Amidst the controversies hounding the Philippine National Police (PNP), the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Oustanding Filipino Awards uplifts law enforcers who aspire to better the state of the country.
Three police officers, PCMS Dennis Bendo, PMaj Mae Ann Cunanan, and PCol Renell Sabaldica, made the final cut for the 10 newest recipients of the award.
Sabaldica described the award as the 'best platform' to encourage police officers amidst the actions of their few rogue colleagues that besmirched the public perception of the organization.
"The Metrobank Foundation Award is the best platform for me para mas lalo pa natin mapaigting, mas lalo pa natin ma-convince, ma-inspire yung mga kasamahan natin," Sabaldica said on Wednesday, September 20, during DILG sa DZRH Breaktime.
Cunanan stressed that more police officers want to improve the reputation of the PNP.
"Ilan ba ang umaaresto sa isang (rogue) police? It is at least three to four personnel sa isang pulis. Doon na lang makikita na mas maraming pulis ang may gusto ng transformation against dito sa mga pulis natin," Cunanan said.
"Isa din iyon sa nakita ng Metrobank Foundation na we are risking our life for the sake that we have to deal with these rogue PNP personnel that have the same training as ours," she added.
Cunanan also pointed out that the PNP will need the help of the public in order to combat criminality in the Philippines.
The police official admitted that becoming a recipient of the award also serves as a challenge for her to continue proving that she deserve the title of 'Outstanding Filipino'.
"Kaakibat kasi nito ay isang isang responsibilidad na kailangan mong panindigan na ikaw ay isang oustanding Filipino worker," Cunanan explained.
"Lahat ng tao ay nakatingin sa iyo, hindi lang yung mga community, pati yung mga kapwa mong pulis kasi ikaw na yung nagiging ehemplo sa kanila. This is a responsibility for us to be a good public servant," she added.
Aside from police officers, the Metrobank Foundation also chose four teachers and three soldiers to join the growing list of 'Outstanding Filipinos'.
