As an educational institution, it is one of Holy Cross College’s mandates to shape the youth as nation builders. Apart from developing its students academically and intellectually, Holy Cross College also engages its learners in various organizations and activities through which they can serve and contribute to the community. In line with this, the institution established the HCC-KKDAT.
KKDAT or Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo is a youth organization convened by the Philippine National Police (PNP). Its objective is to mobilize the Filipino youth as the government’s partners in the fight against illegal drugs and terrorism. HCC-KKDAT is the College’s chapter of the national youth group. Mr. Jeffrey Lansangan, chief of HCC’s Safety and Protection Division, and Mr. Mark John Pangan, program chair of BS in Criminology, act as advisers of HCC-KKDAT.
“The KKDAT program at HCC intends to inform, organize and mobilize the youth and student sectors as an advocacy support group that will stand against illegal drugs and terrorism. The program also aims to intensify the spirit of volunteerism among the youth and student sectors,” said Pangan.
HCC-KKDAT was formally launched last October 20. The organization is currently recruiting members from different programs in the college department. The following are the elected officers of the HCC-KKDAT:
PRESIDENT: Royeth B. Mallari
VICE PRESIDENT: Marielle L. Sevilla
SECRETARY: Micaela T. Pingul
P.R.O.: April Ann S. Salazar
TREASURER: Jearhaldyn Ong Nucum
AUDITOR: Mickey V. Galus
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Ana Marie Dela Cruz / John Paul F. Tolentino
The young organization is collaborating with the local PNP, according to Lansangan. The existing members attend online seminars or training in line with the KKDAT’s objectives, organized by the PNP and the Commission on Higher Education. Besides this, HCC-KKDAT engages in charity work.
For now, due to the pandemic restrictions, HCC-KKDAT is focusing on organizing regular webinars and online symposia ‘to enable students to be updated with the latest programs of the PNP with regard to terrorism and illegal drugs’, Pangan explained.
HCC-KKDAT is also scheduled to set out its awareness campaigns on drugs and terrorism among HCC students through infographics and interactive activities such as poster-making contests.