Upon the assumption of Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief PNP, he pronounced that one of the activities of Police Community Affairs and Development is to educate and inform the public regarding the salient provisions of the laws and ordinances. In line with this, Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Lou F. Evangelista, PRO1 Director recognized the urgency of implementing a communications plan that utilizes comprehensive, wide-ranging, and dynamic media channels to disseminate information and cultivate awareness on Philippine laws, ordinances, public safety advisories, and government success stories. Henceforth, PLtCol Ma Leonora Teresa A. Dela Cruz, the then Admin Officer of the Office of the Regional Director coordinated with Ms. Charity J Frianeza, Station Manager of DZAG Radyo Pilipinas Agoo in coming up with a tailor-fit project and coining an appropriate name for it.
As a result, the Ilocos Region’s police office has forged a partnership with radio station DZAG Radyo Pilipinas Agoo to enhance public safety awareness across the region.
PRO1 and DZAG Radyo Pilipinas Agoo of the Presidential Broadcast Service signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) earlier this year with PBGen Evangelista, and Director Rizal Giovanni Aportadera Jr. of the Presidential Broadcast Service-Bureau of Broadcast Services (PBS-BBS) signed the MOU.
The PRO1 Ligtas Kaalaman is being broadcasted on air and online every Friday at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM hosted by the personnel from PRO1’s Public Information Office and attended by the different Chiefs of Offices in Region 1. Recently, PMaj Vilma Dasap, Legal Officer, RLO1; and PMaj Monette Balderas, Chief, WCPD, RIDMD discussed the Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. On October 11, 2024, PCol Richard B Albon, Chief of the Regional Recruitment and Selection Unit 1 was the guest during the radio program, and discussing the recruitment process for the 2024 PNP Attrition Quota in Region 1.
“Ligtas Kaalaman” is a vital element of PBGen Evangelista’s seven-point agenda, which prioritizes community engagement, the rule of law, and digital transformation. The initiative aims to educate the public about their rights, local ordinances, and the police’s role in maintaining peace and order.
PBGen Evangelista highlighted the importance of this collaboration in establishing a platform for PRO1 to effectively communicate with the public.
“Makakapagbigay tayo ng mas malawak at mas malinaw na plataporma para sa ating mga adbokasiya, kampanya, at mga programa na magdudulot ng mas epektibong serbisyo sa publiko. Sa tulong ng Presidential Broadcast Service, makakaasa na ang boses ng ating kapulisan ay mas maririnig at mas maiintindihan ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Through “Ligtas Kaalaman,” the public will have direct access to legal experts from PRO1’s Regional Legal Office, ensuring they receive clear and accurate information on various laws. The program will also have a leverage on modern technology and media platforms to maximize its reach and accessibility.
Radyo Pilipinas Agoo Station Manager Charity Frianeza expressed strong support on the collaboration, noting that it aligns with the station’s mission to disseminate government programs and initiatives.
“As the government’s broadcast arm, tasked with promoting government programs and encouraging public participation in development, we fully support this initiative. It empowers individuals by educating them on their rights and familiarizing them with different laws,” Frianeza stated.
This heightened public awareness is expected to contribute to crime prevention and strengthen the bond between the police and the community. By combining the expertise of law enforcement and media, the partnership is poised to significantly enhance public safety and awareness in the region.