Aviation’s loss is BJMP’s gain

CAPITOL COMPOUND, Bataan – The Assistant Warden and Chief of Administration of the Bataan District Jail, Ralfh Aldrin Macalino Lumanlan turns 28 today. A native of Tarlac, he joined the Cadet Corps of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) at a tender age of 17.

In an exclusive interview that he kindly granted to 1Bataan at his office, the dashing officer reminisced his growing up years in Tarlac. The 3rd in a brood of four, his first ambition was to become a pilot but he did not pursue it due to financial reasons so he enrolled in Psychology instead. Despite the fact that both his parents, Alfredo and Maritess did not finish a college degree, all four of them are professionals. Their parents instilled in them the value of education. After a year in college, he felt that he had a different calling so he joined the PNPA and took BS Public Safety.

He recalls that life in the Academy was not easy but challenging and in the end rewarding. His first assignment after graduation was as Jail Inspector at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) National Headquarters. As such, he became part of the team that formulates policies for all jails nationwide.

His exposure in the realities of life specifically in the BJMP setting and in the course of the performance of his duties as a public servant paved the way for him to turn his frustration to become a pilot into an inspiration and so he enrolled in law at the University of the East in Manila.

January of this year, as his passion to serve, impart knowledge and inspire his fellow public servants heightened, he was assigned here in Bataan. Shortly after, the results of the 2014 Bar Exams was released and he made it! (Take one!) Though relatively new in this province, he says that he has developed a keen sense of attachment to the province and its people. As he is challenged by the demands of his duties, he likewise finds immense fulfillment. In fact, he did not hesitate to become a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Bataan Chapter.

When asked why he joined the BJMP after his cadetship instead of the PNP or the Bureau of Fire, he said that although all three branches deal with public safety and equally challenging and fulfilling, he finds the tasks at the BJMP more suited to his calling. He is more of a people oriented person and he wants to help erase the misconception of the public regarding the inmates that they are all bad. It’s just that people make mistakes, they violate laws. However during incarceration, they can still reform and get ready for reintegration into the mainstream society and be a productive part of the community again.

Turning 28 today, he sees himself staying here in Bataan for a long time, doing what he loves best – being of quality service to the inmates of BJMP and to the community. He likewise encourages the youth and his fellow public servants to value education and to continue acquiring higher education and that poverty is not a hindrance to do so.

Happy birthday, Atty. Lumanlan! May your tribe increase and God bless.