Senate joins Metrobank Foundation, Inc., in honoring the country's top teachers and men in uniform

The Senate adopted on Tuesday afternoon three resolutions honoring the country's top educators, military personnel and police officers who were given recognition by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc., (MBFI) for their selfless dedication to service and commitment to excellence.

In filing Senate Resolution No. 542, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said that it is only fitting that the men and women who have dedicated their lives "to the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, and whose faithful performance of their sworn duties and responsibilities are beyond reproach," be given due recognition by such a highly esteemed institution as that of the MBFI.

According to the resolution, MBFI's Search for the Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) is an expression of gratitude to the heroism, gallantry, dedication, commitment and sacrifices of the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"The Philippine Senate proudly joins the MBFI in honoring and commending the gallant men and women who have risked their lives in the defense of our country's sovereignty through this year's 2011 search for Outstanding Philippine Soldiers," the resolution said.

Similarly, Senate Resolution No. 562, filed by Sen. Gregorio Honasan, joins MBFI in congratulating the country's outstanding policemen in service for the year 2011.

As an expression of the civilian sector's appreciation and gratitude for the effort of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in maintaining the peace and order situation in the country and in their respective local communities, the resolution further commends MBFI for organizing the Search for COPS to recognize the accomplishments of the police force in crime prevention, and in solving crimes, with the help and involvement of other members of the community.

"The Search for COPS recognizes police officers who are models of excellence and who, through their hard work and commitment, have helped change the negative public image that the PNP has seemingly acquired, to ultimately inspire the public to work hand in with the police in preventing and solving crimes and maintaining public order in the communities," the resolution said.

Meanwhile, recognizing the need to improve the country's quality of education by making a genuine effort to motivate the country's teachers, Senate Resolution No. 564 congratulates MBFI for "honoring the country's outstanding teachers of 2011 for their exemplary competence, dedication to service and commitment in providing quality education."

"Amidst the difficulties our Filipino teachers are facing because of meager salaries and benefits, and the deplorable condition of many of our school buildings, teaching materials and equipment, they (our teachers) remain reliable and dedicated in their duty of educating the youth," explained Sen. Loren Legarda, who filed the resolution.

The corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group, the Metrobank Foundation was established by Dr. George S.K. Ty in 1979. The foundation has since promoted a culture of excellence among Filipinos through programs such as the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT), The Outstanding Philippine Soldier (TOPS), the Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) and the College Scholarship Program (CSP) among others.