In a resounding call to arms, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. rallied the freshly minted graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to harness the power of technology in the pursuit of “smart policing, fire prevention, and penology.”
Addressing the 45th PNPA Commencement Exercises, President Marcos underscored the pivotal role of technology in modern law enforcement. With a nod to the cadets’ digital upbringing, he emphasized the imperative of leveraging their tech-savvy prowess to combat emerging threats, particularly cybercrime.
“I challenge you to leverage that technology that you are familiar with as aids in protecting and serving our people, especially in battling cybercrime,” President Marcos asserted during his keynote speech delivered at Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite.
While extolling the virtues of technological advancement, President Marcos also reminded the graduates of the enduring value of traditional policing methods. “When it comes to assuring the people, analog will always beat digital,” he affirmed, highlighting the indispensable role of “old-fashioned grunt work” alongside sophisticated gadgetry.
In urging the cadets to patrol the digital frontier, President Marcos emphasized the omnipresence of threats in the information highway, cautioning that criminals “lurk there too.” His call to action extended beyond the confines of the PNPA, encompassing future members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), urging them to embrace technology for enhanced service delivery.
President Marcos implored the graduates to uphold the core values of justice, integrity, and service as they embark on their careers in law enforcement. Echoing a sentiment of continuity and progress, he urged them to build upon the foundations laid by their predecessors in advancing the cause of peace and order in the nation.
“The service you are about to consecrate your life to is not a race to collect insignia nor accumulate prized assignments. It is to do as much good as often to as many without expecting any reward in return because service itself is our reward,” President Marcos remarked, emphasizing the intrinsic value of public service.
Among the distinguished graduates, Ma. Camille Cabasis of Lian, Batangas, emerged as valedictorian, garnering accolades for her exemplary performance. Recognized for her outstanding achievements, Cabasis epitomized the commitment to excellence instilled by the PNPA.
The graduating Class of 2024 marks a significant milestone in the PNPA’s history. It represents the final cohort to be assigned to the Tri-Bureau Service (PNP, BFP, and BJMP). This transition, mandated by Republic Act 11279, reflects a strategic realignment to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness within the law enforcement landscape.
The PNPA is poised to exclusively produce police lieutenants starting in 2025, signaling a new chapter in the academy’s storied legacy.
As the nation stands at the precipice of a new era in law enforcement, President Marcos’ clarion call serves as a rallying cry for the next generation of guardians tasked with upholding peace, order, and justice in the Philippines.
