The Kalinga State University, in partnership with the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Cordillera, officially launched the first project under the SAFE Skills 2.0 initiative: a Seminar Workshop on Legal Compliance and Gender Sensitivity for the Kalinga Provincial Security Group (PSG). It was held at the RND Training Hall, KSU Main Campus, Bulanao, and was spearheaded by the Department of Languages and the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE).

The project aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Kalinga PSG by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge. This training program covers key legislative frameworks, essential operational and communication skills, and critical awareness of gender sensitivity.

University President Dr. Eduardo T. Bagtang expressed his gratitude to the PAO lawyers who served as resource speakers for the participants. He emphasized the importance of continuous training and workshops for security personnel, noting that their role is vital in any institution. “Equipping our security personnel with the right skills and knowledge is crucial,” said Dr. Bagtang. He also highlighted that one of the university’s thrusts is to extend extension projects, and initiatives like this are commendable.

Atty. Jonathan P. Bosantog, representing the PAO Regional Office-CAR, mentioned that PAO is very willing to extend their expertise and work in partnership with similar initiatives. “We look forward to collaborating on future projects that aim to enhance the capabilities of our security personnel,” he stated.

The SAFE Skills project was launched in March of last year, born out of a collaborative effort to enhance the capabilities of the Kalinga PSG. This initiative began when Sir Semion Bentican recognized the need for targeted training and development. He approached the CCJE and the Department of Languages to conduct a comprehensive training needs assessment. Based on the results of this assessment and thorough consultations with the Chief of PSG, the SAFE Skills program was crafted. The partnership was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Kalinga, Kalinga State University, and the Philippine Criminologists Association of the Philippines-Kalinga Chapter, which served as the primary source of resource speakers.

In its inaugural phase, SAFE Skills Program 1.0 successfully implemented four key projects. As Phase 2 begins, today’s seminar on Legal Compliance and Gender Sensitivity marks the first of three planned initiatives. The remaining projects are CLEAR-SKILLS: Comprehensive Literacy in Effective and Accurate Report Writing, and SAFE-GUN: Secure and Advance Firearms Education for Provincial Security Group.

Speakers at the seminar included Atty. Francis Calsiyao of Tabuk City, Atty. Jonardine Brioes of Abra, Atty. Jemen Mateo of Abra, and Atty. Chanda Usita-Collado of Apayao.

Also present during the inauguration of SAFE Skills Phase 2 werethe university officials Dr. Lope Buen, Vice President for Research and Extension] Dr. Raquel Dulliyao, Director of Extension; Dr. Mary Grace Ignacio, Dean of CCJE; Ms. Lourdes Adeline Nicole Y. Cosmiano. chair of the Department of Languages, the faculty and staff of CCJE, lawyers from different PAO district including the personnel from PAO Regional Office-CAR.