General Santos City – Police Regional Office 12 (PRO12) and the Mindanao State University (MSU) have jointly launched last February 15, 2022 the Enhanced Social Transformation Education Program (E-STEP) to protect the youth and student sectors from the ill effects of illegal drugs and terrorism.
PRO 12 Director, Police Brigadier General Alexander C. Tagum said that the E-STEP is a community affairs project for Regional Youth Development Program, which aims to impart learning on high sense of integrity and responsibility to ensure a certain degree of learning and expertise in social transformation.
Tagum said, the E-STEP was strengthened through collaboration with national government agencies, non-government organizations, faith-based groups, and the private sectors.
In the exploratory meeting held at MSU conference hall, OIC Chancellor Usman D. Aragasi expressed gratitude to the PNP for the launching of the E-STEP.
Aragasi said, we have to find ways and establish collaborative works with other government agencies, much more with the Philippine National Police to prevent drug abuses and involvement of our youth in crimes related to illegal drugs and terrorism.
Aragasi added, the university has to play a critical role in addressing these pressing issues in collaboration with different line agencies because we have to make concerted efforts altogether.
The partnership will be strengthened by framing research projects and signing MOA to be crafted by the Technical Working Group composed of PRO 12 and MSU-Gensan, said Tagum.
Present in the event were Dr. Mishell D. Lawas, VCAA, Ms. Nurleila Canacan, VCAF, Dr. Edna P. Oconer, VCRED, Prof. Sheila J. Loable, VCPD, Dr. Mayong Aguja, MSU Faculty Regent, Deans of different Colleges, and Directors and Heads of Offices of MSU-Gensan.
Other officials from PRO12 included PLtCol Samuel T. Cadungon, ADC RLDDD; PMaj Jeckpusaca P. Mutalib, CAS and SALAAM Officer RCAD PRO 12; PLtCol Paul T. Bometivo and PMaj Mylaine M. Estrellan.
