BUTUAN CITY -- To ensure a safety and secure environment for tourists in the province of Agusan del Norte, 35 policemen in the province underwent a 5-day special training course on Tourist Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) Program from October 10 to14, 2022.

The training was organized by the national program of the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADN-PPO) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) – Caraga and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Tourism Division. 

Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante shared during the opening program the importance of the said training. She said that having a safe and secure tourism environment is the only way to boost tourism activities in the province.

Governor Amante also expressed her gratitude to the leadership of PCol. Filemon O. Pacious, the Officer-in-charge of ADN-PPO, for organizing the training and ensuring the availability of police officers in assisting tourists. “I am really thankful to you, PCol. Pacious for spearheading this training in order to equip our police officers with their required skills and learn to be able to carry out their duties in assisting and protecting our tourists,” Gov. Amante said.

The 5-day training sought to provide basic tourism concepts and an overview of the role and responsibilities of a tourst police officer  as well as inculcate values, skills, knowledge, and work attitudes of an effective tourism frontliner. (Karen Decamotan/Photos by RFA, LGU Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)