A municipal police station in Iloilo province that once operated out of an unused gymnasium restroom now has a rehabilitated office under the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) “Adopt-a-Police Station” initiative.
The San Rafael Municipal Police Station (MPS) in San Rafael, Iloilo, occupied the town gymnasium’s unused restroom for eight months before receiving a renovated, air-conditioned facility.
Police Regional Office Western Visayas (PRO-6) director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño led the inauguration Tuesday, Nov. 3. He had visited the station on Sept. 13, 2025, and found remnants of a shower hose and sink in its former quarters.
“This is the program of our Chief of the Philippine National Police, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., as a result of his visit to regional offices,” Tuaño said in an interview.
The initiative seeks to rehabilitate dilapidated, inadequate and makeshift police facilities, providing personnel with safe and functional workplaces and the public with more welcoming service centers. It is supported by private sector partners and other donors.
San Rafael MPS is the first recipient of the program in Western Visayas. Tuaño said the station was selected in recognition of its consistent performance, including early compliance with Project Restrict, Trace and Turn-in 3389 and its Gold Eagle Award under the Performance Governance System’s Proficient Status.
“We are only asking them to sustain their diligence, service and concern for the people of San Rafael,” Tuaño said.
Station officer-in-charge Lt. Francis Carona expressed gratitude for the new facility, saying he was moved to tears during the inauguration.
He said the assignment in San Rafael had once been used to threaten underperforming police officers. Despite the station’s poor working conditions, however, its personnel persevered and maintained a top ranking in unit performance for several months.
Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Col. Bayani Razalan urged personnel to draw inspiration from their improved workplace and become more disciplined, professional and committed to their duties.
He also thanked Tuaño for his support, saying his generosity reflected concern for police personnel’s welfare and their ability to serve the public effectively.
Tuaño said regional police officials would discuss the next beneficiary of the initiative during their second command conference on Friday.
During Tuesday’s event, authorities also turned over three patrol vehicles to the Estancia MPS in Iloilo, Maayon MPS in Capiz and the Second Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company. Information and communications equipment was also distributed to the Zarraga MPS and IPPO headquarters. (PNA)