PRO2 strengthens youth engagement through nation-building symposium

The Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2) strengthened its engagement with the youth and the academe through a symposium on the role of young people in nation-building held at the Isabela State University-Cabagan Campus in Barangay Garita, Cabagan, Isabela on September 10, 2026.

The activity featured retired Police Lieutenant General Cesar Hawthorne R. Binag, president of Christians for Nation Building (CANB), as resource speaker. Drawing from his experience in public service and leadership, Binag discussed the role of the youth in shaping the country’s future and contributing to their communities.

Binag emphasized responsible citizenship, values-based leadership, discipline, integrity, and active participation in community affairs. He encouraged students to take an active role in society and make responsible choices that contribute to peace, unity and positive change.

The symposium also provided an opportunity for PRO2 to engage directly with students and encourage stronger cooperation between the police, schools and communities.

In his message, PRO2 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Mariano C. Rodriguez underscored the importance of empowering young people and providing them opportunities to become active partners in building peaceful and progressive communities.

“Our young people have the energy, ideas, and potential to create meaningful change in our communities. By equipping them with the right values, discipline, and sense of responsibility, we are not only preparing them to become future leaders—we are empowering them to become active partners in nation-building today,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez added that nation-building requires the participation of various sectors, including the youth, schools, families and communities, noting that the police cannot accomplish its mandate alone.

“Nation-building is a shared responsibility. The police cannot accomplish its mission alone. We need the participation of our youth, our schools, families, and communities,” he said.

The regional police office said the symposium forms part of its continuing efforts to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions and youth organizations while promoting responsible citizenship, community participation and peace.

The activity also highlighted PRO2’s guiding principle, “To Serve And Protect All” (TSAPA), which emphasizes inclusive police service and stronger collaboration with different sectors of the community.