PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. and former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) Field Unit chief, Colonel Hansel M. Marantan are among the 12 recipients of the Rotary Golden Wheel Award this year, the Journal Group learned.

Gen. Acorda, the 29th PNP chief from Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Sambisig’ Class of 1991 and Col. Marantan, a member of PNP Academy ‘Kabalikat’ Class of 1998 were selected as the 2024 Rotary Golden Wheel Awardees for Public Order and Safety Category.

A 2024 Rotary Golden Wheel Award selection committee cited the two for their invaluable contribution in the field of public order and safety which the jury described as impressive and truly deserve recognition, said District Governor Paul Angel J. Galang.

Gen. Acorda’s achievements were hailed unanimously by the Rotary International District 3780 which is composed of 102 Rotary Clubs from Quezon City describing them as a ‘benchmark’ for both Rotarians and non-Rotarians to aspire to.

The PNP chief’s dedication to service, leadership and commitment to the ideals of Rotary was greatly recognized by the club during the event held at the Glass Garden in Pasig City.

On the other hand, Col. Marantan was cited for being a “ law enforcer par excellence with immeasurable courage whose evidence-based exploits embody the Rotary Club’s core values of Service Above Self.

“ This officer is a man of few words where his numerous accomplishments do the talking for himself and no adjectives can describe such remarkable deeds almost unparalleled by his contemporary to this date. His years of incarceration as part of the risks a man of action in the uniform service had to endure has even cemented his firm resolve to accomplish more extraordinary feat,” the selection panel said.

The Rotary Club also cited Col. Marantan for being able to fulfill his late mother Milagros’ wish to build a multi-purpose gym for the Pimpila Elementary School in Pamplona, Cagayan. With the help of Good Samaritans and other stakeholders, the official oversaw the construction of the Pimpila gymnasium complete with a conference room for the Parent-Teacher Association.

Grateful students of the school who took advantage of the gym and its other facilities including a conference room and a broadcast laboratory with a sound system recently emerged as champions in a Cagayan Valley athletics and young journalists’ event.

Marantan also spoke of the Pimpila students’ ‘very big improvement.’

“ Ang pinakaimportante doon, na-lessen yung gadgets’ use if not nawala na sa mga bata. Parati silang nasa gym for practice—ball games and broadcast. We except champions from that school and doon na din gagawin ang mga district meets nila to take advantage of the good facilities. Hindi ko alam na ganyan kaimportante sa kanila yung structure. To think nasa barrio lang yan Pimpila Elementary School but we now call it Barangay Sta. Cruz,” the official said.

The Rotarians said “Col. Marantan’s project has not only benefited the school children but earned him the admiration of the community for his kindness and generosity.”

The official who is currently undergoing a spine procedure abroad was represented by his daughters Sofia Nicole and Chrisnah Penina in receiving the award.