Son of tricycle driver tops police academy 2010 class

MANILA, Philippines - A son of a tricycle driver topped this year’s 198 graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

Cadet Caesar Ian Cordero-Binucal, 23, said his family and their simple life served as his inspiration to aim high and reach the top of his class.

“My father is a tricycle driver and my mother is a plain housewife, so we can’t afford to have a luxurious lifestyle, but we are happy,” Binucal said in an interview with The STAR.

The other topnotchers in the 2010 Class Mabikas are Cadets Mark Anthony Aningala, Ruby Ann Noe, Melissa Silva, Abdul Kahir Amad, Peter Glenn Ipong, William Facsoy Jr., Joseph Llames, Gechris Abanilla and Jeanifer Baron.

Binucal said he is excited to see his tatay (father) Agapito and nanay (mother0 Hermilina and tell them of his accomplishments in the academy.

Binucal said he has yet to inform his parents and two siblings about topping his class because he wants to surprise them when they get to the PNPA graduation rites at Fort Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday.

“I want to surprise them, but I think they would be more surprised to read and see my accomplishment and their names in The Philippine STAR,” he said.

Traditionally, President Arroyo attends the graduation at the PNPA along with Vice President Noli de Castro, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, and PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa. Philippine Public Safety College president Margarita Cojuangco will also be part of the rites.

PNPA graduates are admitted to the police, jail and fire service. Binucal will join the police force.

Of the198 graduates, 159 will join the PNP, 18 the Bureau of Fire Protection, and 21 the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

The graduates are composed of 159 males and 39 females.

Binucal said he wants to give his family a good life and render public service when he is admitted to the PNP.

“I want to serve our country, I want to join the SAF (Special Action Force),” he said.

“I’m not fearless, but I know courage is doing something extraordinary in the presence of fear for a purpose.”

Being a Christian, Binucal said he always puts his heart and spirit in everything he does.

He recalled an ordinary day of his four-year education at the PNPA, with all cadets waking up at 4:30 a.m. for their regular physical exercises and breakfast at 6:30 a.m.

He noted they would have an hour and 30 minutes break before they attend four-hour classes. They would have lunch break at 12 noon and academic activities from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Binucal, who was influenced by his uncle SPO1 Robert Binucal to join the service, called on his classmates to maintain their idealism.

“Life is a role that we should make the most out. Be good and honorable as God wants us to be. Stand firm against all adversities,” he said.

He added that more challenges would surely come his way, but with God’s intervention and guidance he believes he will prevail.