Ilocos PNP trains youth in community policing
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 1 is training the next generation of informed and responsible youth citizens through the Police Community Academy (PCA) initiative.
Col. Heryl Bruno, La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) director, said the initiative aligns with the Philippine National Police (PNP) “Tagataguyod” master plan that aims to equip youth ages 12 to 22 with skills to contribute to community policing.
“The PCA underscores the significant role of the youth in nation-building by fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and collaborative approach to community policing,” Bruno said.
The PCA allows 875 senior high school and tertiary-level students from La Union to learn skills in public safety, law enforcement, and community engagement, serving as a bridge between the police and communities.
Since its inception in Bauang town in 2018, the PCA has engaged over 3,500 students across La Union, fostering their growth and participation in its initiatives.
“These students have successfully completed all aspects of the program and have gained valuable knowledge and insight on community policing and the role of law enforcement in creating safer and more resilient communities,” Bruno added.
Policing insights
Justin Villar, a participant from Burgos, La Union, said the lectures and discussions learned during the PCA helped him gain insights on crime deterrence strategies and the police protocols needed to address them.
“I realized that being a police officer is not just a profession—it’s a commitment to serving the community. Through the PCA, we can all take part in community policing and contribute to a safer society,” Villar said.
Villar added that being part of the program reinforced a sense of civic duty, specifically on how being proactive contributes to a safer environment.
“As a student leader, I can share the knowledge and experiences I gained from the PCA with my fellow students, inspiring them to contribute as well,” he added, emphasizing that educating others not only empowers young people but also strengthens community policing across La Union.
The concepts of teamwork, discipline, and leadership – values that go beyond law enforcement – were the themes that Villar learned the most from his time in the PCA.
“I believe that the youth have the power to create opportunities for one another. Through this experience, I’ve learned to be adaptable and resourceful, always seeking ways to make the most of every opportunity,” Villar said.
Community engagement
Research studies have also identified a positive link between community engagement and effective crime prevention.
A 2022 publication of the Ascendens Asia Singapore-Union Christian College Philippines Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts found that effective police-community relations in Naguilian, La Union, contributed to residents’ increased civic awareness and effective crime prevention.
LUPPO has also collaborated with various public and private stakeholders to further strengthen its advocacy for community policing.
Among its key partners are the Department of Education, the National Youth Commission, the Philippine Army, the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Provincial Government of La Union.
Additionally, LUPPO has forged partnerships with the National Police Commission, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Eagles Club, further expanding its network of support for community-driven initiatives.
Next generation
As the PCA graduates marched for their graduation at the Marangal Grandstand at LUPPO Camp Diego Silang on Feb. 21, they left with more than just certificates.
“I truly hope we can continue this initiative, as it is more than just a PNP project–it is a bridge that brings our youth closer to the values of good governance, integrity, and service to the community,” Bruno added.
The LUPPO hopes that a sense of duty and knowledge will guide the graduates to contribute to their communities.
Programs such as the PCA continue to fortify the bond between communities and law enforcement, creating empowered youth that play an active role in creating a safer society for all.
For queries and other information on the PCA, the LUPPO can be reached through Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit at 0908-756-4768. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
