TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Tabuk City Police Office recently organized an informative lecture forum for hundreds of Grade 11 students from Tabuk City National High School at the Tabuk City People’s Gymnasium. The event, part of the ongoing Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terrorismo (KKDAT) Program, focused on raising awareness about key social issues impacting today’s youth. With the theme “Kabataang Bagani, Bagong Bayani”, the forum aimed to equip students with knowledge on vital topics such as traffic rules, cybercrime laws, drug prevention, and the importance of responsible citizenship.
The lecture was formally opened by Police Lieutenant Colonel Medi Lapangan Jr., Chief of the Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU) of Kalinga Provincial Police Office (PPO). He addressed the students on the importance of obeying traffic rules, particularly warning against minors operating motorcycles without proper licenses. Lapangan emphasized that adherence to traffic laws is critical in minimizing accidents, noting that records indicate a high number of motorcycle-related accidents involve minors.
Another crucial topic discussed during the forum was the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Given the high level of online activity among young people, particularly on social media platforms, Police Chief Master Sergeant Ford Wassig spoke about the risks of cybercrimes. He explained that students, especially minors, are not exempt from the law and may unknowingly fall victim to or even violate cybercrime laws.
In addition, Police Chief Master Sergeant Wassig underscored the importance of student involvement in the KKDAT Program, particularly in helping the Philippine National Police combat illegal drugs and terrorism. He encouraged the students to actively support these initiatives by becoming well-informed and responsible members of their community.
Finally, Police Master Sergeant Prudencio Atas of the Tabuk City Police Office warned about the growing issue of illegal drugs in the city. He informed the students that they are often targeted by drug pushers and urged them to stay away from substances that can severely harm their health and future. Atas also emphasized the importance of reporting any drug-related activities they might witness, particularly those taking place in or near their schools.
The educational forum organized by the Tabuk City Police Office successfully provided students with valuable insights into traffic safety, cybercrime prevention, and drug awareness. By engaging youth in these critical conversations, the police hope to foster a generation of responsible citizens who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern world and contribute to building safer communities. By Jess
