The SINAGLAWIN class of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) has proven that police officers should be judged not by their gender, but their intelligence, tenacity, and strength.
The class of 2025 made history as the PNPA’s first graduating batch of police cadets to be led by a female Regimental Commander of the Cadet Corps– Police Cadet Justine Jade Calpahi.
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency-Calabarzon, Calpahi shared that she initially took up Medical Laboratory Science with plans to pursue a career in medicine before finding her true calling in law enforcement.
Her transfer to the PNPA taught the young cadet that police training is not just building strength and acumen for law enforcement.
Calpahi added: “The most important thing we learned in the Academy is the importance of brotherhood and being close with your colleagues and developing a strong bond with your other classmen.”
Over almost four years, Calpahi grew up with her fellow cadets with whom she developed the ability to express her emotions more openly.
As testament to her leadership, the Kabayan, Benguet native will also receive the Leadership Kampilan Award.
Meanwhile, Cadet Kristina Argoncillo Acidre’s dream to become a police officer started at a young age, having been inspired by her father who was part of the PNPA TAGAPAMAYAPA Class of 1990.
Born and raised in Tacloban City, Acidre is ranked 2nd and received the Vice Presidential Kampilan Award, and Special Awards for Best in Laws and Jurisprudence and Best in Public Safety Administration.
“Since I was in Elementary, I have seen my father’s work so at an early age I was inspired [to become a police officer. He’s also been telling other parents that I will also become a police officer. So it was inculcated in me at an early age that this is what my father wanted, so this is the path I chose.”
An achiever, Acidre initially took the PNPA College Admission Test but fell short at the 5’2 height requirement. Thinking she had to bury her and her family’s dream, she pursued a degree in Bachelor in Elementary Education at Leyte Normal University.
But as fate would have it, the Covid-19 pandemic drew her back to the path of becoming a police officer.
“After two years during the pandemic, I saw promotional videos of the PNPA reducing the height requirement to 5 feet. [It was a] Good thing I was still within the age requirement, so I took it as a sign to try applying once again.”
“I told myself: my physical strength will be developed over time and I have developed good study habits. My height and physical abilities are not my limitations because I can excel in other things,”
Known for its rigorous physical and academic regimen for its cadets, the PNPA has produced some of the country’s finest servicemen.
In 2025, more than 42,000 women make up key ranks in the Philippine National Police, emphasizing their indispensable role in shaping the future of law enforcement.
Upon leaving the PNPA, the SINAGLAWIN Class of 2025 hopes to reshape society’s view on law enforcement as a man’s job.
For Calpahi, Acidre and their sisters at the PNPA, excelling academically helped them defy stereotypes on women in the police force.
