MANILA, Philippines - Christmas is for children.
Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director General Alan Purisima gave Christianel Dolosa, an eight-year-old boy stricken with lymphoblastic leukemia, a complete set of type-A police uniform, compete with cap and badge.
Christianel’s face lighted up when he saw that the police uniform was for him.
The typically shy boy proudly said he wanted to become a policeman to catch criminals, particularly drug addicts.
Purisima conferred on Christianel, who is from San Agustin, Hagonoy, Bulacan, the rank of “inspector” and placed him “on duty” at least for a day.
Christianel told reporters he wants to recover from his illness as he had to stop going to school to undergo chemotheraphy sessions.
His mother Teodora said Christianel started admiring police officers as early as the age of four.
Christianel’s dream of becoming a policeman did not wane even after he was diagnosed with the illness at six, she added.
The PNP learned about Christianel’s dream to become a policeman through the international organization Wish Kid Foundation, a non-government organization looking for children with serious illness.
Teodora said since the foundation started taking care of her son, his condition has improved and his hair started to grow again.
Accompanied by his mother and siblings yesterday morning, Christianel received two toy cars from Purisima, who gave him a salute.
Christianel attended an orientation on the history, vision and values of the police service and toured PNP facilities, including the office of the chief at national headquarters at Camp Crame.
Christianel also had the real-life experience of patrol duty on board a police car.
The Wish Kid Foundation aims to grant the wishes of
children aged three to 17 who are suffering from life-threatening medical conditions.
Wish Kid Foundation is the first and only wish grant organization in the Philippines.