For the first time since the program’s inception in 1985, the Supreme Court on Monday honored the 2024 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos in a ceremony held at the En Banc Session Hall.

The 10 Filipino exemplars awardees include four teachers, three soldiers, and three police officers.

They are Ma. Ella Fabella from Zamboanga City; Franco Rino Apoyon from Zamboanga Sibugay; Professor Decibel Faustino-Eslava, Ph.D., from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños; Professor Maria Regina Hechanova-Alampay, Ph.D., from the Ateneo de Manila University; Capt. Salvador Sambalilo PN (GSC) from the Philippine Navy in Subic, Zambales; Major Ron JR Villarosa (INF) PA from the Philippine Army in Taguig City; Staff Sergeant Michael Rayanon PN (M) from the Philippine Navy in San Vicente, Palawan; Police Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Bernardino from Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office; Police Major Mark Ronan Balmaceda from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion at the National Capital Regional Police Office in Taguig City; and Police Staff Sergeant Llena Sol-Josefa Jovita from the City Police Strategy Management Unit of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office.

“Keep fueling and tending the flame of your passion with due care,” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo encouraged the awardees in his message.

Gesmundo said that in public service, “fulfillment that comes with the knowledge that by having done our work excellently and efficiently, we have made the system work—all for the benefit of the people we serve.” 

Each awardee received a P1 million cash prize (net of tax), a golden medallion, and the iconic “The Flame” trophy.