"KUNG uulitin man ang mundo, I would still choose the life I have right now. I'll still be a policeman." This is how Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Vicente D. Danao Jr. described his commitment to his job as police officer.
Born in Nueva Vizcaya in 1967, Danao completed his secondary education at Saint Mary University in his hometown in 1984. He then entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and graduated in 1991 as part of the Sambisig Class.
"Hindi na ako nagcollege. Alam ko na kasi kung ano ang gusto ko. After I graduated from PMA, knowing the Philippine National Police (PNP) is hiring that time, pumasok ako bilang police. It was a dream come true when I started in the service," Danao said.
With the rank of a lieutenant, Danao was first assigned as junior officer of the Regional Special Action Force (RSAF) in Surigao del Sur in 1991. It was in 1995 when he was transferred to Davao City Police Office as commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat).
In 1996, Danao was designated as chief of Baguio Police Station in Davao City. It was also during the same year when he was promoted as Senior Inspector. He handled the station for one year and six months.
In 1998, he was assigned as chief of the Marilog Police Station. After one year, he was transferred to Calinan police, which he headed for three years.
In 2000, Danao was promoted as Chief Inspector.
In 2002, Danao was designated as chief of the Sasa Police Station for one year. He was then assigned to head the DCPO's Anti-Vice Unit for six months before he became chief of the Talomo police from 2003 to 2007 as a police Superintendent.
In 2007, Danao was assigned as deputy chief of the Operation Division and at the same time chief of the Security Agencies and Group Supervision Division (SAGSD) under the Police Regional Office (PRO) in Davao Region.
In 2008, he became the director of the Davao PRO's Regional Mobile Group (RMG) for one year. He was then designated as deputy chief of the Logistics Research and Development Division (LRDD) for two years before he headed the same office for another two years.
Danao assumed his post as Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director on Oct. 25 this year.
His heart truly belongs to public service, Danao said. For 32 years in police service, he never thought of quitting.
Despite his hectic schedules, Danao makes it sure that he could still spend time with his family and friends, as he called it "a little of everything."
It's time management -- giving time to people you love and care most even just for awhile, he said.
For several years in his career, Danao have received various awards. Among these were Best Station Commander of Calinan Police, Best Station Commander of Sasa Police and Best Station Commander of Talomo Police.
Danao believes in the importance of hard work and preparation in achieving his goal as a man and as a police officer. He said to have a passion for excellence, one must have the drive to do things right.
"I cannot ask for more. I'm contented with my life. I love what I'm doing. Solving crimes and protecting the people has always been my passion. This is the greatest achievement of my life," Danao said.