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Writer's pictureCDT MONTENEGRO MARY GRACE ROM

Up's and Down's

Updated: Feb 13, 2023

The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) is a premier law enforcement institution in the Philippines that trains future police officers. The cadetship program is a rigorous and challenging experience that is designed to produce highly competent and capable police officers. The program encompasses both academic and physical training, and it provides cadets with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as police officers.


Academic training is an essential part of the cadetship program at the PNPA. Cadets are required to complete a four-year bachelor's degree program in public safety, which includes courses in criminal justice, criminology, and police science. The curriculum is designed to provide cadets with a broad understanding of the criminal justice system and the role of the police in society. The courses are taught by experienced police officers and academics, and they provide cadets with a foundation of knowledge that is essential for success as police officers. Physical training is also a crucial component of the cadetship program at the PNPA. Cadets are required to participate in regular physical training, including calisthenics, running, and obstacle courses. The physical training is designed to help cadets develop the strength, endurance, and mental toughness they need to perform their duties as police officers. Cadets are also required to participate in field exercises, which provide them with practical experience in handling real-life situations.


The PNPA also provides cadets with opportunities to participate in community service projects. These projects help to instill in the cadets a sense of community responsibility and to develop their leadership skills. The projects are designed to benefit local communities, and they provide cadets with an opportunity to give back to the people they will serve as police officers. Another important aspect of the cadetship program at the PNPA is the focus on discipline and conduct. Cadets are held to strict standards of behavior, both inside and outside the academy. They are expected to maintain high standards of dress and grooming, and they are required to adhere to strict rules of conduct. The focus on discipline and conduct helps to ensure that the cadets are well-prepared for the challenges they will face as police officers. Despite the rigorous and challenging training, it also comes to be rewarding. The program provides cadets with a sense of purpose and direction, and it helps them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as police officers. The program also provides cadets with a sense of camaraderie and belonging, as they work together to achieve common goals.


The academy is committed to providing its cadets with the best possible training and education. The academy has access to the latest resources and facilities, including modern classrooms, computer labs, and training facilities. The academy also has a well-stocked library, which provides cadets with access to the latest research and publications in the field of criminal justice. The academy is committed to providing its cadets with opportunities for professional development and cadets are encouraged to pursue advanced degrees and certifications, and they are supported in their efforts to attend seminars, conferences, and other professional development activities. These efforts help to keep the cadets up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field of law enforcement.


The photo above is a quick representation of my 4-year stay here in the academy. This a compilation of my comprehensive and challenging journey while doing the training that transforms me from a young woman into a competent and soon-to-be dedicated police officer.


My plebe hood which is designed to challenge my physical and mental endurance is an intense period of physical training and academic studies, and it is designed to help us develop a strong sense of discipline and commitment. This is the time when I got the opportunity to aspire to what I want to be in the future, extend my leadership skills ability, widen my perspective and learnings, bond with my fellow cadets, and develop a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.


Next is my journey of being a Shearer or third-class cadet. This phase taught me how to be those so-called "tigers of the corps" as we had direct supervision with our fourth-class men and must always know how to role-play. This phase helped me in handling responsibilities and taught me how to be an example to others. It is where my small steps to leadership have begun.


Following is my way to being a Steward or the contrast to the fire and intensity of a shear - a second-class cadet. This is where I focused on striving for excellence and being more conscious of my academics even while having continuous monitoring of my underclassmen. This is where I proved my worth for a position in the cadet corps and my last bid before becoming immaculate.


Lastly, being Shepherd where we are in-charge of guiding and protecting our men on the herd- ensuring that none of them would go astray. We were molded as refined men and women, as young lieutenants and inspectors of our chosen bureau. The last phase of cadetship where we are relinquishing our roles as cadet officers and club heads meant seizing the moment.


All these phases of cadetship became a roller coaster ride together with my family, friends, mentors, classmates, and most especially Father God who's always with me during my fear and anxiety. If I've learned anything from the "ups" and "downs" in my own life, it's that the "downs" present truly life-changing opportunities for us. Because when you're down, and I'm about to steal an adage to prove my point, there is nowhere to go but up.

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