Atlanta, Georgia – Among the labyrinth of dignitaries, policymakers, and experts gathered at the Georgia World Congress Center for the 10th session of the Conference of the State Parties (COSP) to the UN Convention against Corruption, three young and dynamic cadets from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) emerged as beacons of promise and change.
Amidst the vast sea of attendees, the trio—Cdt 1C Jesie Ann Selvio, Cdt 2C Marc Joseph Vitto, and Cdt 2C Joseph Bernard Bastida—stood out not merely due to their uniforms, but for their resounding voices advocating for an ethical and corruption-free future in law enforcement.
Their journey to the global stage began earlier in the year when they secured victory during the Essay Writing Competition, hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Their insightful perspectives and dedication to the cause earned them the privilege to represent their institution and nation on an international platform.
Cadet 2C Vitto, the recipient of the grand prize, assumed the esteemed position as a panelist during the Young Changemakers Event, an assembly graced by winning cadets from prestigious Police Academies across Southeast Asia. Here, his words echoed with purpose: “As future public safety officers, our duty is to serve and to protect, not to deceive and take undue advantage. We must be the change we wish to see. If we don’t, then who will?”
The event also marked the launch of a pivotal policy guide, developed by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong, China, the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), and UNODC. This guide aims to empower anti-corruption authorities in meaningfully engaging the youth—a testament to the pivotal role these young cadets play in shaping a future anchored in integrity.
As part of the event, the three cadets engaged in an enlightening visits to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Atlanta Police Academy, sharing their invaluable perspectives on safeguarding ethics and integrity.
In the whirlwind of sessions, dialogues, and pivotal policy launches, these three cadets proved that age is not a barrier to influence, nor is experience a prerequisite for change. Their unwavering commitment to ethical conduct and their unyielding dedication to the cause of eradicating corruption exemplify the core values of justice, integrity, and service that lie at the heart of the PNPA’s ethos.
As the curtains draw on this international platform, the legacy left behind by these cadets will resonate far beyond the halls of the GWCC, inspiring a generation of young minds to champion integrity, ethics, and transparency in the relentless fight against corruption.