BAGUIO CITY — In an impressive demonstration of dedication and proficiency, a total of 139 security guards, including 39 members from the SM Emergency Response Team (SMERT), have recently accomplished a comprehensive eight-day (40 hours) emergency response course.

This comprehensive training program has equipped them with essential skills necessary to enhance their readiness and capability, aligning with the standards established by the SM Security Force assigned to SM Supermalls, SM Retail Group, and its affiliated entities.

The training also aims to prioritize the safety and well-being of valued customers, employees, and tenants.

The completion ceremony took place on June 22, 2023 at SM City Baguio, where the remarkable achievements of these individuals were duly recognized.

Five security guards were acknowledged for their exceptional performance in the written examination conducted by the Customer Relations Service – Shopping Center Management Corporation (CRS-SCMC) Training Committee on May 9, 2023:

• Top 1 (92% average score) Beth L. Pasong, CRS Representative, SM City Baguio
• Top 2 (90% average score) Mar Alexeous S. Gatchalian, Resident Engineer, SM City Baguio
• Top 3 (84% average score) Ronnie Rick D. Espiritu, CRS Representative, SM City Baguio
• Top 2 (86% average score) Carolyn Calungsod, Northpoint Security Agency
• Top 3 (84% average score) Jona A. Ortiz, RJC Security Agency

The guest of honor and speaker at the graduation ceremony was Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) chief Francisco B. Bulwayan, Jr.

In his address, Bulwayan expressed his appreciation to SM City Baguio for their invaluable contribution in providing this essential training course.

“Being able to organize and conduct such training by a private organization means a lot not only to the police force but to the entire residents and visitors of Baguio City,” Bulwayan stated.

“As SM Baguio is a well-known point of convergence, this initiative only indicates that safety and order are not compromised especially on weekends and holidays when mallgoers and visitors flock to the area,” Bulwayan added.

Bulwayan lauded the security guards for their dedication and efforts, acknowledging the critical role they play in maintaining law and order.

He commended their willingness to undergo rigorous training to enhance their emergency response capabilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.

“I am grateful for the effort and determination of our participants who received and were educated with this training. Let this training completion be a catalyst for a strong security culture which is essential to maintaining the security posture we have carried out for years,” Bulwayan said.

The BCPO chief expressed aspiration that the occasion would stand as a testament to the course’s significance and highlight the vital role of collaboration between public and private sectors in safeguarding the safety and security of the community.

“Through this training, I hope that SM Baguio and the BCPO will sustain a partnership and collaboration that emphasizes the responsibility to make better and stronger law enforcement and public service that safeguards every citizen and visitor of our beloved city making Baguio a safer place to live, work, and do business,” Bulwayan stated.