SILANG, Cavite – A 24-year-old criminology graduate from Tondo, Manila not only fulfilled the wish of his late father for him to become a policeman, he even exceeded expectations as he emerged on top of his class during the 40th commencement exercises of the Philippine National Police Academy in Camp General Mariano Castaneda here yesterday.
Newly-ranked Police Lt. Jervis Allen Ramos graduated as the valedictorian of the PNP “Sansiklab” (Sandigan ng Mamamayan na may Sigasig na Itaguyod ang kapayapaan at Ipaglaban ang Bayan) Class of 2019.
President Duterte, who graced the event, challenged the graduates to “be the best version of yourself” and help in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, terrorism, and corruption.
“I congratulate the Sansiklab Class of 2019 for successfully earning their Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety. That you have to overcome the challenges within the four corners of the PNPA is enough proof that you are bound to be our country’s future leaders,” he said.
He also wished that the “success” story of Ramos serve as an inspiration to the entire class.
“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,” he said.
Priscilla, the 58-year-old mother of Ramos, said she had to work extra hard as she was the only one who initially supported the studies of her only son, the youngest of three siblings.
Jorge, Ramos’ father, died in 2009 and it was him who wanted his son to be a policeman, Priscila said.
At first, she said it was “very difficult” for their family because she only sells food for merienda or snacks in their small neighborhood in Kagitingan, Moriones, Tondo.
Eventually, Ramos’ elder sister graduated shortly and managed to help in their finances so Ramos was able to pursue his studies.
“Noong mamatay po ang asawa ko, sobrang hirap at pagtitiis ang ginawa namin. Ngayon, naabot na niya ‘yong pangarap niya sa tulong ng mga kapatid niya kaya masayang-masaya po ako para sa kanya,” Priscila said.
In Ramos’ valedictory speech, he looked back at his childhood in his community and thanked his parents and two elder sisters for supporting his goal of becoming a policeman in honor of his father.
“Tila baga isang panaginip na maituturing na ang isang simpleng kabataan na hinubog ng reyalidad ng buhay sa Tundo ay nabigyan ng pagkakataong tumayo at magsalita sa libu-libong mamamayang Pilipino,” Ramos said.
“Pa, salamat sa sakripisyong iyong ipinagkaloob sa amin. Kayo po ni mama ang matibay na sandigan, ang aking inspirasyon. Alay ko po sa inyo ang tagumpay na ito,” he said.
He also challenged his classmates to strive hard and remain in the right path as they forge their own careers in their chosen fields.
“Hindi natin maikukubli ang mga batikos at kritisismo na pilit ikinakabit sa aming napiling propesyon. Madalas naibabalita ang mga iilang nasasangkot sa katiwalian at gawaing ilegal. Ito ay mga hadlang na susukat ng aming katatagan at katapatan,” Ramos said.
“Napakarami pa ring naglilingkod sa ating bayan ng tapat at hindi papanig sa kasamaan. Sila ang aming ehemplo na gumawa ng tama at mabuti upang inyong maipagmalaki,” he added.
Ramos, who first graduated from the Unibersidad de Manila, received the Presidential Kampilan Award, the Chief PNP Kampilan Award, Best in Forensic Science, Best in Thesis, and Plaque of Merit for being the Top 1.
He also received a house and lot worth P1 million from Duterte.
Meanwhile, the Top 10 was dominated by female cadets as six of them landed in the list of top performers.
They are Police Lts. Merriefin Carisusa, of Cebu, Top 2; Mary Grace Pabilario, of Negros Occidental, Top 3; Janila Andrea Garan, of Sorsogon, Top 6; Ciara Ley Capule, of North Cotabato, Top 7; Mary Ann de los Santos, of Cagayan Valley, Top 8; and Anna May Mangabo, of Occidental Mindoro, Top 9.
Completing the list are Police Lts. Ferdinand Mark Lagchana, of Ifugao, Top 4; Christian Albus, of Camarines Sur, Top 5; and Salvador Pidlaoan, of Pangasinan, Top 10.
Police Lts. Jake Sawey and Darwin Sernio received special recognition for Best in Thesis.
Graduating as the class salutatorian, Carisusa said that being a woman is not a hindrance in excelling in a field dominated by men.
“Lagi ko pong sinasabi sa sarili ko na being a woman is not a hindrance para ma-achieve mo ‘yong dreams,” she said.
Carisusa’s parents, Rodel, a farmer, and Rita, a housewife, greeted her with a hug and kiss in a proud display of affection for their daughter.
Also notable was the story of Capule, who is the class Top 7. Graduating as one of the top performers in her class must have been a bitter-sweet feeling as she is already an orphan. (Martin Sadongdong)
