Ragragio, executive director of the Corporate Network for Disaster Response; and Jose "Jay" R. Taruc III, TV host and reporter of GMA News and Public Affairs.
The Final Board of Judges that chose this year’s winners was chaired by Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara. The members of the final board were: Mujiv Sabbihi Hataman, regional governor of ARMM; Atty. Alexander A. Padilla, president and CEO of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth); Atty. Theodore Te, Assistant Court Administrator and Chief of the Public Information Office of the Supreme Court of the Philippines; Therese “Gang” Badoy Capati, founder and executive director of Rock Ed Philippines; and Ed Lingao, director for Multimedia of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.
“All the stories I heard during the final interview reaffirmed my faith in the heroism of our armed forces. In my early years, our province was always hit by calamities and the first respondents were always members of the AFP. Having seen it up close and personal, the experience showed me how underpaid and underappreciated our Philippine soldiers are in terms of both public opinion and actual physical compensation from the state and from the people,”
The awardees will be presented as Metrobank Foundation’s Outstanding Filipinos together with the winners of the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) and the Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS) on Sept. 5 as part of Metrobank’s anniversary celebration.
Each TOPS winner will receive an increased cash prize ofP400,000 from P300,000 last year and a trophy courtesy of the Metrobank Foundation.
Notable among this year's awardees is Llamas who was at the forefront of the mission to neutralize the MNLF forces who wanted to declare independence from the Philippine government during the Zamboanga siege.
Through his strategic direction and experience in hostage rescue and urban combat, the AFP was able to rescue 113 hostages and capture over a hundred MNLF fighters, on top of the seizure of high-powered firearms.
Llamas also designed the low-cost semi-collapsible barracks that is still being used in the AFP today and saved hundreds of thousands of pesos in construction costs for the institution.
Another notable awardee is Padilla who belongs to an elite unit of the Philippine Marine Corps. As a radio operator, his task is to ensure the uninterrupted communication lines between units at all times.
Among his accomplishments, he is proudest of his invention of a Jungle Antenna. His innovation, which is still being used in the AFP to this day, enabled the troops to establish clearer lines of communication between the headquarters and the troops during missions.
Padilla’s invention not only helped improve the operations of the AFP but also saved them money because it may be built with low cost materials.
Now on its 15th year, the TOPS Search has become the highest and most sought after civilian award given to military personnel. The Search honors the selfless acts of valor, sacrifices, bravery, heroism and community engagements of the Filipino Soldiers in keeping peace and securing the country.
All previous TOPS awardees are now members of the TOPS alumni organization called The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Integrity, Excellence, and Responsibility to Society or TOPSOLDIERS.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=653788
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