Army Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, currently serving as Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations of the 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, has just been named as one of the 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos – Award for Soldiers. Congratulations!
Read his caption below.
Colonel Canatoy exemplified dedication to service, tirelessly devoting his time and leadership during his tenure as Battalion Commander of the 58th Infantry Battalion from 2020 to 2022. Under his command, the unit confronted one of the most active insurgent groups in Northern Mindanao. He also championed a balanced approach to combat and development through programs that addressed both security and socioeconomic needs, particularly in areas of Misamis Oriental long affected by insurgency and decades of armed conflict.
Through his adept ability to forge strategic partnerships and the battalion’s intensified anti-insurgency campaign, many conflict-affected communities have been restored and reorganized for long-term growth, leading to the “Restoring Communities, Changing Lives” initiative. A key achievement of this initiative was the successful return of Indigenous people to Sitio Kalhaan, Minalwang, Claveria after nearly 15 years of displacement due to insurgency. The area now thrives with a school, concrete roads, internet access, and various livelihood programs.
These efforts significantly weakened the opposing force’s manpower and capabilities, leading to the dismantling of several enemy units. As a result, improved security fostered economic growth, increased tourism, infrastructure development, and livelihood opportunities in the area, while also earning the unit and its commander broad recognition and trust from both leadership and local stakeholders.
image, text from Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos
