Written by: Faith A. Matutino and Jenny Rose L. Palangdao | Photos by: Odemar Sara-an and Jamila Cachero
PRO–COR Leads Relief Effort with UB SCJPS Interns at the Forefront, Advancing Community Resilience and SDG Goals
BAGUIO CITY – In the wake of Typhoon Tino’s devastation in Cebu, the Police Regional Office–Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO–COR), under the leadership of PBGEN Ericson D. Dilag, mobilized a massive humanitarian effort that highlighted the Cordilleran tradition of Binnadang—a cultural ethos embodying collective responsibility, empathy, and solidarity. The operation drew together government units, academic institutions, private organizations, volunteer groups, and civic-minded individuals to provide immediate relief to families affected by the typhoon. Among the active participants were interns from the University of Baguio – School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (UB SCJPS), whose contributions played a vital role in the mission.
On November 7, 2025, donations from across the Cordillera were consolidated at Camp Major Bado Dangwa in La Trinidad, Benguet. The response from local communities was overwhelming. Schools, cooperatives, civic organizations, private citizens, and volunteer groups contributed sacks of rice, canned goods, hygiene kits, and fresh highland vegetables. The Baguio City Police Office further expanded the relief collection drive, leveraging its network of partner organizations throughout the city to reach more donors.
The next day, personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB15) transported 6.8 tons of highland vegetables, 52 sacks of rice, and numerous essential items to Clark Air Base in Pampanga for immediate airlift to Cebu. The operation was meticulously coordinated by Ms. Khristine E. Molitas, Vice-Chairperson of the Battalion Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development (BAGPTD), in close partnership with the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD) of PRO7. The successful mobilization underscored both the operational efficiency and the unwavering solidarity that are hallmarks of the Cordilleran identity.
Standing alongside uniformed personnel and volunteer groups, UB SCJPS interns were deeply involved in the logistical and operational aspects of the relief effort. Assigned to RMFB15, the interns assisted in transporting, sorting, and organizing large volumes of relief goods, ensuring that all donations were properly prepared for dispatch to the typhoon-stricken areas.
Their roles included:
- Receiving and transferring donations from partner agencies to the main collection site
- Sorting vegetables, rice, canned goods, and hygiene kits for efficient repacking
- Organizing and labeling relief loads for transport to Clark Air Base
- Working collaboratively with police and volunteer groups to maintain a smooth operational flow
Interns from the University of the Cordilleras (UC) also participated, reinforcing the spirit of multi-sectoral collaboration that defined the initiative. For UB SCJPS students, this engagement offered more than community service; it provided firsthand exposure to public safety operations, teamwork, crisis response, and humanitarian leadership—core values for future professionals in criminology and forensic science.
The Binnadang relief operation exemplified how localized humanitarian efforts can align with global development priorities, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- SDG 1: No Poverty & SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By distributing essential food supplies, the initiative addressed immediate nutritional needs, alleviated community vulnerability, and supported families in the critical early stages of recovery.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Hygiene kits, fresh food, and other essential items minimized health risks, reduced potential disease spread, and safeguarded both physical and mental well-being during a challenging time.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The organized and coordinated disaster response demonstrated the importance of preparedness, collective action, and the role of strong local institutions in fostering resilient communities.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The operation reinforced the notion that law enforcement agencies are not only enforcers of the law but also vital partners in humanitarian response. PRO–COR’s leadership reflected accountability, transparency, and community responsiveness, highlighting the broader concept of justice in action.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The mission illustrated the power of collaboration, with police units, government agencies, academic institutions, volunteers, and private citizens coming together to amplify impact and extend assistance efficiently to those in need.
Through these contributions, UB SCJPS interns not only aided in relief operations but also embodied the principles of civic engagement, ethical leadership, and public service, learning valuable lessons that extend beyond the classroom.
The Cordilleran tradition of Binnadang shone brightly in this humanitarian mission. Beyond providing immediate relief, the initiative delivered hope, reassurance, and a sense of unity to families recovering from Typhoon Tino. For the University of Baguio – SCJPS, the event reinforced the institution’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible leaders who prioritize empathy, service, and integrity.
As the relief operations unfolded, the interns witnessed how strong institutions, rooted in compassion and accountability, inspire collective action and strengthen social cohesion. The initiative served as a vivid demonstration that peace, justice, and community trust are built not only through policies but through tangible acts of solidarity and service.
The success of the Binnadang relief mission is a testament to the resilience, generosity, and collaborative spirit of the Cordilleran people. In times of crisis, the region continues to exemplify its capacity to respond effectively, guided by enduring values of compassion, unity, and shared responsibility. Through the efforts of PRO–COR, RMFB15, UB SCJPS interns, and countless volunteers, the Cordillera has once again shown that a community united in purpose can deliver relief, hope, and recovery to those in need.
