For Once You Were But A Dream

Ever since he was a little child, becoming a police officer was his biggest dream. He looks up to every man in uniform that he sees on the street, and with a sharp salute, he lets them see his admiration toward their job of keeping their place safe.

Deither B. Tambus was among the children of Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur, who dreamed of wearing a police uniform, a badge, and carry weapon for protection. For him, serving and protecting the community as part of the law enforcement is one of the noblest professions there is.

Born to farmer parents, Deither knew that he had to work hard in school to reach his dream. During his younger years, education was quite a challenge because of the distance from their house to school. With such little body and feet that only afford to make small steps, he walked 4.1 kilometers every single day to and from his school in Sugbay Dos. Every step of his foot meant a step closer to his dream and every drop of sweat from walking 2 ½ miles daily for six years was a sign of his steadfast determination to earn the badge that he yearned for so long.

In 2008, Danilo and Aileen, Deither’s parents met a Social Worker of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during the regional registration of beneficiaries to the country’s conditional cash-transfer program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This is the Philippines’ strategy to alleviate poverty in the country.

Seeing their situation, Tambus family from Barangay Lisasan, was registered as beneficiaries of the program. Like a refuelled gas lamp, this ignited the family’s hope. They were seen. And at that moment, Tambus family felt that they have a chance to succeed in life.

The inclusion of Tambus family to DSWD’s 4Ps program paved a way for better educational access for Deither. School supplies were provided, projects and school fees were paid, transportation was afforded. Too many, these may sound simple, but for poor families like Deither’s, this meant that the meager income they get from farming can be kept for savings, emergencies, and probably additional capital for livelihood.

“There was more stability in supporting my school needs, and I was able to continue my studies with more hope and motivation,” Deither said.

 

And Now Has Become A Reality

The triple support Deither invested in his education, mainly from the hard work of his parents, self-discipline and perseverance, and government intervention through the 4Ps, has worked to realize the dream he had as a child.

Getting through and completing his secondary education was just a preparatory phase in reaching his dream. It was meant to prepare him for his actual journey to learning and becoming a law-enforcement service man.

Once he graduated from Senior High School, he was ready to embark on a journey to earn his badge. Deither enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Criminology at Jose Rizal Memorial State University – Katipunan Campus. Financial fluctuation was still a major challenge since more fees was necessary especially that his school was a province away from home. This gave him even more motivation to be good in school and finish his college degree at expected time.

Four years passed by and all hard work were paid off as he marched during his graduation in 2022. He then took the licensure examination and became a Registered Criminologist (RCrim), an actual realization of a dream. This proves that when you set your mind to a certain goal, no difficulty could stop you from achieving it.

“Never give up on your dreams. Hardship should not be a reason to stop studying. With perseverance and faith, success is possible,” Deither’s advice to young 4P dreamers.

His success does not end there. Because he knew how valuable education is to a man, he pursued his studies and studied Masteral Degree in Public Administration, an additional title to his name. From his little dreamer younger self, he is now Deither B. Tambus, RCrim, MPA.

Deither’s ultimate goal is to be part of the Philippine National Police force. He took the NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Examination and passed, making him eligible to apply for entry-level positions within the PNP.

Today, he a strong applicant to the police force. And although he does not have a badge yet, he is positive that soon, with his credentials, he will have it in his hands.