PDI assistant general manager Gordon I. Marciano said over the years, they have been continually supporting the programs of DPS.
“Families would want to know what DPS is doing. We would like to erase the perception by educating our kids that police officers are ordinary people and very approachable,” Marciano said.
He added that this is the first time they donated to the DARE program.
“When tourists are taken on the police car or fire truck and given a ride around the block, this is a big thing for them, and we hope to continue this relationship with DPS,” Marciano said.
He added that PDI assistant general manager Masanori Takahashi has been his partner in implementing programs for the children.
DARE board president and Dandan Elementary School principal Jonas Barcinas extends his appreciation to PDI for the donation not just for DARE but for crime prevention, the Law Enforcement Explorers and other programs.
“We like to give our tourists the opportunity to understand that they are safe when they come to Saipan because word of mouth is the best form of advertisement,” Barcinas said.
He said it is important for the children to be involved in the other educational awareness programs.
According to Barcinas, collaboration among the tourism industry, DPS and the schools will entice more tourists to visit the CNMI.
“With all the crimes going on, we want to maintain the integrity of this place — we want to show that this is a safe place and this is where adults come in, to nurture the kids to become peaceful citizens of the island,” Barcinas said.
