The Regional Police Community Affairs and Development Unit 12 (RPCADU 12) Break Dance Team has embarked on a pioneering initiative named Project B.R.E.A.K. (Breakdancing: Rhythmic Education and Artistic Kinetics), setting a novel standard in community engagement and youth empowerment.
In collaboration with local dance enthusiasts and government officials, RPCADU 12 has launched a series of impactful initiatives in General Santos City, including free breakdance workshops across various barangays and in dance competitions for the youth.
Initiated several years ago by PCpl Hosen Ngilay and PCpl Jose Dullano III, the project commenced with free workshops in schools. Since then, RPCADU 12 has nurtured aspiring talents who have somehow “broken the ice” and flourished by joining dance groups or pursuing individual careers as competitive dance athletes.
One particularly inspiring success story is that of Jewel Agudo, whose journey started at RPCADU 12’s very first free workshop. Over time, she evolved into a skilled dance athlete, ultimately earning the opportunity to represent Mindanao at the esteemed Philippine Dance Sports Federation Breakdance Competition last year. Her transformation from novice to national competitor underscores the program’s impact made possible through the guidance of RPCADU 12’s coaches and the local dance community.
Recently, RPCADU 12, alongside community partners and a barangay official, organized a simple breakdance competition for youngsters. The event garnered enthusiastic participation, featuring 17 talented dancers, including an exceptional six year-old competitor. Notably, 12-year-old Rald Gewel Galdo emerged as the champion, underscoring the initiative’s pivotal role in nurturing budding talents.
RPCADU 12 continues to provide invaluable support with ongoing free training sessions and platforms for the youth to express themselves through their breakdancing skills, practically honing them to perfection. Concurrently, the team’s coaches pursue professional development, attending workshops and contributing as judges and production staff at local and national events, enriching the cultural landscape, and explicitly manifesting self-fulfillment.
Despite the challenges, the coaches of RPCADU 12 persist in using their talents for community service, balancing their roles as dedicated police officers and productive members of RPCADU 12. Their unwavering commitment was recently acknowledged with well-deserved recognitions. They were commended for their selfless dedication to youth empowerment through free breakdance workshops at the 87th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of General Santos City on June 4. The commendation, sponsored by Hon. Elizabeth Bagonoc, City Councilor, highlighted their significant contribution to the community.
Looking ahead, RPCADU 12 is dedicated to expand the impact of Project B.R.E.A.K. by nurturing future champions and advancing breakdancing as both an art form and a sport. As the sole unit within PNP, promoting this sport, RPCADU 12 aims to develop homegrown breakdance athletes to spread their wings and proudly represent the Philippines on the Olympic stage.
