As the rainy season begins, a safe and secure home is more than a necessity—it offers protection and peace of mind for families. Yet for many vulnerable Filipinos, decent housing remains a distant dream. For an elderly couple in Barangay M. Roxas, Bulan, Sorsogon, that dream became reality through the collective efforts of the men and women of the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government officials, private stakeholders, and community volunteers.
On July 4, 2026, the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) Team of the Sorsogon 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, in partnership with barangay officials, local stakeholders, and community volunteers, formally turned over a newly constructed house in Barangay M. Roxas to senior citizens Aurora and Federico Macareza.
The project began when the R-PSB Team, led by Police Staff Sergeant Erwin B. Zuñiga, conducted a Needs Assessment Survey in Barangay M. Roxas. During their community visits, the team discovered the elderly couple’s difficult living conditions and recognized their urgent need for safe, decent housing. Rather than limiting their response to documentation, the police officers immediately coordinated with barangay officials, led by Barangay Captain Julysis G. Bartolata, and sought support from community partners to provide a sustainable solution.
Spearheaded by the Kasurog Cops, under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Erosito N. Miranda, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 5, the initiative quickly gained support from local government units (LGUs) and various stakeholders. Working hand in hand, they pooled their resources and volunteered their time and labor to build a home that would provide the elderly couple with safety, security, and comfort.
Construction officially commenced on May 16, and after more than a month of dedicated collaboration, the project was completed. More than just a housing initiative, it became a meaningful testament to what can be achieved when the police, LGUs, and community members work together toward a common purpose. By fostering active community participation, the initiative strengthens public trust while reinforcing the role of the police as partners in community development.
During the turnover ceremony, Aurora and Federico Macareza expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone whose generosity and collective efforts made their long-awaited dream of owning a decent home possible.
Meanwhile, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, emphasized that the duty of every police officer extends beyond maintaining peace and order to responding to the needs of the communities they serve whenever possible.
“Ang tunay na serbisyo ng pulis ay hindi nasusukat sa dami ng operasyon kundi sa lawak ng malasakit na naipaparamdam sa ating mga kababayan. Kapag may pagkakataong makatulong at makapagbigay ng pag-asa, ginagawa natin ito dahil bahagi iyon ng ating sinumpaang tungkulin,” he said.
The newly built home in Barangay M. Roxas serves as more than just a shelter for Mr. and Mrs. Macareza; it stands as a symbol of unity, volunteerism, and the shared responsibility of the police and the community in uplifting the lives of those in need. More importantly, it reflects the organization’s mantra, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” affirming that the PNP’s mission goes beyond ensuring public safety. It is equally committed to building stronger communities, restoring hope, and improving the lives of the people it proudly serves.
