The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO), in partnership with national agencies and the academe, has trained 1,500 student youth leaders across the province to enhance their leadership skills and prepare them for active community service, especially during disasters and emergencies.

The initiative, conducted through the Police Community Academy (PCA), aims to instill responsibility and civic engagement among the youth, said PPO Director Col. Rollyfer Capoquian in an interview on Friday.

“The purpose of PCA is to develop students to become responsible leaders. Be active participants in community development,” he said.

The PCA curriculum covers civic education, leadership development, disaster preparedness, and community involvement. It follows a two-phase approach: the Academic Phase, which includes lectures, and the Tactic Phase, which focuses on practical exercises and real-world applications.

Since its launch in November 2023, participants have undergone leadership training, drills, and regimented activities to foster discipline and camaraderie.

The program will culminate in a two-day boot camp at Camp Governor Antonio Sison in Lingayen, followed by a graduation ceremony on Saturday.

Harold Molina, a criminology student at Urdaneta City University, said the program provides a strong foundation for his aspirations of becoming a police officer.

“The training we received greatly improved my leadership skills,” he said.

Participants, who are senior high school and college students from various institutions, benefit from the PCA’s collaborative efforts with educational institutions, government agencies, and private sector partners.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) emphasized that initiatives like the PCA are crucial in shaping future leaders, instilling values of responsibility, and strengthening youth involvement in nation-building. (PNA)