The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG) commemorated its 68th Founding Anniversary on May 5, 2023, in fitting ceremonies at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Ang Inyong Patnubay at Kaagapay Tungo sa Paglunsad ng Payapa at Ligtas na Lansangan.”
The PNP HPG was established in 1955 as the country’s first and only traffic control and road safety-focused law enforcement group. The group was the brainchild of Ramon Magsaysay, the 7th President of the Philippines, after a fatal car crash 68 years ago claimed the lives of two statesmen close to him.
PNP Chief, Police General Benjamin C Acorda, Jr, led the group’s formal ceremony alongside PBGEN Raul L Bargamento, Director, HPG. The event was graced by VIPs, including Hon. Susan Yap, the Provincial Governor of Tarlac; Hon. Jose Carlos Cari, Mayor of Baybay City, Leyte; and Mr. Ramel Uy, CEO of 5K Broadcasting Company (Radyo Bandera Sweet FM).
The ceremony recognized the contributions of various stakeholder groups, including individual personnel of the PNP HPG, for their exemplary and meritorious performance of duty. The group handed out a total of ten individual awards and six unit awards. Twenty-three awardees were recognized during the event, emphasizing the impact of people, whether personnel or stakeholder, on the continuing success of the PNP HPG as the Philippines’ premier Guardian of the Highways.
In his speech, PNP Chief Acorda emphasized the group’s crucial role in maintaining peace, order, and security on the nation’s roads. He commended the officers and personnel for their hard work and unwavering commitment to serve with efficiency and professionalism, which he recognized as the backbone of the PNP-HPG.
General Acorda reminded everyone not to be complacent and urged the group to strive for excellence continually. He emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, continuously enhancing skills and knowledge, and always upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
The PNP Chief’s call for “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa” aims to unite all 228,000 members of the Philippine National Police for collaborative efforts in nation-building. He emphasized the five key priorities, which include aggressive and honest law enforcement operations, boosting personnel morale and welfare, enhancing public service, maintaining operational readiness, and intensifying internal cleansing efforts.
The PNP HPG’s 68th Founding Anniversary Celebration highlights the group’s invaluable contribution to ensuring road safety in the Philippines.
