Written by: Denmark Rey Velasco and Jelisa Valdez
Photographed by: Jelisa Valdez and Florene Naomi Ursua
BAGUIO CITY — In preparation for the Panagbenga 2026 celebration, the University of Baguio School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (UB-SCJPS) interns participated in the Send-Off Ceremony for the Panagbenga Festival Security Contingent held on January 31, 2026, at the Melvin Jones Grandstand in Baguio City. The activity formally marked the deployment of personnel tasked with maintaining peace, order, and public safety throughout the festival and demonstrated the university’s commitment to community service, safety, and sustainable development.
The ceremony was led by PBGEN Ericson D. Dilag, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR), together with PCOL Ledon D. Monte, Deputy Regional Director for Operations; PCOL Ruel D. Tagel, City Director of the Baguio City Police Office; and Hon. Faustino A. Olowan, City Vice Mayor of Baguio. Their leadership emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the local government, and academic institutions in ensuring that large public gatherings are managed in a safe, organized, and inclusive manner.
A major highlight of the program was the Presentation of Troops led by PCOL Monte and representatives from partner agencies. More than 2,100 personnel were formally deployed, composed of police officers from the Baguio City Police Office, PRO CAR Regional Headquarters, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, and National Support Units, as well as members of the Bureau of Fire Protection, various local government units, and volunteer groups. These personnel were assigned to crowd control, traffic management, mobile patrols, Quick Reaction Teams, and public assistance desks to ensure effective security coverage and rapid emergency response.
The participation of the UB-SCJPS interns and other academic institutions such as Easter College, Baguio Central School, and the University of the Cordilleras reflects Sustainable Development Goal 17, which highlights the importance of partnerships in achieving community development. These efforts also directly contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 11, which promotes safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities by protecting public spaces and ensuring that community events can be enjoyed without fear or risk.
Through this activity, the UB-SCJPS interns not only supported the safety operations for Panagbenga 2026 but also embodied the values of sustainable development by contributing to peaceful communities, resilient urban spaces, and strong partnerships. Their involvement highlights the role of future criminal justice professionals in advancing public safety while supporting national and global development goals.
