ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A total of P35-million worth of buildings and equipment will be given to the Police Regional Office-6, according to the benefactor, Iloilo 2nd district Rep. Arcadio Gorriceta, during the 112th Police Service Anniversary celebration the other day.
Gorriceta, a first-term congressman who was the event's guest of honor, said he will push for the construction of a tourist police school in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan and a new building at the PRO-6 headquarters to replace the one destroyed by fire and explosion last May 15.
Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr., PRO-6 director, said the tourist police school will cost around P12.5 million and an additional P2.5 million for the equipment, while the new building's cost is pegged at P20 million.
Gorriceta assured the police of his commitment: "That's 100 percent for sure. Since Congress is now deliberating on the budget, I would ask the PNP and the DILG to prioritize these projects."
If only these matters are within his congressional clout, Gorriceta said he could have allocated part of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to these.
The congressman said that, if the police tourist school could not be prioritized, then he will tap the private sector because they will benefit from it anyway. "If we could not get funds from the government, I would ask the owners of restaurants, hotels, and resorts to help in the construction," he said.
Cruz said he will also ask others legislators, even Senate President Franklin Drilon and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, who have assured the PRO-6 of their support to the projects.
"We noted that more than 90 percent of foreign tourists have been visiting Western Visayas, that's why we see the need to professionalize our policemen; teach them courtesy and respect for the tourists and visitors," he said.
With better policemen serving the region's tourist attractions, Cruz was optimistic it could bring progress and development to the area. (FREEMAN)