We see them forming lines, snappy and austere, whenever we stroll the campus grounds as we go to classes or head off to mind our own business. We often hear them greet our teachers with salutations as they encounter them in covered walks, classrooms, and even outside the campus! Our minds paint these images when we think of the BS in Criminology program of Isabela State University Angadanan Campus – militaristic and strict. Still, they are capable of transcending the community’s expectations and have more than what meets the eye.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminology program, in partnership with the Frontier for Innovative Criminology Society (FICS), has expressed the spirit of service in their future careers as enforcers of the law, pushing the boundaries of instruction and catering to the community’s police officers through the Defensive Tactics and Security Program on September 8, 2024. Choosing Barangay Centro 3 of Angadanan, Isabela, its Barangay Captain Joseph Daracan became an avid advocate for the initiative, as creating a safe and orderly community is one of the primary roles of our local governments.

The event was marked by an aspiration to teach participants essential techniques in personal defense, situational awareness, and the fundamentals of security services. The competent instructors from FICS demonstrated hand-to-hand combat techniques and non-lethal weapon use, providing the participants with realistic and applicable self-defense strategies. These activities are imperative to the conduct of security management – equipping the barangay police officers with skills in assessing risks and implementing safety measures in the community.

The training program concluded with an open forum, allowing the participants to raise some concerns and receive advice on crime prevention. Cezar Ryan Simon, the FICS governor, expressed the importance of the initiative to share and extend the program’s knowledge to the community. “Masaya po na nakikita [niyo] silang natutuwa sa mga tinuturo nyo sakanila,” he added.

The Defensive Tactics and Security Program went hand-in-hand with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Through this collaborative effort, the school and its community established a cooperative environment, not only producing competitive citizens for the nation but also fostering a safe society for a sustainable future.