A YEAR-END TRIUMPH IN FIGHT AGAINST THE UNSEEN
January 1, 2021 // By PIO LAKAN
The year 2020 has been challenging since its beginning. Last year of January, ashes fell all over the whole Southern Tagalog region and on its adjacent provinces brought by the Taal Volcano eruption. Months later and another gigantic issue slammed the whole world as it faced the dreadful pandemic COVID-19; the PNPA was not able to evade its claws. Cadets and personnel became infected. However, with the proper management and observance of health protocols, the Academy was able to recover and now, further avoid the spread of disease among its constituents.
On December 23 and 29 of 2020, two Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests were conducted randomly on the cadets and personnel of PNPA. Participants were chosen using stratified sampling wherein the whole cadets’ population was divided according to class and company and obtaining samples from each group. The first batch consisted of 39 cadets and one police commissioned officer. On the other hand, the second wave of swab testing was made to 42 cadets. The results were promising as all of them were negative for the virus. This outcome may be attributed to the actions being undertaken by the Academy under the leadership of PBGEN RHODERICK CUSTODIO ARMAMENTO, its current director.
To avoid being infected, the administration decided to give the cadets a virtual holiday break instead of letting them pass the main gate and mingle with the outside communities. Internet connections were provided for them, and they were even allowed to use their personal cellular phones and laptops to gain access with their loved ones virtually. In addition, health protocols are being observed religiously like washing of hands, wearing of face masks and face shields, and the social distancing among cadets and personnel. Physical conditioning is also part of their routine to further boost their immune system. Multivitamins were distributed to each cadet to supplement their daily nourishment.
With the new strain of COVID-19 discovered on some parts of the world, the Academy is now preparing to shield its community and maintain a safe and secured training grounds and working environment for cadets and personnel respectively.
Thus, PBGEN ARMAMENTO required all PNPA personnel who went on holiday break that upon entry and report for work it is mandatory for all personnel to present a Medical Certificate (3 days old upon entry), Undergo Triage Process, Pre RT-PCR test self-quarantine for 7-days prior conduct of RT-PCR swab test to keep and maintain PNPA COVID-19 free.
