Arcadio S. Lozada, police icon

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Today, Bacolod City will lay to rest the mortal remains of a man who had left an indelible mark on the police organization of the city and had once made it a model for others in the region to follow, but not with the success that he himself achieved.

Arcadio S. Lozada was not a native Bacoleño, but when he came to the city to serve as a Chief of Police in the mid ‘60s, he stayed on until the early ‘70s when his promotion was due. But what a legacy he left in the city where his accomplishments have not been surpassed or even equaled until now.

As Chief of Police of Bacolod, he was able to resist the temptations that came his way from people in power or in business who believed that giving favors to the top cop would redound to benefits for their offices or establishments. Not a hint of scandal ever marred his unassailable reputation, and it is a constant surprise to many that, despite his strict adherence to rules and to the law, he could still enlist the help and participation of anyone in the projects he presented for the benefit of the city and the enhancement of his men.

Today, we still see evidence of his stint that continue to contribute to the improvement, not only of the police force, but also other aspects that would minimize crime and prevent the involvement in them of the young.

He was a talented organizer and formed several organizations and advisory bodies in which he enlisted local civic and business leaders. For his policemen, he led by example through his own manner of living which was simple and austere.

When he had to leave Bacolod, it was to be assigned to a much higher and more more responsible position with commensurate authority, but even there, he remained ever the idea man, whose vision he managed to share, and get the support of his superiors. Even his promotion to General did not affect the personality of this talented man, who did not have to fight battles in the field to manifest his patriotism and intense love for country.

General Arcadio Lozada lived a fulfilled life and Bacolod will long remember him and continue to long for the day when someone who can, at least, approximate his dedication and commitment to his work will again come their way.

Rest in peace now, General Lozada. The stars on your shoulders will be dim compared to those the Good Lord will reward you for what you have accomplished and the model you have set for those who come after you.*