By Xander Ledesma
Under the leadership of PCOL Antonietto Ybañez Cañete, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) established a partnership with schools in Cebu City . This collaboration was formalized during a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony that took place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Cebu City Police Office.
The event, which aligned with the school’s internship program, gathered law enforcement officers and representatives from local high schools such as Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School and Lusaran National High School. The initiative, spearheaded by the City Community Affairs and Development Unit (CCADU) under PLTCOL Albert Reeves Quilitorio, aims to raise public awareness regarding safety concerns within the community, particularly in addressing illegal drugs and criminal behavior.
The collaboration underscores the significance of community involvement in the fight against crime. By engaging young individuals in discussions about safety and law enforcement, the Cebu City Police Office intends to cultivate a sense of accountability and attentiveness in the forthcoming generation, ensuring that they become educated and proactive members of society.
This partnership will encompass various initiatives, such as public awareness campaigns, workshops focused on safety and drug prevention, and internship opportunities for students to acquire practical experience in community service and law enforcement. The objective is to create a setting where students and educators are informed about the dangers associated with illegal drugs and crime and are empowered to contribute to solutions within their communities.
Understanding the historical context is crucial for recognizing the significance of such initiatives. In recent years, local law enforcement agencies in the Philippines have prioritized developing strong connections with the community to enhance crime prevention and public safety. This strategy aligns with the Philippine National Police’s vision of community-oriented policing, which promotes cooperation between the police and local communities to address problems and decrease crime rates.
Cebu City has encountered challenges related to illegal drugs and crime in recent times, prompting law enforcement to implement proactive measures to tackle these issues. Through partnerships such as this, the police aim to empower citizens, especially the youth, to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their neighborhoods.
For the Cebu City Police, this partnership signifies a new era in their continuous efforts to not only fight crime but also strengthen their relationships with the community they serve. In the face of modern policing challenges, collaboration with schools and educational institutions is considered a crucial element in achieving long-term success in fostering a safer and more informed public.
By uniting with educators and students, the Cebu City Police aspire to deepen the connection between law enforcement and the community, promoting a sense of shared responsibility for public safety and well-being.