TWENTY-SIX dependents of Philippine National Police officers who died in the line of duty have become the latest full scholars of the Bayaning Pulis Foundation, Inc. (BPFI) established to help the families of cops who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties.

This week, BPFI officials led by its chairman, Ambassador VBenedicto V. Yujuico and president, retired Police Brigadier General Noel A. Baraceros awarded the educational grant and assistance to the 4th batch of BPFI scholars during simple ceremonies held at the Meridian Innovation Center in Pasay City.

PNP The Chief Directorial Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Jon A. Arnaldo represented PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil during the event.

Beneficiaries from Metro Manila and nearby regions and provinces physically attended the awarding ceremonies while those from Visayas and Mindanao joined virtually together with their families and officers of PNP where their late policemen-fathers and brothers were last assigned.

In his message, Ambassador Yujuico emphasized the importance of the event saying that, “we gather today to reflect upon the significance of scholarships provided to the children of our fallen heroes — those brave men and women who laid down their lives in the line of duty to protect our communities and uphold the values we hold dear”

“These scholarships are not just financial aid; they represent a profound commitment to the families left behind by our dedicated police officers and bringing hope to the beneficiaries. At a higher level, the Foundation continues to carry out this initiative to help our country in educating the youth and be part of nation-building and development,” he added.

Yujuico also said that “by providing scholarships to the children of fallen police officers, we are not only recognizing their parents’ sacrifice but also investing in the future of our society,”

“They enable these young minds to pursue their dreams and aspirations, empowering them to become more responsible citizens, better leaders, thinkers, and contributors to our communities. Moreover, these scholarships serve as a symbol of our gratitude for the great sacrifices of our law enforcement officers,” he explained.

Lt. Gen. Arnaldo expressed on behalf of the 232,000-strong police force their utmost gratitude to the Foundation for taking care and assisting the dependents of fallen and totally disabled PNP Heroes.

He also thanked the Foundation for extending various assistance to the PNP over the years and especially during the time of pandemic and calamities and assured that the PNP in return will extend necessary support and assistance to the Foundation in the pursuit of its mission and goals.

Amb. Yujuico emphasized that the Foundation and their esteemed donors and partners would like to tell their scholars that their fallen fathers and brothers’ dedication and service have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

“It’s a way for us to honor their legacy, ensuring that their memory lives on in the achievements and successes of their children,” he said.

“As we look at the recipients of these scholarships, we witness stories of resilience and determination. We see young individuals who refuse to let tragedy define them, who channel their pain into purpose and their loss into strength. Their journey reminds us that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit is capable of remarkable feats,” he stated.

The Foundation which was established on September 18, 2022 now has a total of 89 scholars from pre-school to college.

It was established during the time of then PNP chief, the late Gen. Camilo Pancratius P. Cascola.

Also present during the ceremony were the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Senior PNP Officers from the Center for Police Strategy Management led by Brig. Gen. Victor V. Arevalo and the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management led by its deputy director, Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft, Regional and District Directors of Metro Manila and donors and supporters of the Foundation and the PNP.

They include retired Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara, the Executive Director of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime and head of Interpol National Central Bureau-Manila; former Secretary of Interior and Local Government, Mel Senen Sarmiento who is currently the Chairman of the Galing-Pook Foundation, and Mr Kamrul Hassan Tarafder, the Founder and Former President and CEO of ASA Philippines Foundation.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon