This year’s Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos were honored in a rare series of tributes at the Supreme Court, the House of Representatives, and the Senate — a recognition underscoring the nation’s highest esteem for teachers, soldiers, and police officers who embody integrity, courage, and compassion in public service.

The 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos were honored at the House of Representatives. In attendance were former House speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Kalinga Rep. Caroline Agyao, Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Sittie Shahara Mastura, Davao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Jose Manuel Lagdameo, Isabela 1st District Rep. Antonio Albano, and Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Rep. Joseph Kim Yu.

On September 8, the House of Representatives led the celebrations, adopting a resolution that commended the 2025 awardees. Former speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who presided over the ceremony, called the gathering “more than a ceremony,” saying it was “a mirror reflecting the finest phase of the Filipino spirit.”

The following day, September 9, the Supreme Court hosted its own rites. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo hailed the awardees for their enduring contributions. “Your names are now inscribed among the 725 exceptional individuals who have made a lasting difference in communities across our country,” he told them.

The 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos were honored by the Supreme Court of the Philippines, led by Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, with Associate Justices Rodil Zalameda, Jose Midas Marquez, and Maria Filomena Singh in attendance.

The three-day recognition culminated on September 10 at the Senate, which unanimously adopted Resolution No. 90 to honor the awardees’ service in education, law enforcement, and the military. Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, who co-sponsored the resolution with 23 senators, praised the Metrobank Foundation’s four-decade commitment to celebrating public servants. He said the program has inspired generations “to pursue excellence, hindi lang bilang isang layunin, kung hindi bilang panghabambuhay na pangako sa sambayanang Pilipino.”

At the Senate ceremony, awardee Police Major Elmira Relox dedicated the recognition to those she serves. “This recognition belongs not only to us but also to those we serve,” she said. “To the Metrobank Foundation, thank you for affirming that quiet and honest service still matters. May this honor inspire more public servants to act with integrity, compassion, and purpose.”

The 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos were honored by the Senate of the Philippines, led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

Founded in 1979 by the late Dr. George S. K. Ty, Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) has grown into the philanthropic heart of the Metrobank Group. Now marking its 45th year, MBFI continues to shape the fields of education, the arts, health, and social development through programs such as the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, Metrobank Art & Design Excellence, Metrobank Scholarship Program, the MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge, National Teachers’ Month, and the Metrobank Professorial Chair Lectures. It also owns and operates Manila Doctors Hospital.

Anchored on its credo “Excel. Engage. Empower.,” MBFI remains committed to uplifting communities and fostering a culture of excellence across the country.