CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Metrobank Foundation Inc., (MBFI) recognized six soldiers who were recipients of the 2021 and 2022 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers (MFOFAS) on Thursday, September 22, at the AFP General Headquarters in Quezon City.
The Acting Vice Chief of Staff AFP VAdm Anthony SD Reyes who represented the AFP Chief of Staff, and MBFI President and Chief Executive Officer Mr Aniceto M Sobrepeña led the honors for the select outstanding military officers and enlisted personnel.
Recipients of the 2021 MFOFAS are Col. Augusto N Padua PAF, Executive Officer of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Operations, A-3, Philippine Air Force; Lt. Col. Elmer M Boongaling PA, Executive Officer of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans, G5, Philippine Army; and TSg Jake P. Belino PAF assigned at Tactical Operations Group 1, Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon.
For 2022 MFOFAS, the recipients are Col. Maria Victoria P. Juan NC, Army Chief Nurse; Col. Stephen L. Cabanlet PN(M), Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations, U3, Western Command; and TSg Joel L Tuganan PA, 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, the Philippine National Police, PSBank, Rotary Club of Makati Metro, and the Rotary Club of New Manila East.
The acting VCSAFP expressed his appreciation for the recognition and honor accorded to the soldiers.
“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," the Vice Chief of Staff said.
“For us in the 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,” VAdm Reyes added.///
(Photo by TSg Obinque/PAO, AFP)
