The Armed Forces of the Philippines honored three of its most distinguished personnel on Monday, September 14, 2026, during the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Award for Soldiers (MFOFAS) ceremony held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The recognition was conferred in partnership with the Metrobank Foundation and the Rotary Club of Makati, celebrating military members whose service exemplifies excellence, integrity, and dedication to the Filipino people.
Three Awardees Recognized Across Service Branches
The three recipients came from different branches and commands of the AFP, reflecting the breadth of the recognition. According to the AFP Public Affairs Office, the awardees were:
- Lieutenant Colonel Rommel M. Geli PN(M) — Commanding Officer, Marine Battalion Landing Team 9
- Staff Sergeant John Daren P. Noche PAF — Assistant NCO-in-Charge for Safety, Tactical Operation Group 10, Tactical Operation Wing Eastern Mindanao Command
- Staff Sergeant Joebelle O. Cerdinio PA — Signal NCO, 102nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry "Tabak" Division
Their selection highlights service across the Philippine Navy's Marine Corps, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Army — spanning naval ground operations, air force safety functions, and infantry brigade communications.
Roldan Leads Ceremony in Nafarrete's Behalf
AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rommel P. Roldan led the ceremony, representing AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete. In his address, Lieutenant General Roldan called on the awardees to carry their commendable spirit into future assignments and to share their knowledge with fellow soldiers.
"Ang pagkilalang ito ay pagpupugay sa inyong nagawa. Dalhin Ninyo ang parehong diwa sa susunod na tungkulin, at ibahagi ang inyong kaalaman upang mas marami pa ang makinabang sa inyong nasimulan. Your recognition reminds us that every act of committed service strengthens our organization and contributes to a stronger nation," Lieutenant General Roldan said.
AFP Cites Core Values of Honor, Service, Patriotism
According to the AFP Public Affairs Office, the accomplishments of the three awardees exemplify the AFP's core values of honor, service, and patriotism. The AFP said their professional excellence and commitment have created a lasting impact both within the military institution and in the communities they serve.
The AFP also extended its appreciation to the Metrobank Foundation and the Rotary Club of Makati for their continued partnership in sustaining the awards program, which spotlights military personnel who demonstrate selfless service.
By the Numbers
- 3 — military personnel honored at the 2026 MFOFAS ceremony
- 3 — partner organizations involved: the AFP, Metrobank Foundation, and Rotary Club of Makati
- 3 — AFP branches represented: Philippine Navy (Marine), Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Army
Why This Matters
The MFOFAS awards represent a formal institutional effort by the AFP and its civilian partners to publicly recognize military personnel who go beyond the call of duty in service to the nation. By honoring soldiers from distinct branches and commands, the ceremony underscores that exemplary service exists across all levels and units of the AFP. The partnership between the AFP, Metrobank Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Makati also reflects the role of the private sector and civil society in affirming military professionalism and public trust.
Photo credit: Photo by SSg Ambay PA / PAOAFP