By: Lakan Rogelio F. Asignado, CESO IV (Bugle Call, 2009)
It feels like it was only yesterday when 40 idealistic men set out to live their personal legends.
When the class was notified of their acceptance and returned to Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna, they learned that Arturo Navarette had topped the Integrated National Police Cadet Admission Test in 1980. On January 21, 1980, they experienced their Reception Day—a moment that marked the beginning of their journey.
In its initial years, the Academy limited admission to the two-year Bachelor of Science in Public Safety program to qualified members of the Integrated National Police only. However, after three years of existence, the Academy broadened its admission requirements to include civilian applicants, welcoming individuals outside the police service.
The first captain of the class was Arturo Navarette, who joined the Philippine National Police Academy after his honorable discharge from the Philippine Military Academy. Under his leadership, the Honor Committee was introduced, with Cadet Rogelio Asignado serving as its first chairperson. The institutionalization of the Honor Committee established a code of conduct for cadets, ensuring their behavior upheld the honor of their reputation and the Academy.
On June 1, 1981, as Lakans, it is their turn to run the affairs of the Corps. They initiated the Honor System, the setting of obligations for the corps and privileges distinctly for the upperclassmen. On April of 1982 during their Probationary Second Lieutenant Course, they led the sit-down strike to protest the unreasonable relief of the training staff of Metropolitan Citizen Military Training Command. Despite this bold move, it was not counted against them as they graduated two months later.
Twenty-five years later, in 2007, the Masigasig Class reunited to celebrate their silver anniversary. The swift passage of time brought a wave of nostalgia as they reminisced about their experiences and remembered their jovial classmate, Coy Sorra (1953–1985), who lifted everyone’s spirits with his humor. They also recalled Ato Sodsod (1958–1986), who strummed familiar tunes on his guitar, often jamming with upperclassman Jack Celaje.
With the enactment of Republic Act 6975 in 1990, the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Incorporated created chapters for graduates from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. Among those who were later adopted into the alumni association were Jimmy Gaddy (1953–2006), Atty. Jose Almo, Ruel Go, Nanding Broqueza, Boy Fernandez, Jacinto Velayo, Boy Gatus, Elpidio de Chavez, and Victor Ferrer—22 years after their graduation.
In 2006 they adopted several members of Commerce and Industries Incorporation; Joaquin Go, John Tan, Domingo Yap, Cecilio Pedro, Eduardo Yao, Tomas Valles, Albert Teh Seng Liong, Henry Lim Bon Liong, Tan Tian Siong, Alfonso Uy, Tan Ching, Alfonso Sy, Angel Ngu and Jemar Pascual for their donation of six school buildings consisting of two classrooms each.
Class 82 was fortunate to have formed genuine friendships with their adopted classmates, who supported their Alma Mater’s vision and helped them in realizing it.
As time continues to march forward, the legacy of MASIGASIG CLASS OF 1982 remains a shining example of what it means to live with purpose, integrity, and dedication—forever etched in the history of the Philippine National Police Academy. The class produced two (2) star-rank officers from the tri-bureau, while 25 members remain alive today. (PNPAAAI Records, 2025)
