Res Gestae
PNP Badge of Honor (3)
(Note: The personnel of the Regional Police Community Relations Division (RPCRD) deserve a commendation with the success of 1st PRO6 Oratorical Cup held on May 13, 2009.
In pursuit of the theme “PNP Badge of Honor”, the oration tilt was intended to foster, promote and reward the study, understanding and appreciation of the value and meaning of the PNP Badge.
PRO 6 director, Police Chief Superintendent Isagani R Cuevas, also said that the activity was also to inspire PNP personnel to employ critical thinking skills to cast new light on the “PNP Badge of Honor”, a symbol of honor in serving and protecting the community as well as the in the enforcement of the law without fear or favor.
Indeed, the activity did not only showcase the talents and skills in public speaking in the ranks of the PNP-PRO6 but also revealed a very rich symbolism of the PNP badge – a piece of metal pinned in the left chest of the uniformed police personnel.
I promised to yield this space for the oration pieces of 17 police officers who joined the contest.
May this endeavor help the public understand better our police force – their struggles, aspirations and visions!
Here is the oration piece of POI Amparo Quijote (2nd Runner Up) of Guimaras Police Provincial Office.)
PNP Badge of Honor – A treasure
Distinguished board of judges, honorable men and women of the Philippine National Police, friends, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant morning to each of you!
We call ourselves the men and women in uniform. This uniform marks the responsibility of the person wearing it. The pins, medals attached on the chest, and the badge that is identified with the name of person who owns this humble uniform, are great reminders of a huge responsibility, a never ending task in the peace process, an oath of service to the nation, a pledge of upholding the lives and ideals of the whole citizenry of living in peace and in harmony.
Friends, we are pillars of the Philippine National Police to which we put our hearts and minds in terms of service. And we wear this badge of honor to symbolize our genuine gold commitment in life. Yes, it is not a mere metal that would shine even without polishing it. It is not a decoration neither a luxury to show the world that you own a jewel. But indeed, it is a treasure; it is precious. It is a key that opens our minds on the honor and privilege of serving and protecting our country and people.
The PNP badge of honor is a treasure. Since it is a treasure, it will always become an object of temptation. Situation will tempt its integrity. Time will measure its dignity. And people will continue to scratch its strength – strength of upholding its ideals, of clinging to what is true, and of realizing that the PNP badge of honor focuses on the best practices that uplift the image and reputation of the Philippine National Police. It is a reminder that we must perform our individual jobs with high sense of responsibility, discipline, professionalism and utmost transparency. And, through this, we can surely achieve the PNP mission and vision.
Several events have tested the luster of the PNP badge of honor. Various police misdemeanors have brought forth embarrassment to the organization. Like, abusive colleagues who have forgotten what they pledged for, and many others who failed to properly function and execute their duties. You must not close your eyes to these realities. It is high time for you to take closer look at this badge and be reminded that you aren’t wearing that uniform for your own vested immoral interests. You have sworn to the nation that you will protect its people, the citizenry. We cannot solicit respect and admiration from the public – we need to work hard for it. And only our good deeds will prove our worth and the worth of what we stand for.
Indeed, our job of protecting our people is no easy task. They will always question our motives. They will always find loopholes to prove us wrong. Antagonist will always say we did less and we aren’t worth our uniform! This is but harsh situation that will continue to stain our PNP badge of honor, if we don’t do something to protect its integrity once more.
For the love of people: let the badge of honor shine in protecting them and in allowing them to live in peace and harmony. Yes, let the badge shine in protecting them and in allowing them to live in peace and harmony. Yes, let the badge be the light to the young generation that they can invest their trust in us, by putting in their hearts and minds that we can be counted on.
For the love of our country: let the badge of honor continue to symbolize our commitment and bravery in giving our lives to protect our nation and its people forever.
Seek not more medals and honors! Neither ask for high position and instant promotion! No matter how lowly you are, as long as you work with honesty, discipline, integrity and love, the PNP badge of honor will shine there…even brighter!
(Next issue: “My Badge, My Honor” of POI Jeramae C Rio of Regional Public Information Office.)