LINGAYEN -- Another Pangasinense serviceman brought home national recognition, this time as one of The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (Tops).
The awardee is Technical Sergeant Marcelo Batingan of Mabini town. He was cited as Tops awardee in the Philippine Navy Enlisted Personnel Category.
Tops is an annual search that pays tribute to those who exemplify gallantry, competence, professionalism, and integrity among members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The annual recognition is given by Metrobank Foundation Inc. and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro.
Governor Amado T. Espino Jr., a retired bemedalled military and police officer himself, congratulated Batingan, as he said the award manifests his gallantry as a Filipino soldier, as well as his best assets as a Pangasinense.
Espino and members of the Provincial Board commended Batingan for making the province of Pangasinan proud.
Batingan has been in the Philippine Navy for the past 15 years. He has engaged in acts of heroism and other extraordinary acts in line of duty.
The awarding ceremony was held at the Malacanang Palace last March 4 with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferring the awards to the outstanding soldiers.
Early this year, PO3 Ruth Poserio of the Sta. Barbara Police Station received recognition as one of the Ten Outstanding Policewomen of the Philippines (TOPWP) for 2009.
Sta. Barbara's former police chief, Superintendent Eric Noble, was also chosen as one of the Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service (Cops) last year. (LCMY)