PNPA PRESS RELEASE CONTROL NO. 2022-24
AUTHORITY : PBGEN ERIC E NOBLE, Director, PNPA
ACTION OFFICER : PLTCOL LOUIE DC GONZAGA, Chief, Public Information Officer
DATE : October 14, 2022
Silang, Cavite—”Surrender is not an option; kung susuko ka, sa Panginoong Diyos kalang sumuko,” thus remarked PLTGEN Cesar Hawthorne R Binag (Ret) as he addressed the Cadet Corps, officers, non-commissioned officers of the PNPA, cadet families, and other visitors during the Flag Lowering Ceremony on Friday at BGen Cicero Campos Field.
PLTGEN Binag, whose service career spanned over 37 years including a tour of duty as the Commandant of Cadets, PNPA, told everyone that the premier police educational institution will always hold a special place in his heart. He is known to have exemplified reform and leadership within the organization, championing public policy, strategy development, management, reform, and advocacy, information and communications technology, and digital transformation, among others.
He has received numerous local and international awards, combat and service medals, including the Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry in Action, United Nations Mission in Liberia Outstanding Leadership Awards, Outstanding Achievement Medals, and numerous letters of commendation for his outstanding military, police, and civic achievements. The son of a retired Philippine Army NCO, Master Sergeant Manuel B. Binag, and a schoolteacher, Cecilla R. Binag, then-PLTGEN Binag attended public elementary and secondary schools before entering the Philippine Military Academy. He graduated from “Hinirang” in 1987.
Off-duty, PLTGEN Binag was a former president of the Philippine Table Tennis Association (TATAP). In addition, he was a former member of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the head of the Philippine delegation to the 2009 Asian Youth Games (1 Silver and 1 Bronze Medal). He made history by swimming across the treacherous Iloilo-Guimaras Strait to raise awareness about the effects of climate change, to promote the tourism industries of Guimaras and Iloilo, and to raise funds for fallen or injured Western Visayas police officers. He is blessed with four sons: Zark, Cesar Hawthorne Jr. (PMA Class of 2017), Czar Robert, and Paul. His career began at the Philippine Military Academy, but its foundation is based on his strong family background and the life and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Alam ko na karamihan sa inyo, kaya kayo andito is gusto ninyong magkaroon ng stable job; but I am challenging all of you to level up your aspirations higit sa pangarap niyo sa inyong mga sarili, gawin niyo iyang pangarap para sa inyong pamilya, para sa organisasyon, para sa mga komunidad na ating paglilingkuran at para sa ating bayan,” he told the cadets.
During the event, PBGEN Eric E. Noble, Director of the PNPA, presented a certificate of appreciation and a token to PLTGEN Binag. The latter also used the occasion to hand over a copy of his book “44 Days of Faith and Valor” to the Regimental Commander Cdt 1C Paiton, with the assurance that, “a copy will be given to each 1st Class cadet before they graduate.” Despite his retirement, PLTGEN Binag remains a model of servant-leadership that younger public servants should strive to follow. (PNPA-PIO)