SIXTY-THREE dependents of 63 Philippine National Police officers who died in the line of duty are now full scholars of the Bayaning Pulis Foundation Inc., the Journal Group learned yesterday.

“By supporting these young minds, we are all shaping a generation that understands the value of service, the importance of community and the power of education.

Let us continue to stand together in support of these scholarships, fostering a legacy of compassion, resilience and unity that will endure for generations to come,” said the Foundation’s chairman, Ambassador Benedicto V. Yuhuico.

On Saturday, the PNP, led by PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Lieutenant General Rhodel O. Sermonia, Amb. Yuhuico and other Foundation officials led by its president, retired Brigadier Gen. Noel A. Baraceros, welcomed the beneficiaries.

Also present during the occasion were officials of the Center for Police Strategy and Management led by Brig. Gen. Victor V. Arevalo and the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management led by its Deputy Director, Brig. Gen. Matthew P. Baccay.

It was formally launched by then PNP chief, now retired Gen. Camilo Pancratius P. Cascolan, then Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Manuel B. Felix and then National Police Commission Commissioner Zenonida Brosas.

The 23 beneficiaries from Metro Manila and its nearby regions attended the event physically while the rest from Visayas and Mindanao were assisted by the PNP officers where their late policemen-fathers and brothers were last assigned prior to their deaths.

According to the BPFI chairman, “the scholarships we offer provide a glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness, a lifeline that helps to alleviate the burden on these families during their time of grief.”

On behalf of PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., Lt. Gen. Sermonia expressed their 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 during the pandemic and other calamities that have hit the country.

Lt. Gen Sermonia assured that the PNP in return will extend necessary support and assistance to the Foundation in the pursuit of its mission and goals.

Yuhuico also noted the strong partnership between the PNP, the Foundation and other generous donors who have been giving their full support to the police force.

He also explained that they have realized that the scholarships given to the children of fallen police officers are more than financial aid.

“They are a beacon of hope, a tribute to sacrifice and an investment for the future. By supporting these young minds, we are all shaping a generation that understands the value of service, the importance of community, and the power of education,” he said.

Lt. Gen. Sermonia said their partnership with the Foundation is part of their commitment to the welfare of their personnel and their families.

It particularly ensures that the children of PNP personnel who died in the line of duty will receive the support they need to pursue their educational aspirations, he added.

The program covers various educational expenses including tuition and school supplies to help alleviate the financial burden on families orphaned by the heroic death of their policemen-fathers, husbands or brothers.