THE so-called Filipino ‘Bayanihan Spirit’ is very much alive in the case of the Philippine National Police and its more than 20,000 advisers who continue to serve as their partners in mitigating the effects of the pandemic nationwide, PNP chief, General Camilo Pancratius P. Cascolan said.
During the 6th National Advisory Council (NAC) Summit in Camp Crame last week, the top cop said the “summit comes at the most opportune time when we are all adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Despite this worldwide disruptive phenomenon, it is very inspiring to experience the ‘Bayanihan Spirit’ manifested by our PNP Advisory Council members, whose strong presence and active support in different forms extended during these trying times help us cope with the difficulties and assuage our fears and bring us hope,” Gen. Cascolan said.
The three-day summit culminated with the anniversary of the Center for Police Strategy Management headed by Brigadier Gen. Rhoderick C. Armamento which attracted over a thousand PNP advisers and stakeholders via zoom.
Joined by his Command Group, Gen. Cascolan and National Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development chairman Prudencio J. Gesta and the chairman of the National Capital Region Police Office Regional Advisory Council and president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ambassador Benedicto V. Yujuico handed plaques of commendation to outstanding CPSM officers and men and other PNP units last week.
The awardees include Colonel Romeo B. Desiderio, Lieutenant Col. Ma. Angela M. Salaya, Major Joel R. Corpuz, Senior Master Sergeant Romel B. Legemna, Corporal Vanessa Kate M. Morada, Non-Uniformed Personnel Lilian P. Gonzales and civilian employee Milly Camil A. Ildefonso.
The other recipients of CPSM plaques were Master Sgt. Jun-Jun B. Paray, Staff Sgt. Bamie G. Reforma, Ms. Honey Nicole R. delos Reyes, Major Rowena P. Amata and NUP Rosenda R. Ayson.
Also awarded for having a 100 percent functionality of Police Strategy Management Units, Technical Working Groups and Advisory Councils were the PNP Information Technology Management Service headed by Brig. Gen. Daniel C. Mayoni; the Anti-Kidnapping Group headed by Brig. Gen. Jonnel C. Estomo; the Crime Laboratory Group headed by Brig. Gen. Steve B. Ludan; the Intelligence Group headed by Brig. Gen. Edgar S. Monsalve; and the Drug Enforcement Group headed by Brig. Gen. Armando S. de Leon.
Given the same award were the Police Regional Office 2 headed by Brig. Gen. Crizaldo O. Nieves; PRO3 headed by Brig. Gen. Valeriano T. de Leon; PRO5 headed by Brig. Gen. Bartolome R. Bustamante; the PRO8 headed by Brig. Gen. Ronaldo F. de Jesus; and the PRO13 headed by Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr.
Gen. Cascolan congratulated the summit participants—those who were physically and virtually present — for sharing their precious time and valuable ideas during the three-day event organized by the CPSM headed by Armamento whom he said is on his way to getting his 2nd-star and the PNP Technical Working Group for PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 headed by PNP Chief Directorial Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Joselito M. Vera Cruz.
One of the most-applauded presentations was made by retired Gen. Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr.
“My heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders who are continuously pouring their active support and generous assistance to the PNP. Thank you for sharing your valuable time, resources and wealth of wisdom. We truly, can never thank all of you enough,” he said.
The top cop said that during these trying times of COVID-19 pandemic, no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called “for unity, cooperation and ‘malasakit’’ among all stakeholders to help our country rise above the challenges and overcome the difficulties that we are all experiencing.
“The fruitful exchange and sharing of ideas provide us more wisdom on how we could better make adjustment on our transformation strategy, the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030, and for us to adequately and timely contribute to the attainment of AmBisyon Natin 2040, the vision that guides the future for every Filipino -– for a Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay,” he said.
This year’s summit was themed “Rising Together: Building Resilience and Adapting to the New Environment through the Bayanihan Spirit” to show the sincere commitment of the PNP and the NAGPTD to institutionalize genuine transformation in the police service amid the pandemic.
The NAC Summit featured thousands of strategic partners of the PNP nationwide who shared not only success stories, best practices, and breakthrough results, but also strengthened their bond with the police force which is embarking on having genuine transformation in the organization.
Gen. Cascolan also described their advisory councils as the ‘PNP’s most reliable partners and supporters’ as they continue to keep peace and order and enforce the law under the new normal and the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
