The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), the training institution under the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) that implements a cadetship program for public safety officers of the police, fire and jail services held its recognition rites for the academy’s fourth class men or “plebes,” over the weekend in Camp Castaneda, Silang Cavite.

lawyer Ruben Platon, PPSC president said that at least 284 fourth class cadets participated in the whole day activity guest of honor and speaker, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo “Jun” Abaya.

In his speech, Abaya exhorted cadets to uphold the principles, values and ideals of the academy. He said that the cadets have a crucial role to play in maintaining peace and order, ensuring public safety and pursuing reforms in their respective bureaus.

Platon explained that the aca-demy’s traditional recognition rites is considered to be among the most unforgettable experiences of the cadets, wherein the plebes, receive a handshake and a pat on the back for senior cadets or upperclassmen.

The police academy president pointed out that once recognized the fourth class cadets would no longer be considered plebes and will now be allowed to join other activities of the cadet corps.

He further explained that the plebe is the hardest or most challenging part of being a cadet in terms of physical and mental strength needed to endure the daily stress of academic requirements and physical training.

Platon said that the academy under the directorship of P/Chief Supt. Clarence Guinto is actively and continuously pursuing reforms through its transformation program.

Guinto said that as part of the academy reform roadmap, study visits to other countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, have been organized as a way for cadets to learn about international standards and best practices in police and public safety operations.

Meanwhile, Platon said that this year’s PNPA’s fourth class cadets who participated on Saturday’s recognition day belong to class “Masundayaw” and will graduate in 2016.

He also said that upon graduation, the cadets will be commissioned with the rank of inspector and assigned to the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.