The glorious sacrifice of those who bravely fought for others to have a peaceful community to live, invest, and do business in should never be forgotten. Rather, this should be embedded in the hearts and minds of young generations with the heroes’ gallantry highlighted in the nation’s history in restoring peace and order. The Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Historical and Cultural Affairs Division (HCAD) of the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG), values the role of history and culture in the preservation of the heritage of law enforcement in the Philippines.
HCAD is the historian of PNP, maintaining the PNP Museum, PNP Relics Square, and other related facilities, in order to keep, record, and document stories relevant to peacekeeping. More than these, it collects objects/artifacts/mementos of historical and cultural importance to PNP, and aptly display them to enrich the organization’s history.
The public, especially the students, are encouraged to visit the PNP Museum for several important reasons, foremost of which is to educate them, underscore the significant accomplishments of PNP which contribute much to nation-building. The PNP Museum presents a comprehensive history of law enforcement in the Philippines, allowing students and museum guests to appreciate the development of the Philippine police force and its important role in the community. The museum showcases the evolution of policing, allowing students to gain insights into how historical and cultural shifts shaped the modern law enforcement we know today.
Students can familiarize themselves with significant figures in the history of policing whose contributions to peace and order still stand today. The display of gallantry in service manifested over time, earning eighty-six (86) Medals of Valor, creating Heroes in Oplan Tokhang, in Internal Security Operations and in Anti-Terrorism Campaigns, and other police operations, bring honor to the organization, pride to their families, and inspiration to younger generations, especially those who would like to become police officers someday. This opportunity enhances the students’ awareness and understanding of the civic duties and importance of law and order in peacekeeping. Learning the challenges and complexities of the service allows the students to develop more respect and empathy toward the sacrifices of police officers.
A visit to the PNP Museum allows a glimpse of the PNP National Headquarters, and an appreciation of real objects or items that were used by the Philippine Constabulary (PC), the Integrated National Police (INP), the merged PC/INP – all predecessors of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the current PNP, such as firearms, uniforms, vehicles, etcetera. These will help develop a sense of connection and responsibility towards the community. Exposure to the historical significance of policing can inspire students to carry on the tradition of excellence that PNP has built over the years. It will also help encourage the students to pursue careers in law enforcement, in criminal justice, and other related fields, eventually joining the organization as future leaders and public servants.
The PNP Museum may be just one of the many significant institutions that provide valuable educational and cultural experiences for students. The organization’s uniqueness, coupled with its commitment, aims to develop a well-rounded understanding of law enforcement and its impact on communities. Shaping the minds of the younger generations will help develop stronger police-community relations for greater trust and better relationships. Through interactions and collaborative efforts, PNP can explicitly demonstrate its commitment to the community’s well-being, dispelling the ‘us versus them’ mindset. Facilitating tours in the museum shows how PNP values the role of the youth in fostering a safer place to live, love, and do business. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang gusto ng Pulis, ligtas ka!
