PNPA valedictorian Fire Inspector Felipe Alicando Jr. delivers his address. JULLIANE LOVE DE JESUS/INQUIRER.net
SILANG, Cavite–The top cadet of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Masundayaw” Class of 2016 urged his classmates not to allow themselves to be lured into corruption once they are deployed in the field.
Fire Inspector Felipe Alicando Jr. delivered his valedictory address before 252 new inspectors during the 37th commencement exercises at the home of PNPA in Camp Mariano Castañeda on Thursday morning.
“Huwag tayong magpasilaw at magpapadala sa tukso ng korupsyon at pera. Bagkus, ay ating isabuhay ang pagiging isang kagalang-galang na opisyal na naninindigan sa panig ng katarungan at katotohanan,” he said.
(We should not be induced by the temptation of corruption and money. Instead, we should live as respectable officials who will stand for justice and truth.)
The 24-year-old licensed nurse took this opportunity to remind his fellow graduates to always keep in their minds their role as public servants—to protect the people.
READ: Licensed nurse tops PNPA 2016 class; 5 barred from joining graduation rites
“Bilang mga iskolar ng bayan, lubos kaming pinagpala dahil mula sa dugo at pawis ng taong bayan ang buwis na tumustos sa natatanging pagkakataong makapagaral at makapagsanay dito sa PNPA,” he said.
(As national scholars, we are extremely blessed because it is through the people’s effort and money that we are able to study and train in PNPA.)
Alicando said the all graduates of the government-subsidized PNPA owe their education to each of the Filipino people.
“Hindi namin maipagkakaila na ang lahat ng mga natutunan namin dito ay utang na loob namin sa inyo: sa bawat mamayang Pilipino. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo ay wala kami dito ngayon,” he said.
(We cannot deny that we owe everything we have learned here to you, the Filipino people. If not for you, we would not be here.)
Alicando officially took oath as a member of the Bureau of Fire and Protection along with 15 others cadets. He is a son of retired teachers and a native of Dulag, Leyte.
President Benigno Aquino III handed to Alicando the Presidential Kampilan award. He also received Fire Kampilan award, Plaque of Merit, and best in thesis award.
Alicando also assured the public that the taxes they paid for their schooling will not be wasted.
Using Aquino’s term for “people,” the new inspector said the Masundayaw class will serve their “bosses” with all their heart, even if it costs them their lives.
“Minamahal kong kababayan, ang aming mga pinakamamahal na boss, umasa po kayong ang Masundayaw Class of 2016 ay maglilingkod sa inyo ng buong puso, may pagkukusa at handang ialay ang buhay para sa bayan,” he said.
(My beloved countrymen, our beloved bosses, you can expect the Masundayaw Class of 2016 to serve you with all our hearts and with the will to offer our lives for the country.) IDL