Partido State University (ParSU), through its College of Public Safety and Community Health (CPSCH), formally entered into a multi-sectoral research partnership with the Local Government Unit of Goa (LGU Goa) and the Philippine National Police โ Goa Municipal Police Station (PNP-Goa MPS) on February 10, 2026, in a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of Project SAFE: "Strengthening Awareness, Frameworks, and Empowerment Against Sexual Violence."
The MOA institutionalizes collaboration among the academe, local government, and law enforcement to generate evidence-based, survivor-centered, and policy-relevant interventions addressing sexual violence in the Municipality of Goa. It establishes a shared framework for research governance, data access, and coordinated action, reinforcing sexual violence as both a criminal offense and a public safety and governance concern.
Presenting the project overview, CPSCH Dean Dr. Shirlene S. Esplana emphasized that Project SAFE goes beyond institutional collaboration, stating that "this project [not] only represents a collaboration between institutions but a shared commitment to protect dignity, [mitigate] injustice, and strengthen community safety [as] sexual violence remains one of the most pervasive yet under recorded violence in our society."
Anchored on the principle that "evidence must come before action," Project SAFE adopts a research-driven approach that treats sexual violence not only as a criminal issue but as a broader public safety and governance challenge.
The project will implement five interrelated studies examining reporting patterns, community knowledge, attitudes and perceptions, cultural norms, and institutional coordination mechanisms. According to Dr. Esplana, the studies seek to determine where and how sexual violence occurs, identify the most vulnerable sectors, examine why incidents often go unreported, assess the effectiveness of existing systems, and propose areas for institutional and policy improvement.
ParSU President Dr. Arnel B. Zarcedo affirmed the University's role in advancing protection through knowledge, stating, "As an educational institution, Partido State University believes that education is not confined to classrooms and laboratories. Research must illuminate reality, and extension must transform it." ย He added that "knowledge, when responsibly used, becomes protection," emphasizing ParSU's commitment to evidence-based, ethical, and confidential interventions.
President Zarcedo further stressed that "a community cannot develop where people do not feel safe," reiterating ParSU's responsibility to be a safe space through strengthened policies, reporting mechanisms, and support systems anchored on the Safe Spaces Act and gender-based violence laws. "A safe space is not created by signage. It is created by people who refuse to tolerate silence when harm occurs," he said.
Complementing this perspective, Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Raul G. Bradecina described Project SAFE as "an innovative way [to address] a very complicated problem in the community, such as sexual violence," recognizing ParSU as a knowledge hub capable of supporting solutions through research. He emphasized that barriers such as poverty, stigma, and limited access to health and justice require multi-strategy and multi-sectoral approaches grounded in cultural, historical, and socio-economic contexts.
From the law enforcement sector, PNP-Goa MPS Chief of Police PMAJ Ronald P. Brugada expressed the police force's commitment to the initiative, stating, "As chief of police, [this is a] pledge of commitment strengthening awareness, frameworks, and empowerment. A research initiative reflects not only our mission as law enforcers but our moral and social obligation as protectors of the community." He reaffirmed the PNP's commitment to fairness, accessibility of justice without prejudice, and creating an environment where survivors feel safe to come forward.
Reinforcing this commitment at the provincial level, PLTCOL Erwin Doma, Camarines Sur Police Provincial Director for Administration, conveyed the message of support from PCOL Virgilio O. Olalia Jr., describing the partnership as "more than a formal undertaking, [but] a strong statement of shared commitment to truth, justice, and protection of human dignity." He emphasized that evidence-based research and responsible extension programs strengthen both response and prevention, anchored on transparency, lawful cooperation, confidentiality, and the creation of safer spaces.
As chief executive of the municipality, Mayor Raquel S. Lim of Goa likewise affirmed the LGU's commitment, stating, "Today I stand before you as a partner in a cause that touches the very core of our community. My presence here is a clear statement of support." She stressed that sexual abuse demands collective action through education, open dialogue, community-based programs, and strengthened local policies and support systems that ensure accountability, justice, and survivor empowerment.
Under the MOA, ParSU-CPSCH will serve as the lead academic and technical implementing institution responsible for research design, ethical compliance, data analysis, and preparation of outputs. LGU Goa and PNP-Goa MPS act as co-implementing partners, providing operational support, access to relevant data, stakeholder coordination, and community engagement, subject to existing laws and protocols.
The ceremonial signing was attended by ParSU officials, CPSCH faculty and staff, student representative, and guests, including Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michael A. Clores and Vice President for Administration and Finance Prof. Charlie V. Balagtas, together with Municipal Councilors Hon. Ruby Pan, Hon. Ely Cariรฑo, and Hon. Ganet Atole. Also present were representatives from the Local Government Unit of GoaโJayne Gonzales (LGOO VI), Moriel Prado (MPDC), Jaypee Pares, RN (LGUโGoa RHU), Jocelyn Peralta (MSWDO), and Sherilyn Enciso (Social Welfare Officer I)โas well as personnel from the PNPโGoa Municipal Police Station and Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office, including NUP Nercie Pahoyo (GAD Focal) and PMSGg. Maricel C. Abundabbar (Chief, WCPD). Invited media partners were also present in solidarity with the initiative.
Following the signing, participants affixed their signatures on the SAFE Wall of Commitment, symbolizing their shared pledge to combat sexual violence.ย
Through Project SAFE, ParSU, LGU Goa, and PNP-Goa MPS seek to transform evidence into action, strengthen institutional coordination, and empower communities, reflecting a shared commitment to safety, justice, and human dignity.
