PMA instructor cited one of top Phl soldiers

By Julie G. Fianza     

         

BAGUIO CITY – Col Raul Tangco, a professor at the Philippine Military Academy, with nine others was adjudged as Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) for 2012 in a search conducted by the Metrobank Foundation and Rotary Club of Makati Metro.

Metrobank Foundation president AnicetoSobrepena informed Mayor Mauricio Domogan of the conferment through a congratulatory letter.

“TOPS is an annual search which recognizes and pays tribute to the outstanding examples of gallantry, dedication, commitment, professionalism and integrity among members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Sobrepena said in his letter.

Sobrepena also expressed confidence that the award would encourage other soldiers to “join the search and be the next role models of the AFP.”

Col. Tangco, dean of the academic group at PMA joins the elite roster including; Col Milfredo Melegrito, M/Sgt Juana Hernal, T/Sgt Rolando Diomangay, Capt. Erick Kagaoan, Engineman 2^nd Class Arce Balasabas, Engineman 3^rd Class Ricky Burgos, Lt. Col. Antonio Francisco, Jr., Sr M/Sgt. Augusto Reyes, M/Sgt. Emerito Angcao, all from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Corps of Professors. Tangco has served PMA for 28 years while his co-awardees’ service to their respective institution range from 17 to 30 years.     

Each of the ten awardees shall receive a trophy and cash prize during the awarding ceremonies which coincides with Metrobank’s 50^th anniversary, September 5, 2012.

A 1984 graduate of the country’s premier military school, Tangco’s achievements include:

Masters degree in Mathematics from the University of the Philippines (UP) in 1994; Master of Development Administration from the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia in 2001; and Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, Washington, DC, USA in 2010. 

A program for pre-cadetship training for PMA cadet candidates which resulted to significant decrease in first year cadet resignation;

A grading system in conformity with local and foreign military schools and cooperative learning among cadets; both currently being used in PMA which addresses cadet attrition;

Implementation of innovative teaching strategies and flexible methodologies, which improved faculty output and student academic performance  

An academic paper which examined the human dimensions, recruitment, accession, career development, retention and attrition and retirement of officer corps;  

An analysis of the challenges faced by the media in covering the secession and terrorism conflicts in Mindanao and objectivity in reporting.

Col, Tangco has authored the publication of the Cadet handbook, faculty handbook and the academic group publication; and activated an academy research group for PMA faculty members;

Aside from administrative duties and as dean of academics, he has also gone to the countryside for civic service in Quezon City, and with the Benguet State University extension services, facilitated programs on disaster risk reduction,  preparedness, team building at the AlejoPacalso Memorial National High School, Itogon, Benguet, Irisan elementary and high school.

During and after the July 16, 1990 earthquake, he assisted in the recovery, relief and rehabilitation operations here in the city.

Tangco resides in Baguio with his family.

With TOPS is Search for the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS), and Outstanding Teachers, part of Metrobank’s program, dubbed as Outstanding Filipinos.

Last year, Teacher Vilma Ambat of Baguio City National High School (BCNHS) is one of Metrobank’s awardees; the 8^th awardee from Baguio and 4^th in her school, in the secondary level.