Rewinding back from three (3) decades ago, it was in May 1990 when 120 fine young men made their purposeful decisions of entering the Academy and making their life-long commitment por la patria.
The then cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Tagapagpatupad” Class of 1992 underwent a two-year holistic yet rigorous and intensive academic and cadetship training program in the form of physical trainings, and building of practical skills, leadership ability, competence, professionalism, character development, and proper etiquette. The Tagapagpatupads did not fail to leave their mark at the Academy, as it was through their Class when the Corps of Cadets acquired its formal name – the Cadet Corps Philippine National Police Academy (CCPNPA). It was also the first time during the graduation rites of the remaining 90 resilient Tagapagpatupads when no less than the Philippine President Corazon C Aquino formally graced the event as the guest of honor and speaker. Their graduation at the PNPA merely marked the beginning of their patriotic paths as public servants, as they formally heeded the call of serving and building the nation, as they officially joined the ranks at the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), whichever their choice may have been.
Indeed, it is not unbeknownst to many that the commitment of lakans and lakambinis to public service entails risking and even giving up their lives in line of their duty. A number of lakans have actually lived up to their commitment of serving and protecting our country up to their last breath, including some of the gallant “SAF 44” heroes during the Mamasapano clash, those in the battlefront during the Marawi siege, and countless other lakans who were killed in line of service, including eight (8) late Tagapagpatupads – Juanchito Damasco †, Expedito Delgado †, Jeorlick Faburada †, Manuel Ilejay Jr. †, Melchor Oclarit †, Rodney Ramirez †, Marciano Salvatus †, and Carlzon Teodosio †.
Lakans and lakambinis also exemplify the spirit of public service and extending their helping hands through community building and outreach programs, either through their personal or Class initiatives, or by utilizing platforms such as the national government’s BARANGAYanihan Caravan, just like the partnership forged between two (2) Tagapagpatupads, PBGEN RUDOLPH B DIMAS, Director of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, and PBGEN JOHN C CHUA, incumbent Deputy Regional Director for Administration (DRDA) of the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO COR), in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) and other government agencies, in the conduct of the BARANGAYanihan Caravan held at Kin-iway, Besao, Mountain Province last October 22, 2021.
Throughout the years, the Tagapagpatupads have managed to make their brotherhood stronger and bigger through the addition of like-minded and equally-accomplished adopted and honorary members, from both public and private sectors, who are as passionate and earnest when it comes to public service and nation building initiatives in their respective careers.
Public service and patriotism truly runs in the blood of every lakan and lakambini, as especially embodied by the very own 26 star-ranked Tagapagpatupads, including the top brass of the BFP, FDIR LOUIE S PURACAN, who currently serves as the Chief of the BFP, and the Deputy Inspector General of the IAS, PMGEN REX L URBANO. Likewise, they are always yearning to render their duty, and are always ready to accept the call of service, even after their retirement in the police, fire protection, or jail management service. This was instantiated by Tagapagpatupad’s retired PBGEN CELSO L BAEL, who was recently appointed as Director of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) under the Office of the President, shortly after his retirement.
Now, as the PNPA celebrates its 42nd Grand Alumni Homecoming on March 26, and as the PNPA “Tagapagpatupad” Class of 1992 celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Tagapagpatupads have undeniably lived up to the essence of being a lakan – always soaring high to make a difference, and creating an impact in the lives of our fellow Filipinos through their acts of public service as humble servant leaders of our nation. Needless to say that every lakan, and lakambini is a living testament of the significant role of the PNPA in molding and developing the minds, bodies, and hearts of young and determined Filipinos to fulfill their roles as future leaders of the country, thus, serving as catalysts of change in the future of nation-building.
Paul Chua PhD is an honorary member “Lakan” of “Tagapagpatupad” Class of 1992, presently serves as Deputy Administrator for Operations and Engineering, Light Rail Transit Authority. He finished his executive education program on “Strategic Management of Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies” at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Originally published by The Manila Times on March 24, 2022.
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