Nocppo unveils PHP 44.6M admin building facelift

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) in Barangay Estefania here unveiled its newly renovated administrative building and grandstand, with a combined cost of PHP 44,691,479.96, marking 50 years since the facility’s original inauguration in 1975.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region, and Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, together with Police Col. Dennis Wenceslao, Nocppo director, led the inauguration and blessing of the two structures at the provincial police headquarters.

In his message, Ibay said the newly refurbished building marks a proud and historic milestone for Nocppo, symbolizing the organization’s collective vision, hard work, and commitment to public service.

More than a physical structure, Ibay said the facility reflects the readiness of the newly created region to protect lives, uphold the law, and serve with integrity and professionalism, while embodying public trust and the responsibility of safeguarding peace and security.

“As we inaugurate this facility, let us renew our commitment to the people of Negros Occidental to be steadfast protectors of peace, builders of public trust, and servants of the nation,” Ibay said.

With the support of local leaders, legislators, and other stakeholders, the regional office said the facility is envisioned to inspire police personnel to serve with honor, respect human rights, and lead with courage and compassion.

The provincial police force was first established at the site in August 1945, when it primarily served as the headquarters of the Provincial Military Command.

In August 1974, the original Nocppo building was constructed during the incumbency of then Maj. Gen. Fidel Ramos, who later served as president of the Philippines.

The facility was inaugurated for use on April 24, 1975, by the late Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, who was then secretary of national defense.

After five decades, the administrative building was reconstructed in 2022 and funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act through the support of then Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano and then Bacolod Rep., now Mayor Greg Gasataya, with project allocations of PHP 14,701,479.96 and PHP 19,490,000, respectively.

The building project was initiated under the leadership of then Nocppo director Police Col. Leo Pamittan and implemented during the term of former Nocppo director Police Col. Rainerio De Chavez.

The old grandstand was constructed in 2022 as part of the Philippine National Police Multi-Purpose Center.

The grandstand project was funded through the Peace and Order Council Fund of the Negros Occidental provincial government, with an allocation of PHP 10,500,000.

Lacson said that as guardians of public safety, the men and women of the Philippine National Police work tirelessly to ensure the security and well-being of communities, making it vital that they are provided with adequate resources, facilities, and infrastructure to perform their duties effectively and with dignity.