Let’s find them

It began 38 years ago — a great idea then and now: George Ty’s foundation that searches for and recognizes outstanding Filipinos. The search is concentrated on teachers, police men and women, and soldiers — three groups that get far too little recognition of the great work they do.

I’ve long been bothered about how poorly treated and paid they are. I’ve read stories of teachers buying needed school supplies themselves from a salary that is an insult. Their dedication to our kids is admirable.

As for soldiers, I’ve known many over the years, and worked with them on some civic works. Together with the Management Association of the Philippines, I organized a foundation, “A Life for Others,” to help look after the families of soldiers who die rescuing civilians during typhoons, etc. And look at the many who’ve lost their lives fighting terrorists to keep us safe.

Cops have gone through all kinds of criticism, as a result of such cases as the “mistaken identity” shooting in Mandaluyong City. Those are what capture the headlines; the good deeds they do don’t even land on page 16. And they do good deeds far more often than bad ones.

Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) needs you to nominate worthy teachers, soldiers, or police personnel. From the nominations, four teachers, three soldiers, and three police personnel will be chosen for recognition at the annual MBFI gala event. Apart from trophies and medals, they will each receive P1 million. That’s a long way toward a house for the family.

MBFI president Chito Sobrepeña explains the search: “Responsible citizen, exemplary public servant, agent of positive change—all these define the Outstanding Filipino. Once again, we are looking for these ordinary individuals with extraordinary accomplishments. By giving them due recognition, we hope to inspire the Filipino nation further in our collective task of building a strong and progressive society.”

The nominees should have a minimum of 10 years of service with at least a “very satisfactory” rating in their profession. Those who are set to retire must have at least three remaining years of service. Elementary and secondary teachers must have completed academic requirements for a master’s degree; higher education teachers must have a doctorate. Military commissioned officers (from captain to colonel) must hold a bachelor’s degree; enlisted personnel (from corporal to chief master sergeant) must have completed high school. Police commissioned officers (from inspector to senior superintendent) and noncommissioned officers (from police officer 2 to senior police officer 4) must hold a bachelor’s degree.

To give you an idea of what the MBFI is looking for, and to give last year’s winners further recognition, here is the list:

The teachers were: Jennifer Rojo, who makes science learning enjoyable through her beyond-the-textbooks-initiatives and methodologies; Edgar T. Elago, who constantly looks for ways to extend his art and culture advocacy into the larger community; Dr. Esperanza C. Cabrera, who expanded the boundaries of scientific knowledge in the country, enriched competencies of budding and professional microbiologists, and uplifted overall human conditions in places needing crucial aid; and Dr. Alonzo A. Gabriel, who led the establishment of the country’s first and only laboratory of food microbiology and hygiene, and makes sure that concerns for food safety and security are cascaded to the grassroots level.

The soldiers were: SSG Narding N. Pascual, who defends communities from militant forces and uplifts the living conditions of his fellow tribespeople; Lt. Col. Elmer B. Suderio, who employs out-of-the-box methods to deal with insurgents, eventually transforming war-torn communities into peaceful ones; and Lt. Col. Ricky P. Bunayog, who executes combat missions but also recognizes the need to pursue socioeconomic activities to win the peace.

Then there were the cops: PO3 Shiela May S. Pansoy, who dedicated her life to champion women and children’s rights and protection; Chief Insp. Rosalino P. Ibay Jr., who led numerous operations against notorious crime syndicates and is also an active community leader doing humanitarian projects; and SSupt. Joel B. Doria, who is known for his anticrime crusade “Project Pokemon,” which captured lawless individuals and drug offenders in Cebu City.

An impressive list of wonderful people.

E-mail: [email protected]. Read my previous columns: www.wallacebusinessforum.com.