Christian Laurente could not hide his excitement and joy as he buttoned up his blue uniform top, pulled on a pershing cap and was sworn in as the Philippine National Police’s youngest member.
Christian, an 11-year-old battling acute lymphocytic leukemia, spent the afternoon of December 1, 2021 (Wednesday) fulfilling his dream of becoming a police officer.
The visit to PNP’s National Headquarters was initiated by the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG) through its “A Cop for a Day” program that aims to grant the dream of becoming a cop by children who are suffering from serious illnesses. This will give special privilege to these children to wear the PNP uniform, don rank of Lieutenant and imbibe the essence, relevance and feeling of being a police officer even for a day. This program was a result of PGen Dionardo B. Carlos’ instruction of granting the dream of Christian upon reading a news article featuring Christian’s condition and his unyielding dream of becoming a police officer.
That dream turns into reality in the afternoon of Wednesday when Christian, wearing a PNP uniform stood at attention when a long line of PCADG personnel led by their Director, PBGen Eric E. Noble greeted Christian and his mother upon their arrival at the PNP Museum. Christian with much amazement toured the PNP Museum, listing his visit to the famous PNP relics square, the medal of valor section, the hall of the PNP Chiefs, the SAF 44 corner and the newly created war on drugs corner. Christian was also gifted with two/ tablets/netbook, a scholarship grant and some goods by the generous PCADG Advisory Council and Foreign National Keeper’s Network Vice President, Mr. Immad Amar.
Right after the simple ceremony at the PNP Museum, Christian graced this year’s traditional ceremonial lighting as special guest in front of national headquarters building where he was gleefully welcomed by no less than the Chief, PNP.
Christian, together with his mom, personally received from PGen Carlos a special advance Christmas present to honor one of the bravest child he has met, who despite the illness and challenges, he is remained determined to finish his studies and make his dream come true, to become a police officer someday.
Cecil Laurente, Christian’s mother happily watched his son enjoy himself, saying she was overwhelmed for PNP’s generosity in doing so much for Christian. Cecil further shared that, Christian wants to finish his studies despite his sickness and keeps insisting that he wants to be a cop so he always wants to accomplish his modules.
Christian thanked PNP led by its compassionate and generous Chief, PNP, PGen Carlos and Mr. Amar for the early Christmas gifts he received. He further said that he will surely treasure the very moments he shared with the members of PNP and that this gives him more strength and motivation to make good in his studies and ultimately attain his dreams of becoming a police officer.
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