SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) reported on February 21 that approximately 3,500 youth in the province have graduated from its Police Community Academy (PCA) since 2018.
The PCA, a flagship program of the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1), equips the youth with essential skills in crime prevention, disaster preparedness, and civic responsibility, shaping them into proactive partners in building safer, more resilient communities.
Through intensive training, participants develop leadership skills, teamwork, and gain hands-on experience in maintaining peace and order within their communities.
A key component of the program is the PCA Boot Camp, an intensive training phase preceding graduation.
The boot camp enhances participants’ practical skills in emergency response, community policing, and discipline, preparing them to take on active roles in their localities.
In the latest PCA graduation ceremony, 875 youth graduates were awarded the Bagwis Badge, a symbol of their discipline, commitment, and civic engagement.
The recognition serves not only as a testament to their dedication but also as an advantage for those aspiring to join the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the future.
LUPPO Director Colonel Heryl Bruno highlighted the significance of the PCA in fostering a new generation of responsible citizens who contribute to building a safer society.
“The Police Community Academy equips our youth with essential values and skills, helping them become partners in building a safer and more disciplined society,” Bruno stated.
Justine Marco Villar, a youth leader participant from Burgos town, shared that the PCA helped him acquire crucial skills in first aid, firearm handling, and police procedures, all of which he intends to share with future student leaders.
“As a graduating student, I want to pass on these learnings to future student leaders and inspire more youth to participate in PCA to strengthen community involvement,” Villar remarked.
With the continuous expansion of the PCA, more young people are expected to undergo training, further strengthening community policing initiatives in La Union.
The LUPPO will also conduct continuous monitoring and evaluation of program graduates to assess their contributions to law enforcement awareness and community policing at the grassroots level. (CCMT/KJCR/DJR, PIA La Union)
