Pres. Aquino unveils PNP training school in Subic Freeport

President Benigno Aquino III yesterday inaugurated a police training facility here in his first visit to the Subic Bay Freeport as the highest official of the land.

Aquino, who flew into Subic via the presidential helicopter, arrived at the Subic Bay International Airport and then motored a short distance to the Naval Magazine area where the Philippine National Police School for Values and Leadership (PNP-SVL) is located.

Aquino was welcomed at the airport by PNP Dir. Gen. Jesus Verzosa, Interior Secretary Jesus Robredo, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Feliciano Salonga, SBMA administrator Armand Arreza, Zambales governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Bataan governor Enrique Garcia, and Olongapo City’s first lady Anne Gordon.

In his speech, the President stressed the importance of a strong police force, noting that police officers played a major part in quelling military uprisings that were launched during the administration of his mother, the late President Cory Aquino.

“Kaya pangunahing layunin ko ngayon ay magpasalamat sa taumbayan at sa Kapulisan na tumulong para sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan,” he said.

“Kailangang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng Kapulisan upang maging epektibong tagapangalaga ng mga mamamayan. Tulungan natin sila,” Aquino added.

Meanwhile, Verzosa expressed thanks for the support extended by the SBMA and the Philippine Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) in establishing the police training school here.

Versoza said the SBMA provided a free 25-year lease for the 1.8-hectare school site, while the PAGC gave a P14-million grant for the construction of the buildings.

Versoza added that the training facility, which can accommodate 100 police officers at any given time, will be used to conduct refresher courses on values formation, leadership training, and personality development to transform police officers into servant-leaders.

Meanwhile, when asked whether he has already made new appointments for the SBMA, President Aquino clarified that he had so far not appointed any replacement for Salonga and Arreza.

“No. There is no new appointment yet. Wala pa,” he said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)


PHOTO:
President Noynoy Aquino gets a warm welcome at the Subic Bay International Airport in his first visit to the Subic Bay Freeport from SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga, Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Bataan Gov. Enrique Garcia, and SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza.