The Department of Tourism, Region 2 initiates the commencement of the Integrated Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (ITOPCOP) Training for the Tourist Police of the Province of Isabela, scheduled to take place from March 19-22, 2024, at the DA-CVRC, San Felipe, Ilagan City, Isabela.
This capacity-building initiative aligns with the establishment of a Tourist Police Unit in the Province of Isabela, in accordance with the provisions stipulated in Republic Act 9593, also recognized as the Tourism Act of 2009. Furthermore, the endeavor serves as a preparatory measure for the provincial police personnel ahead of the Holy Week Celebration, anticipating a surge in tourist influx, particularly for Visita Iglesia and other significant occasions.
The Opening Ceremony, held today, was attended by esteemed officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP), including PLTCOL Efren Geraban of the Regional Police Provincial Office, PLTCOL Jane Abigail Bautista of Isabela Police Provincial Office and Ms. Joanne Dy Maranan, the Isabela Provincial Tourism Officer.
Fifty-six participants representing various police stations across Province of Isabela actively participated in the training sessions facilitated by Resource Speakers and Subject Matter Experts. The session covered a range of topics, including a TOPCOP Overview and Basic Principles of Tourist Safety, delivered via online session by PCPT Apolonio Ablan; discussions on Human Rights, led by PMAJ Marvin Pascua; an Introduction to the Incident Command System, presented by Mr. Ronald Villa from the Office of the Civil Defense – Region 2; and insights into Childsafe Tourism, conveyed through an online session by Mr. Romeo Caranguain, Jr from the Department of Tourism-Region 2.(DOT Region 2).#
