PNPA topnotcher: Public service knows no gender

CAMP CASTAÑEDA, Silang, Cavite, Philippines – “Public service knows no gender,” this year’s topnotcher at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) said in her valedictory speech.

Inspector Roan Marie Bascugin graduated valedictorian of the 304-strong, male-dominated class of PNPA-Kaisang Bisig and will join the Philippine National Police (PNP), which is also a male-dominated organization.

“All men and women in service to the people are driven by the same passion to lead by serving others. Giving ourselves in our profession knows no bounds. Whatever bureau we may be in, we are bound by the same oath.”

Bascugin also thanked President Arroyo, who was the guest of honor and speaker at the graduation ceremony here, “for being a good model and inspiration.”

“You are the epitome of a strong-willed woman in the service of the people. The traits you have manifested in leading the nation inspired me to aim for greater heights,” said Bascugin.

The valedictorian, one of the 266 PNPA graduates to join the PNP, said “achieving this coveted plum proves that through hard work and perseverance, women are also capable of doing and achieving things that men have done before.”

Addressing the President, Bascugin said, “I also understand that what you want is to have good, efficient and effective leaders and I am proud to say that in front of you are 304 adept and virtuous leaders. With more training and schooling, we shall work our way up towards the realization of our shared vision – peace.”

In an earlier interview, Bascugin, daughter of Superintendent Rustico Bascugin, currently assigned to the Police Community Relations Group at Camp Crame, said she would be assigned to Central Luzon Police Regional Office (Region 3).

Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno said the DILG and the PNP have been trying to discipline members of the police force.