CLARK FREEPORT— “Make yourself qualified and prepare yourself for bigger responsibilities because you will never know what you will face in the future,” thus said Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President-CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan, in his speech delivered to the officers and men of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) in Camp Olivas.

During the flag-raising ceremony of PRO3 where he was invited as the guest of honor, Gaerlan encouraged the police personnel to continue pursuing further studies for their professional development. He cited his journey from being a police officer to becoming a corporate executive.

“When I was with the Philippine National Police, I prepared myself not only with the duties and responsibilities of being a police officer. I decided upon myself to be qualified on other fields. In 2001, I enrolled at the Asian Institute of Management. I want to understand the language of the business sector so that after years in life of service with the government, whatever they put upon us or wherever life may take us, we are ready and qualified,” the CDC head said.

Gaerlan also shared that his post-graduate studies and experiences in leadership, management, command, and people interaction have equipped and prepared him to take on the challenge of being appointed as the top executive of a state-owned firm.

“I did not know so many years ago, that I would be appointed as the President and CEO of Clark Development Corporation but I am glad, I have prepared for it years ago,” he added.

Gaerlan, who finished as Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian at PMA Class 1985 with the highest grade of 96.126%, also became President and CEO of Prime Lift and Load Industries.

The CDC top honcho hopes to “inspire all police officers to pursue their career not only as police officers but also as community leaders, and member of the business sector.”

He further reminded them to maintain their stance and decorum in serving and protecting the general public.

“Make yourself competent, qualified, and maintain the dignity of a police officer.  Upheave your outlook in life, upheave the directions of your life so nobody will look down on you and say pulis lang yan,” he said.

Meanwhile, CDC extended its support to the frontline officers of the PRO 3 by donating essential and protective materials. The donations were personally presented by Gaerlan to PRO 3 Regional Director PBGen. Valeriano T. De Leon. These include 52 boxes of medicines, 40 boxes of facemasks, 400 pieces of face shields, and collapsible tents intended to ensure the safety of all PRO3 frontline personnel.

With Gaerlan at the helm, the state-run corporation aims to achieve its vision for Clark by integrating “reset, rebound, recover” directions and introduce new technology to its systems and procedures geared to provide an improved investment climate in this Freeport.