By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

Student-leaders in Ilocos Norte tertiary schools are expected to become advocates for the prevention of crime and drug incidence in the locality after participating in a seminar conducted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) - Regional Office I at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Teatro Ilocandia today, October 19. 

With the theme “KaPaDYAK (Kabataan, kapulisan at Pamantasan nagkakaisa sa paglaban sa ilegal na Droga, Terorismo at Krimen),” the CHED’s Peace Education Project is implemented in partnership with the National Police Commission, Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Department of Health. 

Student-leader-participants come from MMSU, Northwestern University, Divine Word College of Laoag, and the Data Center College of the Philippines - Laoag. Key officials from the partner-agencies also attended the activity. 

The seminar involved learning sessions on Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, Drug ID and Salient Feature of Republic Act 9165, Dangerous Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, and Crime Prevention Education and Security Awareness. 

CHED RO1 officer-in-charge director Danilo B. Bose emphasized that HEIs play an important role in championing youth development. "We appeal to higher education institutions to show support to the well-being of our students through strong guidance, counseling, health, and student affairs services," he urged. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis welcomed the organizers and participants in the one-day event, saying that implementing drug and crime prevention initiatives in higher education institutions is integral in delivering quality education. 

CHED RO1 earlier brought the peace education seminar in La Union, Pangasinan, and Ilocos Sur. The KaPaDYAK project is in line with CHED Memorandum Order 42 series of 2005, which enjoins all colleges and universities to organize Student Crime Prevention Councils and provide full support to the crime prevention campaign of the government. (HLY/JVBT/StratCom)