The 2014 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (from L-R): From the Philippine Army: Colonel Teodoro A. Llamas PA, Master Sergeant Aladin S. Dacayanan PA, and Staff Sergeant Rehum P. Magno PA; from the Philippine Navy: Captain Alberto B. Carlos PN, Sergeant Eugene J. Padilla PN (M), Commissary Steward 2nd Class Felix B. Guaves II PN; from the Philippine Air Force: Colonel Adriano SJ. Duadico PAF, Staff Sergeant Sheryl P. Toribio PAF, and Technical Sergeant Benny G. Dofitas PAF; from the Medical Administrative Corps Major Florencio Ritchie I. Capulong III MAC
Ten Commissioned and Non-Commissioned officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are proclaimed as this year’s winners of the Metrobank Foundation Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS). The announcement was made by the Metrobank Foundation and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro during a Press Conference at the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo on June 16, 2014 highlighting the 116th celebration of the Philippine Independence. The winners were presented to AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T. Bautista AFP and other members of the AFP during the flag raising ceremony.
The winners from the Philippine Army are: Colonel Teodoro A. Llamas PA, Master Sergeant Aladin S. Dacayanan PA, and Staff Sergeant Rehum P. Magno PA. On the other hand, the winners from the Philippine Navy are: Captain Alberto B. Carlos PN, Sergeant Eugene J. Padilla PN (M), and Commissary Steward 2nd Class Felix B. Guaves II PN. While Lieutenant Colonel Adriano SJ. Duadico PAF, Staff Sergeant Sheryl P. Toribio PAF, and Technical Sergeant Benny G. Dofitas PAF are the winners from the Philippine Air Force. Meanwhile, Major Florencio Ritchie I. Capulong III MAC, from the Medical Administrative Corps completes this year’s batch of winners.
“There are many stories of sacrifices, bravery, dedication, and heroism in the history of the AFP. Some of these stories are well known, while others are known only to those who served along side with them. But each of our soldiers has an inspiring testimony to the courage and professionalism with which they carry out their duties,” says Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña. “As defense and security challenges of our nation have become more complex, we are all the more determined and inspired to honor and recognize our outstanding Filipino soldiers who have indeed served beyond what is expected of them,” he continued.
This year’s finalists were selected by a multi-sectoral Preliminary and Final Board of Judges. The Preliminary Board of Judges were: Dr. Gilberto M. Llanto, president of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS); Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Health; Zak Yuson, director of MOVE PH of Rappler; Cherie Mercado-Santos, senior anchor of TV5; Hon. Jose Manuel S. Mamauag, Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights; Conchita Ragragio, executive director of the Corporate Network for Disaster Response, and Jose “Jay” R. Taruc III, TV host and reporter of GMA News and Public and Affairs.
The Final Board of Judges that chose this year’s winners was chaired by Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara. The members of the final board are: Hon. Mujiv Sabbihi Hataman, regional governor of ARMM; Atty. Alexander A. Padilla, president and CEO of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth); Atty. Theodore Te, Assistant Court Administrator and Chief of the Public Information Office of the Supreme Court of the Philippines; Therese “Gang” Badoy Capati, Founder and Executive Director of Rock Ed Philippines; and Ed Lingao, Director for Multimedia of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.
“All the stories I heard during the final interview reaffirmed my faith in the heroism of our armed forces. In my early years, our province was always hit by calamities and the first respondents were always members of the AFP. Having seen it up close and personal, the experience showed me how underpaid and underappreciated our Philippine soldiers are in terms of both public opinion and actual physical compensation from the state and from the people,” expressed Sen. Angara.
The awardees will be presented as Metrobank Foundation’s Outstanding Filipinos together with the winners of the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) and Country’s Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS) on September 5 as part of Metrobank’s anniversary celebration. Each TOPS winner will receive an increased cash prize of
P400, 000 from P300, 000 last year and a trophy courtesy of the Metrobank Foundation.
Among this year’s awardee is Colonel Teodoro A. Llamas PA who was at the forefront of the mission to neutralize the MNLF forces who wanted to declare independence from the Philippine government during the Zamboanga siege. Through his strategic direction and experience in hostage rescue and urban combat, the AFP was able to rescue 113 hostages and capture over a hundred MNLF fighters, on top of the seizure of high powered firearms. Col. Llamas also designed the low-cost semi-collapsible barracks that is still being used in the AFP today and saved hundreds of thousands in construction costs for the institution.
Another notable awardee is Sergeant Eugene J. Padilla who belongs to an elite unit of the Philippine Marine Corps. As a radio operator, his task is to ensure the uninterrupted communication lines between units at all times. Among his accomplishments, he is proudest of his invention of a Jungle Antenna. His innovation which is still being used in the AFP to this day enabled the troops to establish clearer lines of communication between the headquarters and the troops during missions. Sgt. Padilla’s invention not only helped improve the operations of the AFP but also saved them money because it may be built with low cost materials.
Now on its 15th year, the TOPS Search has become the highest and most sought after civilian award given to military personnel. The Search honors the selfless acts of valor, sacrifices, bravery, heroism and community engagements of the Filipino Soldiers in keeping peace and securing our country.
All previous TOPS awardees are now members of the TOPS alumni organization called The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Integrity, Excellence, and Responsibility to Society or TOPSOLDIERS.