Bridging the Gap: How The NorMin Academe And PCO Are Crafting a CommUNITY of Collaboration and Change

SOURCE: PNA

The winds of change have begun to blow in Northern Mindanao, an area known for its vibrant academic environment. The recent four-day "CommUNITY" Caravan, a collaboration between the academic stakeholders and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), has proven to be a pivotal event in fostering media literacy and promoting a sense of unity.

At the helm of this transformative event is Dr. Joy Mirasol, president of Bukidnon State University (BukSU). In a recent interview, she expressed her appreciation for the government's commitment to extending such pivotal programs to universities beyond the metropolis of Metro Manila.

Dr. Mirasol's words ring true when she speaks about the importance of fostering a well-informed citizenry. This initiative, she believes, has equipped students with much-needed skills to navigate the digital landscape confidently and responsibly.

The caravan kicked off its initial leg on March 18 at the BukSU main campus in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The baton has since been passed to the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), where the second leg is currently underway.

Prof. John David Moncada, USTP's coordinator of the Department of Technology Communication Management, lauded the talks on media production and media and information literacy as being both relevant and insightful. They serve as a crucial reminder to students to remain critical of the information they consume online.

Moncada's hope is for an increased collaboration between the government and community stakeholders to combat misinformation. In an era of rampant fake news, this call to arms couldn't be more timely.

The event was well-received among students, with some suggesting that the CommUNITY Caravan should be extended to three or more days to benefit a larger cohort of students. They are keen on having more interactive sessions where they can directly engage with speakers and participate in discussions.

Mishka Cerbito, a student at USTP, believes that the event would be more fulfilling if more interactive sessions were added. Bryan Jade Tagyam, a student at Liceo de Cagayan University, commended the booths set up by PCO agencies for their engaging nature.

The potential of this event goes beyond just a four-day caravan. According to Prof. Doreen Rañada, a USTP faculty member, the CommUNITY Caravan could serve as a convergence for communication conferences with other government communicators in the region.

The annual hosting of this event could pave the way for the PCO and state universities to forge partnerships through memorandums of agreement. This could serve as a catalyst for even more significant collaborations, and truly, there can be no stronger testament to the power of unity.

Misamis Oriental’s New Police Patrol Vehicles

SOURCE: PIA 10

In the heart of Cagayan De Oro City, a momentous occasion unfolded on March 18th, 2024. A beacon of hope in the form of P12.2 million worth of patrol vehicles were turned over to the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office by the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10). 

This event marked a significant milestone for the police stations of Laguindingan, Libertad, Magsaysay, Manticao, Medina, Naawan, Opol, Tagoloan, Talisayan, and Villanueva. Each station received a troop carrier-type Toyota Hi-lux patrol vehicle, enhancing their ability to maintain peace and order.

Major General Mario Reyes, the PNP director for logistics, emphasized the profound significance of these newly procured vehicles. According to him, they are not just means of transportation but are symbols of the dedication of the police force to serve and protect.

Major General Reyes also underscored the importance of logistics alongside vehicles within the PNP. While vehicles are crucial, equal attention must be given to logistics, which serves as the backbone of police operations. Without adequate logistics, operational mobility is hindered.

Each municipal police station commander who received the patrol vehicles were accompanied by their respective mayors. The visible pride on their faces was a testament to their renewed commitment to uphold peace and order in their jurisdictions.

PRO-10 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Ricardo Layug, Jr. expressed his faith in the new vehicles, saying, “These vehicles will be put to good use as we work fervently and respond swiftly to reports of crime and other emergencies.”

Philippine National Police-10 Regional Director PBGen Ricardo Layug, Jr. welcomed the local chief executives of the 10 municipalities who received the patrol vehicles at Camp Vicente Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City.

Manticao Mayor Stephen Tan expressed his profound gratitude to the PNP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., as well as Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vincente "Bambi" Emano for their support in maintaining peace and order.

Despite the positive development, Mayor Tan identified that the municipality still needs more resources. He pledged to continue lobbying for more requests to keep Manticado safe and peaceful.

Mayor Stephen Tan received the ceremonial key to one of the 10 patrol vehicles, marking the start of a new era of reinforced public safety in Misamis Oriental.

The Philippine National Police-10 turned over P12.2 million worth of patrol vehicles to 10 municipal police stations under the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, making March 18, 2024, a pivotal day in the history of public safety in Misamis Oriental.

In conclusion, the new patrol vehicles represent a significant step towards a safer and more secure Misamis Oriental. With the dedicated law enforcement officers at the helm of these vehicles, the citizens can look forward to a future where peace and order prevail.