Written by Justin Almarvez, Gabrielle Cabredo, and Allison Bermudez
Leadership is a crucial skill that transcends various aspects of personal and professional life. Recognizing this, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB15) spearheaded a three-day Basic Youth Leadership Training (BYLT) at the Legacy Multi-Purpose Hall and FGB Hall, from January 14-16, 2024. The program aimed to equip intern applicants from the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) with fundamental leadership competencies, teamwork abilities, and personal growth opportunities.
The training gathered a total of 245 participants, including Criminology and Forensic Science intern applicants, the intern coordinator, and distinguished speakers. The sessions were designed to foster essential leadership qualities while reinforcing teamwork and ethical decision-making among participants. The event was structured around interactive activities, discussions, and real-world scenarios to ensure a dynamic and immersive learning experience.
The program commenced with team formation and expectation sharing, where participants were encouraged to interact and establish camaraderie. One of the highlights of the day was the Bomb Shelter Activity, which tested participants’ ethical reasoning and decision-making under pressure. A session on conflict management followed, equipping interns with the necessary strategies to handle interpersonal and organizational disputes effectively.
A critical aspect of leadership is understanding broader social issues. A session on terrorist group awareness educated participants on the recruitment tactics and ideologies of organizations such as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and National Democratic Front (NDF). This discussion emphasized vigilance and national security awareness. To conclude the day, participants signed a commitment tarpaulin, symbolizing their pledge to uphold peace and reject affiliations with extremist groups.
The second day of training opened with a session on mental health awareness, focusing on stress management and emotional resilience. Participants engaged in a Straw Tower Building Activity, a hands-on exercise that reinforced strategic planning, communication, and teamwork. A lecture on the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 provided insights into drug laws and the importance of community involvement in combating illegal substances.
The day concluded with a reflection and positive feedback activity, allowing participants to engage in self-evaluation and receive constructive affirmations from their peers.
The final day was dedicated to team-building exercises that tested the participants’ physical endurance, adaptability, and trust in one another. Intern applicants performed the PNP Dozen exercises before engaging in blindfolded and trust-based challenges that encouraged teamwork in high-pressure scenarios. The trust fall and crawling exercises strengthened bonds among participants, reinforcing the importance of mutual reliance in leadership and law enforcement settings.
The BYLT successfully met its objectives, fostering participants’ growth in decision-making, adaptability, and ethical reasoning while enhancing collaboration and conflict-resolution skills through interactive activities. The training contributed to both personal and professional development, aligning with the goals of SCJPS. It also supported several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing valuable knowledge and leadership skills under SDG 4: Quality Education, preparing interns for meaningful careers in line with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and strengthening future leaders’ capacity to contribute to just institutions under SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Additionally, it encouraged collaboration within organizations and communities, advancing SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
The Basic Youth Leadership Training provided a transformative experience for future leaders in criminal justice and public safety. Through strategic discussions, physical challenges, and ethical reasoning exercises, participants gained the skills necessary to lead with integrity and teamwork. The event not only strengthened leadership potential but also cultivated a sense of responsibility and unity among interns, paving the way for a more prepared and empowered generation of professionals in law enforcement and public service.
