Distinguished and honored guests, my fellow public servants, ladies, and gentlemen.
I stand before you tonight as the chairman of the board of judges of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos. It is with great pleasure and profound honor that I address you on this momentous occasion; highlighting the exceptional work displayed by our awardees—our exceptional public servants.
This search has been conducted with utmost rigor, diligence, and impartiality. As judges, we meticulously evaluated the nominees and scrutinized their contributions for the betterment of society. Our aim is to recognize those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving the people.
The task at hand has not been an easy one for us. The pool of nominees is a testament to the wealth of talent and dedication that exists within our public service. Each nominee has made significant contributions to their respective fields, as police officers, soldiers, and teachers—transcending their roles and positively impacting the lives of countless individuals.
Today we have the privilege of recognizing and honoring those who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty. We salute the individuals who have displayed unwavering dedication to their responsibilities while championing the values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
Throughout this process, we have witnessed the transformative power of public officials dedicating their lives to public service. Their commitment has helped shape our society, leading to a lasting legacy that future generations can build.
However, today’s recognition is not meant to be an endpoint. It is a call to action. A call for us to rally behind our police officers, our soldiers, our teachers, and other public officials to support their endeavors and to demand excellence from those who hold public office. It is crucial for us to remain engaged and hold our officials accountable, ensuring that the standards set by these outstanding individuals are upheld, if not, exceeded.
Let us take this moment to celebrate the accomplishments of our outstanding police officers, soldiers, and teachers. Let us acknowledge their tireless efforts, their unwavering determination, and their exceptional leadership. By doing so, we foster a culture of excellence for others to join the ranks of public service and truly make a difference in the lives of our people.
In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to these exceptional individuals who have been part of this process: from the nominees to the secretariat of the Metrobank Foundation, and my fellow members of the board of judges. Together, we have highlighted the extraordinary work of our public officials, bringing their achievements to the forefront.
May these recognitions serve as a catalyst for continued growth, progress, and innovation in the field of public service. Let us collectively strive towards building a nation where outstanding public officials are not exceptions but the norm. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your commitment to the betterment of our society.
Maraming salamat po. Magandang gabi sa lahat. At nawa’y magkaroon tayo ng isang pinagpalang araw.
Magandang gabi po.