The Department of Education (DepEd), through its External Partnerships Service (EPS), has officially announced the call for nominations for the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – Award for Teachers, as stated in DepEd Memorandum No. 109, s. 2025.
This prestigious national recognition honors Filipino teachers who have gone beyond excellence in service, leadership, and impact on their learners and communities. For educators across the Philippines, this is both a recognition of lifelong dedication and an opportunity to elevate the teaching profession.
What Is the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – Award?
The Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – Award is one of the country’s most respected honors for public service. It recognizes 10 Filipino exemplars from three sectors:
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Teachers
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Soldiers
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Police Officers
For the teacher category, awardees are celebrated not only for instructional excellence but also for their moral leadership, community involvement, and long-term contribution to Philippine education.
Each national awardee will receive:
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A medal and trophy
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A cash incentive of ₱1,000,000 (net of tax)
In addition, national finalists and semi-finalists will also receive cash incentives, making the program both an honor and a meaningful form of support for educators.
Who Can Be Nominated?
The award is open to public or private school teachers in:
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Elementary level
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Secondary level
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Alternative Learning System (ALS)
Schools Division Offices (SDOs) are required to submit at least three nominees—one per level (elementary, secondary, ALS). Each school may nominate one teacher per level, but if multiple schools submit nominees under the same division, the division must select only one official nominee per level for submission to the Metrobank Foundation.
Importantly, past national finalists from the former Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers may still apply, provided they meet all current eligibility requirements.
Key Eligibility Requirements for Teacher Nominees
To ensure the credibility and excellence of awardees, nominees must meet strict criteria, including:
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At least 10 years of active teaching in the Philippines with a full-time or permanent appointment
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Full teaching load, or at least six hours per week for those holding allowable administrative roles
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Master’s degree completed or academic requirements finished, taken within five years prior to nomination
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Performance rating of at least “Very Satisfactory” (or equivalent) for the last 10 years
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No leave exceeding two years immediately prior to nomination and at least two years of remaining service before retirement
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Good moral character with no administrative, civil, or criminal conviction
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Valid PRC ID (for elementary and secondary categories)
However, individuals who have been national finalists twice or national semi-finalists three times under the Outstanding Filipinos – Award for Teachers (from 2017 onward) are no longer eligible.
Who Can Nominate a Teacher?
Self-nomination is strictly prohibited. Eligible nominators include:
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School administrators, principals, school heads, TICs, or OICs
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School Division Superintendents (when applicable)
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University and college presidents, chancellors, and campus directors
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Regional directors and division-level chiefs
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Education supervisors and union leaders
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PTA presidents, student government leaders
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Government officials (Salary Grade 24 and above)
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Journalists, business leaders, religious leaders
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Civil society, NGO, and professional association leaders
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Past awardees of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos (1985–present)
Nominators must be of legal age and not related to the nominee within the third civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.
How and Where to Submit Nominations
All nominations must be completed online through the official portals:
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Nomination Portal:
https://bit.ly/2026OF-Nominate -
Submission Portal for Endorsements:
https://bit.ly/2026OF-SubmitCertification
Supporting resources are also available:
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Official Website: https://www.mbfoundation.org.ph/outstanding-filipinos/
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Program Guidelines (Brochure)
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Eligibility Chart (Poster)
📌 Deadline: January 23, 2026 (Friday), 11:59 p.m.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Why This Award Matters for Filipino Teachers
Beyond the financial incentive, this award affirms the value of Filipino teachers as nation-builders. It highlights teaching as a profession rooted in service, sacrifice, and transformative impact—especially critical in a time when educators face increasing challenges inside and outside the classroom.
Recognition at this level not only honors individual teachers but also raises the standards and prestige of Philippine education.
Official Contacts for Clarification
For inquiries, you may contact:
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Mr. Kenny Ralph S. Fernando
Head, Excellence Awards Unit, Metrobank Foundation
📞 (02) 8898-8757 / 7255-1612
📧 kenny.fernando@mbfoundation.org.ph -
Mr. Rolly V. Soriano
Project Development Officer IV, DepEd – External Partnerships Service
📞 (02) 8637-6462 / 63
📧 rolly.soriano@deped.gov.ph
Educators, school leaders, and communities are encouraged to identify and nominate deserving teachers who embody excellence, integrity, and service. Immediate dissemination of this memorandum is strongly encouraged.