Amando M Tetangco, Jr: Ensuring a well-trained security force Remarks by Mr Amando M Tetangco, Jr, Governor of the Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), at the Graduation Ceremony for Basic Security Training, Central Bank of the Philippines, Manila, 27 July 2007. * * * The Members of the Monetary Board, distinguished lecturers and resource persons, our graduates and their respective families, special guests, fellow central bankers, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat! I have a question for our graduates: Mahirap ba ang two-month training ninyo? Parang hindi masyadong maliwanag at sabay-sabay ang sagot ninyo. Again: Mahirap ba ang training ninyo? Mabuti naman! Dapat talaga mahirap ang training ninyo. Afterall, your training should prepare you to provide the best security for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. As you are aware, the Bangko Sentral was created in accordance with the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution to ensure stable prices and a sound banking system. In other words, the Bangko Sentral helps provide a stable environment for our economy to grow and provide a better life for Filipinos. Therefore, if the premises and human resources of the Bangko Sentral itself are not stable safe and secure, we will not able to serve our country in the best way we can. Your ability to provide excellent security service to the Bangko Sentral, your fellow central bankers, as well as our guests is therefore very important! The Basic Security Training Program you have just completed has been designed to make sure that our security personnel have the appropriate physical, mental and psychological aptitude. This is a job meant only for those committed to do excellent security service 100% of the time. You and I know the times call for vigilance against security risks. If you are committed only 99% of the time, a security lapse could happen within that 1% window when you lower your guard, so to speak. The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that “we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not a singular act, but a habit.” I hope therefore that you will focus on your assigned task at all times. Mayroon pa akong isang paalala: mahalaga rin na marunong kayong kumi-latis ng tao at magbigay galang. It is not enough that you have physical stamina, it is also important that you deal with your co-workers and our legitimate visitors with courtesy. They should feel safe even in the presence of armed personnel; let them know that you are there to protect them. Always remember to work with vigilance, diligence, intelligence, and courtesy. These are the trademarks of excellent security personnel of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. And so, on behalf of the Bangko Sentral, I congratulate all our graduates today for completing their rigorous training. Palakpakan po natin sila! I also congratulate the SITD led by Col. Ed Gatumbato, Managing Director Noli Torres, and Deputy Governor Andy Suratos for contuining these training programs for our security personnel. Palakpakan din po natin sila! Keep up the good work! Mabuhay ang SITD! Mabuhay ang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas! Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.