The Metrobank Foundation Inc. and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro yesterday announced the winners of the 2009 Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers.

?Once again, we are proud to present to the entire nation 10 of the most dedicated and accomplished men of the Armed Forces,? Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepe?a said. ?This recognition is unique in the sense that it is an expression of the private sector?s high appreciation of the military?s commitment to protect our country and people.?

The awardees are commissioned officers and enlisted personnel from the three branches of the Armed Forces?the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as from the Technical Services. The outstanding soldiers from the Philippine Army are Lt. Col. Lope C. Dagoy, Staff Sgt. Fidel C. Delara and Master Sergeant Romeo H. Jandugan; while those from the Philippine Navy are Col. Romeo T. Tanalgo, Data Processor 2nd Class (Staff Sergeant) Reynor S. Calzado and Technical Sergeant Ramon B. Cabeguin. The winners from the Philippine Air Force are Col. Restituto F. Padilla Jr., Staff Sgt. Blas C. Austria and Technical Sergeant Salvador S. Buenaobra Jr.; while Col. Pedro G. Herrera-Davila of the Judge Advocate General Service is the awardee for the Technical Services category.

Each of the 10 awardees will receive a plaque and a cash prize of P250,000, courtesy of Metrobank Foundation. The winners will be awarded by President Arroyo in ceremonies at the Malaca?an Palace on March 26.

Out of 79 nominees this year, only 18 were shortlisted for the final round of judging and interview. Co-chaired by National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales and Representative Maria Zenaida Angping of the Third District of Manila, the 2009 TOPS Final Board of Judges included Justice Portia Hormachuelos of the Court of Appeals, Ambassador Donald Dee of the Philippine Chamber and Commerce Industry, Rev. Fr. Mateo de Jesus of San Beda College, Philippine Star president and chief executive Miguel Belmonte and 2008 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Public Service Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip.

The Search for TOPS is an annual project of the Metrobank Foundation Inc. and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro. It aims to honor excellence among the men and women in the military as an expression of the civilian sector?s appreciation and gratitude for the soldiers? selfless acts of gallantry in preserving the nation?s sovereignty.