The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) plays a crucial role in safeguarding public safety on the roads and highways of the Philippines. Its role in maintaining public safety on the highways, preventing and responding to crimes, and contributing to disaster response and management are pivotal to the PNP’s overall mission in maintaining peace and order in the country. Apart from its law enforcement duties, HPG has also launched various programs to educate the public on road safety, regularly conducting seminars and workshops on defensive driving, motorcycle safety, and first aid, among others. Thru its skilled and dedicated officers, HPG continues to make significant contributions to ensuring that Filipinos can travel safely on the highways and major thoroughfares of the country.
The Guardian of the Highways marks 68 years of service and excellence by commemorating its Founding Anniversary with the theme “Ang Inyong Patnubay at Kaagapay Tungo sa Paglunsad ng Payapa at Ligtas na Lansangan.” in fitting ceremonies at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City on May 5, 2023.
PNP HPG was established in 1955 as the country’s first and only traffic control and road safety-focused law enforcement group. The group was the brainchild of Ramon Magsaysay, the 7th President of the Philippines. His decision to create HPG stemmed from a fatal car crash 68 years ago which claimed the lives of two statesmen close to him.
PNP Chief, Police General Benjamin Casuga Acorda, Jr. steered the group’s formal ceremony with PBGen Raul L Bargamento, Director, HPG. The event was graced by VIPs, including Hon. Susan Yap, the Provincial Governor of Tarlac; Hon. Jose Carlos Cari, Mayor of Baybay City, Leyte; and Mr. Ramel Uy, CEO of the 5K Broadcasting Company (Radyo Bandera Sweet FM).
The ceremony is a celebration of the renowned exemplary and meritorious performance of duty, hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of the HPG men and women who have served in this organization over the years.
The group handed out a total of ten individual awards and six-unit awards. Twenty-three awardees were recognized during the event, emphasizing their impact to people, and on the continuing success of PNP HPG as the Philippines’ premier Guardian of the Highways.
In his remarks, PNP Chief Acorda underscored the group’s crucial role in maintaining peace, order, and security on the nation’s roads. He commended the officers and personnel for their hard work and unwavering commitment to serve with efficiency and professionalism, saying that such are recognized as the backbones of PNP-HPG.
He prompted everyone not to be complacent and pressed the group to persistently strive for excellence. He underlined the importance of remaining vigilant, continuously enhancing skills and knowledge, and always upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
The PNP Chief’s call for “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa” aims to unite all the 228,000 members of the Philippine National Police for collaborative efforts in nation-building. He emphasized the five key priorities, which include aggressive and honest law enforcement operations; boosting of personnel morale and welfare; enhancing public service; maintaining operational readiness; and intensifying internal cleansing efforts.
The PNP HPG’s 68th Founding Anniversary Celebration highlights its commitment to upholding the law and protecting the public, climaxing in the challenges they face in carrying out their duties. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the organization, celebrate its successes, and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Observing the anniversary also helps raise awareness about the importance of road safety, and encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own safety while on the road. It is a cue of the dire role that law enforcement agencies play in promoting safe driving practices and reducing the number of accidents on the roads.
