It all began on October 23, 2011, when a total of 16,509 applicants from across the nation eagerly took the PNPA Cadet Admission Test (PNPACAT). After a strict and highly competitive process, only 1,528 of those hopefuls passed the examination, a testament to the intelligence, skill, and resolve required to pursue a career in public safety.
Among those who passed, 350 individuals—322 males and 28 females—would soon embark on the journey of a lifetime. On May 1, 2012, these aspiring cadets took their solemn oath, officially becoming members of BSPS Class 2016. From that moment, they were united by a shared goal: to earn their Bachelor of Science in Public Safety (BSPS) degree and to serve and protect the Filipino people through the various branches of public safety.
The name “MASUNDAYAW” carries with it a powerful meaning, deeply rooted in the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the Philippines. This name represents the unity and strength of the three major islands of the archipelago—Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—each contributing a word that embodies the core values of the class. “Masundayaw” translates to “The Valiant Warriors with Honor,” a fitting title for a group of men and women who have devoted themselves to the service and protection of the Filipino people.
The term “MASUNDAYAW” is derived from three distinct dialects:
“Maisug” (Visayan) meaning Valiant or Brave: “Maisug” refers to possessing or displaying courage, the ability to face danger or fear without flinching.
“Sundaro” (Maranao) meaning Warrior: A Sundaro is a warrior called to defend and protect the people of the community.
“Dayaw” (Ilocano) meaning Honor: In the Ilocano tradition, Dayaw speaks to the concept of honor.
In addition to their values, the class was united by a powerful anthem, “Keep Holding On” by Boyce Avenue, which became their Class Song.
The Class Color, Gray, symbolizes the balance between strength and humility, the commitment to hard work, and the determination to lead with both courage and integrity. Gray, as a neutral color, represents the resilience to stand strong in the face of challenges, unshaken by external forces.
The guiding principle of MASUNDAYAW Class of 2016 is captured in their Class Motto: “DUCTUS EXEMPLO,” which translates to “Lead by Example.” This motto encapsulates the heart of their training—being leaders who inspire through action. They understand that leadership is not simply about authority or position; it is about the example you set for others to follow.
Over the next four years, the members of Masundayaw Class of 2016 underwent intense training, both physically and mentally, to hone their skills in law enforcement, firefighting, and correctional services. They learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and leadership, all while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and commitment to their chosen profession.
Finally, on March 10, 2016, after years of rigorous academic and physical preparation, the 253 strong members of the class—234 males and 19 females—graduated, proudly receiving their Bachelor of Science in Public Safety degree. The ceremony was a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of their hard work, sacrifice, and dedication.
Upon graduation, the members of Masundayaw Class of 2016 went on to serve the country in various capacities within the public safety sector: 215 members joined the Philippine National Police (PNP); 16 members chose to serve in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP); and 22 members joined the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
As of today, 246 members of Masundayaw Class of 2016 remain active in service, continuing their mission to protect and serve the Filipino people with honor, duty, and pride. Their journey from eager cadets to respected officers and professionals is a story of resilience, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the nation.
The legacy of Masundayaw Class of 2016 lives on, a shining example of what it means to serve with distinction and to dedicate one’s life to the service of others.
𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙐𝙉𝘿𝘼𝙔𝘼𝙒 𝘼𝘾𝙃𝙄𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙎:
LAKAN HEDREI MIGUEL M BELMES
Best Junior PCO for Operations during the 39th SAF Founding Anniversary
Company Commander for Best Company for Counter Terrorism Operations (CTO) during the 39th SAF Founding Anniversary
LAKAN AFGHANNI B MONTUD
Medalya ng Katapangan Awardee in recognition for a meritorious dedication and invaluable contribution to PNP’s Anti-Criminality Campaign after the conduct of successful Counter-Terrorism Operation during the 33rd PNP Foundation Day Celebration
LAKAN KARL JEROME T TINGALA
Company Commander for Best Company for Counter Terrorism Operations (CTO) during the 41st SAF Founding Anniversary
LAKAN RODOLPH KAPLAN M BRAVO
Best Junior PCO for Operations (43rd IG founding anniversary) TL, City Intel Team (CIT) Santiago City
LAKAN JOSEPH S MELITANTE
Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Operations, 33rd Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) Founding Anniversary
LAKAN KARLA PAULINE L VILLARAN
Chief of Most Outstanding PNP Women and Children Protection Desk Unit during the 11th National Biennial Summit on Women in Community Policing by Soroptimist International (September 15, 2021)
LAKAN KEVIN REY T BAUTISTA
Operations PCO of the Year (District Wide – MPD)
LAKAN JASPER BENEDICT P SANTOS
Best Junior PCO for operations (44th IG founding anniv) Chief, IORS RIU 12 and TL CIT (General Santos City)
LAKAN PAUL VINCENT M PENDON
Station Commander, Bacolod City Police Station for Best Numbered City Police Station during 120th Police Service Anniversary Celebration.
Station Commander, Bacolod City Police Station for Best Unit on Campaign Against Illegal Drugs Numbered City Police Station Level during 120th Police Service Anniversary Celebration.
Station Commander, Bacolod City Police station for Best Numbered City Police Station during 121st Police Service Anniversary Celebration.
Station Commander, Bacolod City Police Station for Best Unit on Campaign Against Illegal Drugs Numbered City Police Station Level during 121st Police Service Anniversary Celebration.
LAKAN RANNIE JOSE G ESTILLES
Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration, 11th Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) Founding Anniversary
LAKAN VIC LEONEL L MACASIL
Team Leader; 1st Runner-up, International Rescue Challenge 2024 Emergency Services Academy, Lahore, Pakistan
LAKAN NICKO CZAR MAGNAYE
Best Junior PCO for Administration (Regional Level) during 119th Police Service Anniversary (PRO 9)
Best Junior PCO for Operations (Regional Level) during 120th Police Service Anniversary (PRO 9)
Company Commander of Best Maneuver Company (903rd MC) during RMFB 9 Founding Anniversary
Champion, 280 km Marathon Category Bukidnon Highland Road Ultra 2024
LAKAN CLINT CASIONAN
Cycling competition – gold medalist for officer 39 below category. 2024 Philippine Uniformed Services Sports League (Inter-Agency)
LAKAN EDO B LOBENIA
10 ACCOMPLISHED YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS – NATIONAL WINNER (CEO, SECOND CHANCE PHILIPPINES)
LAKAN JAMES PHILIP CABE
1st Runner Up – 2024 Philippine Uniformed Services Sports League Shooting Competition (Inter-Agency)
Champion-13th BJMP STAR Team Challenge (National) 2024
Champion-12th BJMP STAR Team Challenge (National) 2023
BEST STAR Team of the Year – BJMP GAWAD PENOLOHIYA 2024 National awardee
BEST STAR Team of the Year – 1st BJMP GAWAD PENOLOHIYA 2018 National awardee
BEST STAR Team of the Year – BJMP GAWAD PENOLOHIYA 2019 National awardee
LAKAN DAN ROMULO A CACERES
Junior Commissioned Officer of the year – NCR, 2024
Best City Fire Station as City Fire Marshal (National Level) 2022
Best City Fire Station as City Fire Marshal (Regional Level) 2022
Junior Commissioned Officer of the year – Region 5, 2022
PNPAAAI Lakan Special Award, 2022
Champion, National Fire Olympics-BFP Category, 2019
Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award – CSC, 2018
Commissioned officer of the Year – Caraga Region, 2018
LAKAN JANAH T CHUMAWAR
Best Junior Commissioned Officer of the Year 51st Fire Service Recognition Day
LAKAN ARIANNE P HUMIWAT
2024 Bar Examinations Passer (The First Lawyer of the Class)
PHOTOS| PNPA MASUNDAYAW CLASS OF 2016
Source: Philippine National Police Academy
