In a productive partnership towards youth development, Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO) and the Save the Earth from A to Z (ASEZ) Church of God University Volunteer Group teamed up in empowering students with crime prevention measures, creating a safer RTU Community.
The forum, held on December 4, 2025 at the SNAGAH Penthouse, gathered students and key officials from the country’s various security groups, including PLTCOL Vinboy M. Pacamarra, Philippine National Police’s Assistant Chief of Police for Administration; 2nd Lt. Denver D. Corum from the Philippine Army; and Ms. Arlene P. Gampal, Officer-in-Charge of the Mandaluyong City Social Welfare Development (CSWD).
PLTCOL Pacamarra discussed how crime occurs and how students can identify and classify crimes, citing real life cases to understand the scope of the term ‘crime’. He also shared crime prevention tips through the principles of crime prevention especially personal, home, vehicle, cyber, and workplace safety tips.
Following him was 2nd Lt. Corum with his talk on information awareness through two campaigns: internal and external. He discussed external campaigns, focusing on the West Philippine Sea issue, where he defined different maritime zones based on nautical miles as recognized internationally. His discussion on internal campaigns focused on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict, focusing on the tactics used by groups involved in the local communist insurgency from organizing down to alliance-building.
Ms. Gampal discussed the handling of Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL) cases under the framework of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act or R.A. 9344. The talk emphasized the minimum age of criminal responsibility, highlighting that children 15 years old and below are exempt from criminal liability, but will be subjected to an intervention program to allow an opportunity for a safer rehabilitation instead.
Intervention and diversion were also discussed, focusing on the CSWD’s role in facilitating programs that prioritize rehabilitation and restorative justice over punitive action, including diversion for minor offenses. Ultimately, the role of CSWD/Bahay Pag-asa were detailed, emphasizing the function of social workers in assessment and protective custody, and the importance of the Bahay Pag-asa for temporary shelter and rehabilitation. The core message stressed the importance of protecting the best interest of the child and ensuring their reintegration into society.
The forum saw active participation from the students, who took the opportunity to learn by asking questions relevant to the discussions, showcasing the Rizalianos’ passion for social justice.
Through RTU’s partnership with ASEZ and IALO’s active initiative, the forum brought out-of-the-classroom knowledge to Rizalianos, enhancing their community safety and civic engagement awareness.
