MANILA, Philippines — New Inspector Jervis Allen Ramos, who graduated at the top of the 2019 class of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), challenged the new police officers to show that there are still good men in the police force amid frequent reports of scalawags in uniform.
Ramos, 24, who topped the Sansiklab Class of 2019, made this remark during the 40th commencement exercise yesterday of the PNPA in Silang, Cavite.
In his speech, Ramos alluded to the scalawags who frequently make it to the front pages and bring criticism from the public of the police profession.
He dared his fellow graduates to remember, if they face hurdles along their career, that their profession is always for the public interest.
Ramos said that he offers his achievement to his parents, especially his late father, who died when he was 13 years old and had dreams of him becoming a policeman, and his mother who supported his studies.
He also thanked President Duterte who led the commencement rights.
This year’s graduation also saw the “domination” of women, with six female cadets among the top 10. The class was composed of 154 male and 47 female cadets.
Of the new police officers, 138 are set to join the Philippine National Police, 41 the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) while 22 will join the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
“We made it,” said Inspector Merriefin Carisusa, the second top graduate of the 2019 batch.
Carisusa drew laughs from her mother, Rita, who initially wanted her daughter to become a doctor instead of a policeman.
Both her parents flew in from Madellin, Cebu, where her father Ridel works as a sugarcane farmer.
Ramos and Carisusa led the class of 201 graduating cadets during the commencement exercises held at the Camp General Mariano Castaneda in Silang, Cavite.
Duterte cited Ramos, who inspite of the adversities he went through, starting with being a poor Tondo boy, eventually landed on top of their class.
“May the success story of your batchmate, Cadet First Class Jervis Allen Ramos, be an inspiration to all of you. May it always remind you that amidst all the (adversities) and obstacles of life, nothing is impossible as long as you keep your eye on your goals,” the President added.
Duterte also reminded the new PNPA graduates to keep in mind that their commencement exercise is just the beginning of a greater responsibility ahead.
He also challenged the new PNPA graduates to avoid the temptation of power and fame and to become the greatest version of themselves when they enter the service.
Duterte called on the graduates to promote integrity, loyalty, patriotism and compassion as they face the challenges outside the academy.
“Excel in your chosen pursuits, lend your abilities to all our communities and stand by your principles at all cost. Never be deceived by power nor by fame. What is important is you honor, for it is your badge towards genuine success,” Duterte said.
“Your goal must now be to serve and protect our people and country to the best of your ability. I therefore challenge your class, the Sansiklab class of 2019, to be the greatest version of yourselves,” he added.
Duterte also asked the 201 graduates to help the government in its campaign against terrorism and illegal drugs.
“I enjoin our fresh graduates to support and contribute to the administration’s fight against illegal drugs, terrorism and corruption,” the President said.
“Now, more than ever, the Philippines needs optimistic and brave men and women like you who have the qualities to be effective and efficient public servants,” he added. – With Alexis Romero, Edith Regalado