MANGYAN ASSISTANCE DESKS (MADs): BASIS FOR COMMUNITY AND SERVICE-ORIENTED POLICING (CSOP) RETOOLING IN OCCIDENTAL MINDORO
Type
Thesis
Authors
Category
PSOSEC
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Publication Year
2025
Abstract
This Capstone Paper focused on the evaluation of the Mangyan Assistance Desks (MADs) which is a unique initiative in Mindoro, with the intention of fostering culturally-anchored policing approaches. The study aimed to: (a) assess the effectiveness of the MADs as a tool for effectively delivering police services; (b) identify the challenges that limit the effectiveness of the Mangyan Assistance Desks in addressing the law enforcement and safety needs of the indigenous people in Occidental Mindoro; and (c) endorse an Action Plan in line with the need to retool this initiative. The mixed method research design was utilized for this study.
Results revealed that the Mangyan Assistance Desk was rated highly in terms of the ‘Community Partnerships’ component. This was rated moderately in all other four components (Problem-Solving Strategies, Community Empowerment, Tactical Dimension, and Organization Transformation). The survey results indicate the presence of numerous gaps or areas for improvement. Furthermore, it became evident that there are multifaceted challenges that hinder or limit the success of this initiative in Occidental Mindoro. Among the most notable challenges are the following: (i) The challenge in incorporating culturally-sensitive approaches and strategies; (ii) Limited participation and empowerment of the IP leaders and representatives; (iii) Weak or insufficient level of coordination among local stakeholder; (iv) The challenge associated with police outreach programs and declining trust in the police; (v) Overburdened police personnel at the local levels; and (vi) Inadequate training programs on cultural awareness, CSOP, and cultural sensitivity. All these challenges must be effectively addressed to uplift the effectiveness of this initiative for the welfare and benefit of the indigenous peoples.
Part of the recommendation of the study is the launching of targeted training programs, and development of relevant modules and materials. This became the starting point of the Action Plan which is dubbed as Culturally-sensitive and Service-Oriented Policing for Indigenous Communities. This plan involves the offering of targeted training programs which is composed of four (4) modules, including that of the immersion activity.
Results revealed that the Mangyan Assistance Desk was rated highly in terms of the ‘Community Partnerships’ component. This was rated moderately in all other four components (Problem-Solving Strategies, Community Empowerment, Tactical Dimension, and Organization Transformation). The survey results indicate the presence of numerous gaps or areas for improvement. Furthermore, it became evident that there are multifaceted challenges that hinder or limit the success of this initiative in Occidental Mindoro. Among the most notable challenges are the following: (i) The challenge in incorporating culturally-sensitive approaches and strategies; (ii) Limited participation and empowerment of the IP leaders and representatives; (iii) Weak or insufficient level of coordination among local stakeholder; (iv) The challenge associated with police outreach programs and declining trust in the police; (v) Overburdened police personnel at the local levels; and (vi) Inadequate training programs on cultural awareness, CSOP, and cultural sensitivity. All these challenges must be effectively addressed to uplift the effectiveness of this initiative for the welfare and benefit of the indigenous peoples.
Part of the recommendation of the study is the launching of targeted training programs, and development of relevant modules and materials. This became the starting point of the Action Plan which is dubbed as Culturally-sensitive and Service-Oriented Policing for Indigenous Communities. This plan involves the offering of targeted training programs which is composed of four (4) modules, including that of the immersion activity.
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