OTHERS found their way studying criminology because of the perks the job comes with, some seek for challenge but all of them, after years of practice and six long months of heavy training, graduate with the common passion of serving the public.
After five years in the service, the Class Masandalan (Mamamayang Sandigan Ng Bayan Na May Dangal Tungo Sa Landas Ng Kaayusan) Class, who were scattered all over Davao Region gathered to celebrate their anniversary. And since they do not have a common schedule, they were only allowed to take the time off from work every five years to meet with their batch mates.
Even a year in a life of a policeman is a blessing because of the many dangers they might encounter and as they reach their fifth year, the Class Masandalan, thought of doing something good to give back to the community.
On July 2, 180 of them organized a party for the kids diagnosed with cancer in House of Hope at Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao City.
It was a simple children’s party but it is the kind that will be remembered.
Police Officer 1 (PO1) Alex Pascua, the class president, said “House of Hope is so close to our hearts because these are children who are fighting for their lives. Even when they are young, they are already suffering a lot so we really want to make them happy”.
There were bags of surprises given to the kids as their parents watch with them while munching on party food. It would have been nice to watch them play some games but because their bodies are weak at the moment, the policemen participated in the parlor games so they could still have fun seeing them have fun for them.
After the event, the kind-hearted cops could feel nothing but goodness inside their hearts seeing genuine happiness from their beneficiaries.
“Seeing their smile is priceless and no words can ever describe how happy and fulfilled we are seeing them smile, laugh, and enjoy life. Our class will always have a space for them and we pray for their recovery and healing,” PO1 Alejandro Manaay shared during a conversation.
Knowing that it would be five more years until they meet with the people who they were with from the training center, they are hoping to help more people on their next gathering while they go back to serving their respective stations again.