President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Air Force Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at the Air Education and Training Command Grandstand, Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas on Wednesday (March 09). (MNS photo)
SILANG, Cavite, Mar 10 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday told the new graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to shun corrupt acts in the coming May national and local elections.
“Kung abutan kayo ng sobre kapalit ng inyong dangal, tatanggapin niyo ba? Kung pinapili kayo, bayan o sarili?” Aquino asked the graduates in his speech.
“Huwag niyo sanang sayangin ang mga reporma ng nauna sa inyo,” he added.
Aquino was the guest of honor at the 37th commencement exercises of the PNPA “Masundayaw” class of 2016.
President Benigno S. Aquino III salutes the colors as he sing the national anthem with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief-of-Staff General Hernando Iriberri, outgoing PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado and newly assumed 34th PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina upon arrival for the PAF Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at the AETC Grandstand, Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas on Wednesday (March 09). (MNS photo)
The class name Masundayaw was derived from three words: Maisug, a Visayan word for valiant; Sundaro, a Marano word for warrior; and Dayaw, an Ilocano word for honor.
During his speech, Aquino touted the procurement of modern equipment and vehicles—including 490 patrol jeeps, 247 4×4 personnel carrier, 69 light transport vehicles, 1,095 motorcycles, 2,949 radios— for the police.
He also cited the improvement of crime solution efficiency from 18.64 percent in 2010 to 51.36 percent in 2015, and the arrest of high-profile criminals through the Oplan Lambat Sibat.
“Sa panata nating walang maiiwan sa kaunlaran, kasama kayong mga unipormado,” Aquino said.
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Philippine Legion of Honor with the Degree of Commander to outgoing PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado during the PAF Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at the Air Education and Training Command Grandstand, Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas on Wednesday (March 09). (MNS photo)
In his valedictory address, Cadet Felipe De Paz Alicando, Jr. urged his fellow graduates to live in accordance with the principles of the PNPA.
“Sa aking mga kaklase, saan man tayo matalaga ay parati nating isabuhay ang mga mabubuting prinsipyo na natutunan natin dito sa akademya,” he said.
“Huwag tayong magpapasilaw at magpapadala sa tukso ng korupsyon at pera, bagkos, ay ating isabuhay ang pagiging isang kagalang-galang na opisyal na naninindigan sa panig ng katarungan at katotohanan,” Alicando added.
Alicando received the Presidential Kampilan Award, Fire Kampilan, Kampilan Award from the chief PNP, plaque of merit, and was recognized as best in thesis.
Also in attendance at the event were PNP chief Ricardo Marquez, PNPA Director Chief Superintendent Armando Ramolete, Philippine Public Safety College President Ricardo De Leon, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.
President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the PAF Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at the AETC Grandstand, Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas on Wednesday (March 09). Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina assumed as the 34th PAF Commanding General. Fallorina is a member of the PMA “Matikas” Class of 1983. (MNS photo)
Ramolete told the graduating cadets to contribute to the nation’s peace and order situation.
“With the nation facing increasing challenges in peace and order, the PNPA assures the people that it will produce the finest servants who will lead the public into becoming a safe institution,” he added.
Of the 253 graduates, 215 will be joining the PNP, 16 will go to the Bureau of Fire Protection, and 22 to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. (MNS)
— President Benigno Simeon Aquino III converses with newly assumed 34th PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina during the PAF Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at the AETC Grandstand, Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas on Wednesday (March 09). Fallorina is a member of the PMA “Matikas” Class of 1983. (MNS photo)