DAVAO CITY - The only son of Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa took his shot at following his father's footsteps on Sunday by taking the Cadet Admission Test (CAT) at the Bolton campus of the University of Mindanao.

Rock dela Rosa took up Business Administration at Philippine Women's College, but realized recently that his true passion lies in becoming a policeman.

He said growing up in a family of public servants is a major factor in his decision.

"Gusto jud nako kay nidako naman ko sa mga pulis so kabalo na pud ko sa ilang kinabuhi," he said in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News.

(I wanted [to become a policeman] because I grew up with cops in the family and I knew what they have been through.)

LOOK: Gen. Bato Dela Rosa's only son, Rock, takes PNPA exam. Via Angelo Caballero | @stanleypalisada pic.twitter.com/u8MSfJgyNg

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) October 30, 2016

He also shared that his father did not push him to become a policeman, but advised him instead to enjoy life and pursue his won dreams.

"Dili nako gusto buhaton para sa iyaha, gusto nako ni buhaton kay love nako ang akong pamilya, mga PNP, mura nakog pamilya sa ilaha ug tibuok Pilipino gyud, ug ang Presidente pud, mahal jud nako ang Presidente," the 22-year-old explained.

(I am not doing this for him, but for my love for my family, the PNP, my fellow Filipino people and the President.)

Asked about his father's critics, he exclaimed, "Let's get it on!"

"Normal man na kay kung naa kay paninindigan, daghan jud ka kalaban na muabot," he added.

(It's natural to have haters coming if you have strong will.)

Rock, the youngest in a brood of three, also revealed that he looked up to President Rodrigo Duterte more than his father.

He was among over 22,000 aspiring policemen who took the Cadet Admission Test today.

The annual test is conducted by the Philippine National Police Academy to select 300 students for its Bachelor of Science in Public Safety class, who will become members of the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology after graduation.