A Manileña by heart and a warrior by spirit. When she makes a decision, it is final and irrevocable. The moment she had her mind set on becoming a police officer, she would not let anyone or anything hamper her way. From taking the challenge in the PNPACAT to enduring the long application process—P/CDT Cruz, as fate would have wanted it, became a cadet of the Philippine National Police Academy and a promising member of the few and strong Masidtalak Class of 2023.
“Many didn’t think I would not make it, but I proved them all wrong,” P/CDT Cruz speaks in confidence, recalling those times when her peers would talk her down from her ambition of becoming a cadet due to her short stature. But unwavering in her determination to wear the uniform, she fervently clung to her dream. Soon, the list was released to the public and the news sent her on cloud nine. There was no hindrance after all. From then on, she became unstoppable.
“Never once did I think of resigning,” P/CDT lets on, saying her personal pledge to her parents, that she will only leave the Academy either as a ‘corpse or a graduate.’ Fortunately, she has sealed her name to the list of cadets who would throw their shaku in this upcoming commencement exercise.
While she initially aimed to become an educator, she found her potential would lie better in the field of service. Moreover, as P/CDT CRUZ advocates empowering women, she sees that it would be more amplified in an institution that is dominated by men.
“I always wanted to become a leading representation of women, and this was the best opportunity for me to showcase what women can do,” furthered P/CDT Cruz. Her efforts did not go to waste however for in her four years as a cadet, she has manifested, in many ways, the definition of a strong woman—beautiful and courageous—who does not deter in the face of fear, but rather breaks the limiting barriers dictated by gender stereotypes.
But it was not only the prejudice she struggled to withstand—coping with the demands of training didn’t come in handy. At times when she felt dejected by pressing circumstances, P/CDT Cruz would bounce back from the lows with the motivation of her family, friends, classmates, her bunkie, and the hawk company.
“I would not have made it to where I stand right now if not for these wonderful people,” P/CDT Cruz lends on, proudly sharing how fortunate she is to have been surrounded by genuine people. P/CDT Cruz need not search elsewhere, the drive she needed was within reach.
Now barely days from their most awaited graduation day, P/CDT Cruz is filled with thrill and excitement for the anahaw that would fall on her shoulder. Apart from a dream come true, it is a responsibility she looks forward to committing the remains of her life. The desire to serve the nation as one in the uniform service has always been at the top of her bucket list—which she could finally put a huge check on.
“My time has truly come,” P/CDT Cruz declares, and truly it has.
Source: Philippine National Police Academy
