By: Lakan Angeles Geñorga, Bugle Call (2009)
On May 1, 1991, Monday, it all began as the PNPA TAGAPAGLUNDAD Class of 1993 answered the call of cadetship. A total of 120 of them lined up and marched toward the field of Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna. It was the first time they saw their upperclassmen marching in admirable unison, dressed in white and looking gallant.
The boyish grins on their lips were not for long. Rumbling voices, thunder, and roaring howls changed the entire atmosphere. The last words they heard were, “Take charge! ”. Soon, they realized that the upperclassmen meant business. They were ordered to perform all kinds of strenuous exercises as the sun was getting hotter. They crawled, rolled, and stumbled, their unconditioned bodies struggling to keep up. Despite exhaustion, their spirits urged them to fight on. At that moment, each had to decide—quit or remain. They silently cried out to God for strength.
They survived the first week of the training and the 45 days of the “Breaking Period.” Each day began with jogging around the oval while carrying their “cold wife,” the M-14 rifle, and ended with the evening Tattoo. Upperclassmen relentlessly barked commands—“Chin in! Heads up! Hands back! Breast out! Suck guts!”—making every moment a test of patience and endurance. Little by little their numbers were reduced. Some gave up while others foolishly escaped and went AWOL.
Haggard but resilient, those who persevered entered the next stage—the “Incorporation Period.” Here, they absorbed the essence of cadetship; they learned everything a cadet should know and should be; hence, they became “real cadets.”.
After eight grueling months as a plebe. Finally, they were recognized; their upperclassmen hugged them like a real brother, marking the end of endless trotting, square meals, and relentless drills. The plebes had become recognized cadets, and for the first time, praise outweighed punishment. Their minds and bodies had adapted to perpetual hardship, and from that point forward, they embraced cadet life.
Among the traditions they learned was the Silent Drill Exhibition, a display of discipline and precision. The cadet would never forget the day they marched and performed before an audience, knowing their parents watched with pride.
With the arrival of 1992, a new chapter began as recognized Third Classmen. Valentine’s Day was particularly memorable, as cadets crafted handmade dolls for their Kaydet girls, a cherished tradition.
As the graduation of their direct upperclassmen approached, more responsibilities were handed down. The Turn-Over of Command ceremony marked the formal passing of leadership roles, and during the Investiture Rites, Class Officers and Cadet Officers took their oaths.
The day finally came when the Tagapagpatupad Class of 1992 graduated. It was a bittersweet farewell as they bid their upperclassmen goodbye. Now, it was their turn to lead and manage the Corps.
As the Christmas season neared, the cadets were granted leave from November 1st to the 10th, spending time with their families. Upon returning to the Academy, life resumed as usual. The falling leaves of the acacia and mahogany trees signaled the passing of time, reminding them that their days as cadets were numbered.
Their academics became tougher. As December arrived, the chill in the air made waking up each morning even more difficult. The freezing water from the showers sent shivers through their bodies, a stark contrast to the scorching days of their earlier training.
With final examinations looming, the cadets approached the final chapter of their training. Before leaving the Academy’s mighty portals, they underwent orientations on moral values, human rights, and the administrative and technical skills necessary for their profession.
On April 20, 1993, they graduated and felt victorious after a long and tedious battle. At that moment, they dressed in their gala uniforms as they stood before their parents, who saw the fruits of their sacrifices and perseverance.
The TAGAPAGPALUNSAD Class of 1993 had 89 graduates and produced 41 star-rank officers across the tri-bureau, 14 of whom are still active in service, with 82 original members still living.
Source:
PNPAAAI Records
Philippine National Police Academy
