PCDT GETIGAN
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A former Patrolman who was transformed into a more refined individual who will soon become an officer and a gentleman
Growing up in the mountains of Pagadian City, I am proud to say I once lived life on a farm. At the age of Four, I remember I started pasturing our goats. Since I am the firstborn child of Mr. Elvis and Mrs. Daisy Getigan, my father inculcated in me that I will end up farming if I will not pursue my studies. Having the experience of hard labor as a farmer was an eye-opener to me that I should not waste my opportunity to go to school and study because not all children were given the opportunity like me in our barangay. Through the grace of the Almighty and the guidance of my parents and peers, I finished as class valedictorian in elementary school and with honors in my secondary studies. I finished my Bachelor of Science in Criminology at Western Mindanao State University and successfully passed my licensure examination. I became a member of the Philippine National Police way back year 2017 under the class name, "Santatag". I had no idea about the academy during my training, so one of my classmates invited me to take the PNPACAT. I thought that there is nothing to lose to try so we did send our application via mail. In December 2018, while I was undergoing my BISOC at RSTU9, one of my cousins approached me while we are having our morning mess and informed me of the result of the PNPACAT for BSPS class of 2023. At first, I didn't believe it since I haven't seen the result because we are not allowed to use cellular phones while on training until our admin office called me and informed me about the same. At that moment, I felt so happy and at the same time, my heartbeat was so fast. I was nervous because I have no idea what I should do. Luckily, our training manager, PLTCOL Antonio T. Duruin Jr. was a lakan and he called my attention to congratulate me and then talked to me about what I should do. During the processing of my application to the academy, it was not easy since I have to manage my time to travel from Mindanao to Manila and vice versa because I cannot quit on my training not unless I am sure that I will be one of the lucky members of the PNPA BSPS class of 2023. On March 6, 2019, the date of graduation from our PNP Basic Internal Security Operations Course, I traveled again to Silang, Cavite for my Neuro interview. I was not able to attend that momentous event in our lives as a Patrolman but I know I have to sacrifice things for the better. April 30, 2019, at around 1 pm, the final for the BSPS class of 2023 was published and my name was included. My heart then again beat so fast because I wasn't sure yet if I should go or not. I have doubts that what if I can't make it up until graduation. I will not have a job anymore to go back to once I go out of the academy because I have to file my resignation as a Patrolman. May 4, 2019, at 4 am, I talked to my parents personally and told them that I am still in doubt about my decision, my father told me this "Nak, once in a lifetime opportunity lang to, hindi lahat nabibigyan ng chance makapasok dito". After he uttered those words, I did make up my mind that yes, I have to do this. I have to take a step on this road less traveled, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that not anyone can just grab onto if they want to. So I have to say goodbye to my parents because I know it will be a long run for me before I can see them again. After almost 4 years of hurdling the ups and downs in cadetship, March 10, 2023, is the marked date of the triumph of this long journey. The journey that made my life better than I thought I could. I never dreamed of becoming a Police officer at first but God put me there and I know it is for a purpose. He even gave me this greater opportunity of becoming a commissioned officer. This will not be easy because I know it comes up with a very big responsibility, but I know that I can do it because God put me here for a reason and purpose.
