PNPA Valedictorian: Aquino is model of selfless public service

By: Julliane Love De Jesus - 11 years ago

SILANG, Cavite—Pres. Benigno Aquino III may have been branded as an “awful manager” by Senator Sergio Osmeña two weeks ago, but the topnotcher of the police academy this year thinks otherwise.

“Kapag nababanggit ang mga salitang tunay at tapat na serbisyo sa publiko, merong isang taong pumapasok sa aking kamalayan,” Police Cadet Glenn Tabo Santelices said in his valedictory address on Monday. “Siya ay walang iba kundi ang ating pinakamamahal na pangulo,” Santelices continued, drawing applause from the audience at Camp General Mariano Castañ‎eda in Silang, Cavite.

(When I hear the term true and honest public service, there is only one person I can think of. He is none other than our beloved President.)

Santelices, 25, is the class valedictorian of the Philippine National Police academy (PNPA) “Mandalaab” Class of 2014. He received the Presidential and Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) ‎ Kampilan award from President Benigno Aquino III and Director General Alan Purisima, respectively.

“Kayo po ang bantayog ng taong may matatag na paninindigan sa ngalan ng serbisyong publiko sa mga Pilipino. Santelices said the entire Mandalaab class takes inspiration from Aquino when it comes to true leadership and service to the country.

(You are the epitome of steadfast principle in the name of public service to the Filipinos.)

“Ang inyong pamamaraan ng pamumuno ‎na inuuna ang kapakanan ng iba bago ang sarili ang s’yang naging hamon sa amin,” he added. “At ngayon po, pinagmamalaki ko sa inyo na ang nasa harapan ninyo ay 202 miyembro ng PNPA Mandilaab na hindi lamang magagaling at matitino, kami rin po ay nagaalab na magsilbi sa bayan,” he continued.

(Your selfless leadership is a challenge for us. I am proud to tell you that before you are 200 PNPA Mandilaab members who are not only good and honest, but are also fervent in serving the nation).

The former seminarian is the son of a Quezon City policeman PO3 Heide Santelices, who are natives of San Andres town in Catanduanes. Before deciding to join the PNPA, Santelices graduated cum laude with a degree in Philosophy from the Claret seminary in Quezon City.

On March 13, Osmeña called Aquino an “awful manager” for his refusal to let go of Energy Sec. Jericho Petilla amid the country’s power supply woes.