Wednesday, October 22, 2008 Community leaders in Sta. Barbara feted By Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre
STA. BARBARA -- Police Regional Director Luizo Ticman has given recognition to some community leaders and policemen here for their contribution to the community.
At the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between officials of the Sta. Barbara police and the Eagles' Nest Christian Academy, Ticman said the honorees were cited for their "active involvement in anti-illegal drug campaign, prevention of juvenile delinquency, and promotion of righteous leaderships among the youth."
Among the honorees were Catalina Cabansag and Cynthia Prestoza, principal and guidance counselor of Daniel Maramba National High School; Felomina Montemayor, president of Community Health Educators of Pangasinan; and Sheryl Ramos and Grace Carganilla, administrator and principal of the Eagles' Nest Christian Academy.
The MOA establishes the scholarship grant for the children of all Sta. Barbara policemen.
A number of schoolchildren serenaded the awardees and the public with "Bayani sa Puso Ko," a heart-warming song that celebrates the honor and dignity of a police officer.
Ticman, in his speech during the event, also commended the outstanding performance of the Sta. Barbara police in maintaining the peace and order in the town. He likewise thanked his mentor, retired police general now Sta. Barbara Mayor Reynaldo Velasco, for the local government's support to the police.
"It was a good opportunity for me to visit and pay respect to Mayor Reynaldo Velasco," he said.
Municipal Police Chief Eric Noble, for his part, said: "The awards given were fitting for their (community leaders) active contributions to the goals of the Philippine National Police's integrated transformation program. Like General Ticman, Mayor Velasco also applauded their efficiency in addressing the problem of juvenile delinquency and the hazing incident among fraternity members that happened recently."
"This activity recognizing our co-workers is just a foretaste of what can happen when the police and the local citizenry honor and respect each other, and work together towards peace and progress instead of criticizing and complaining against each other," Noble added.
Sta. Barbara Police Station is vying for the PNP's Model Police Station award.
