PRO-NIR launches Project 3Ps to guide youth away from crime

BACOLOD City — The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has launched an initiative aimed at promoting positive values, responsible decision-making and crime prevention among young people, particularly children in conflict with the law (CICL), in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

Project 3Ps, or Paper and Pencil for Peace, was launched on October 10 at Marton Cui Hall of the Calatrava Municipal Building, gathering 60 CICLs from Calatrava National High School. Out-of-school youth were also identified as potential beneficiaries.

Initiated by the Calatrava Municipal Police Station under the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, the project was implemented in partnership with the local government, Department of Education, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, and media partners.

The initiative seeks to promote youth development and juvenile welfare by providing guidance, education and opportunities for young people to reflect on their choices and work toward a better future.

Activities included discussions on the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, gender awareness and sensitivity, and spiritual enhancement. Team-building exercises were also conducted to encourage cooperation, mutual respect, self-confidence and positive relationships among participants.

A highlight of the program was a paper-and-pencil activity in which participants expressed their dreams, aspirations and hopes through drawings.

PRO-NIR said the activity encouraged the youth to recognize their potential and understand that their present circumstances do not have to define their future.

Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Rudecindo L. Reales emphasized that police service extends beyond law enforcement to helping young people make responsible decisions and find opportunities to improve their lives.

“Every young person deserves guidance, understanding, and the opportunity to make a positive change,” Reales said.

He stressed the importance of working with community partners to protect young people, guide them toward responsible choices and provide the support they need to become responsible members of society.

Project 3Ps also aims to strengthen participants’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities while promoting peaceful ways of resolving conflicts and dealing with life’s challenges.

Through collaboration among local government agencies, schools and other community stakeholders, the initiative seeks to establish a support system that addresses the needs of vulnerable youth and encourages their positive development, PRO-NIR said./PN