A POLICE organization cannot continuously ask its people to sacrifice without also showing that it cares for them.
That is the message behind the BAGAS Program launched by Police Regional Office 5 director PBGen. Randy Glenn Silvio, turning the principle of morale and welfare into something personnel can actually feel.
Launched on September 21 at Camp BGen. Simeon A. Ola in Legazpi City, BAGAS initially provided 10 kilos of rice each to 150 personnel, including police commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, non-uniformed personnel and members of regional support units.
But the real story is not the rice. It is the leadership principle behind it.
Silvio made BAGAS a monthly welfare initiative covering personnel from the regional headquarters, police provincial offices, Naga City Police Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5 and regional support units.
That makes the program more than a one-time gesture. It becomes a continuing expression of malasakit, appreciation and concern for the men and women who keep PRO 5 operations moving.
The initiative also reflects the PNP Focused Agenda of Gen. Jose Melencio “Tateng” Nartatez Jr., particulary its emphasis on morale and welfare.
Under Silvio, that direction has been translated into a concrete regional program.
For police personnel who spend long hours facing demanding assignments, even a simple gesture can carry a powerful message — their service is seen, their sacrifices matter and the organization has not forgotten them.
And perhaps that is the bigger value of BAGAS.
When leaders take care of the people who serve, they strengthen morale, camaraderie and commitment.
Because before police personnel can fully take care of the communities they serve, they also need to know that their own organization is taking care of them.
