VSU security force hones technical competence, readiness across all campuses

To enhance safety and security measures in all VSU campuses, approximately fifty-four (54) security personnel from the VSU main and component campuses gathered together for an intense orientation on improving their skills and efficiency on September 14-15, 2026 at the RDE breakout room.

The two-day training focused on building technical competence, operational preparedness, professionalism, and appropriate response to emerging security situations.

Retired Police Major Edgar T. Octaviano who is currently serving as Security Manager in the Security and Safety Services Office (SSSO) of the university spearheaded the training with the concept of “KAS,” short for Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills. 

Upholding vigilance and campus safety

In her welcome remarks, the VSU President, Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, highlighted the vital role of our security personnel  as the first point of contact and primary defenders of the VSU community. 

“They act as the eyes and ears of our university,” she emphasized in her address.

She reiterated the strict enforcement of the “No ID, No Entry” policy at the main gate and entrance/exit of the university to ensure the safety and security of all campus constituents.

The President also emphasized that the VSU security force must maintain an uncompromising vigilance at the university gates and entrances to guarantee the safety of students, faculty members, and staff.

Comprehensive tactical and protocol training

During the seminar, Maj. Octaviano facilitated a series of lectures and drills to prepare the security personnel for their daily tasks and responsibilities as well as possible red-flagged situations.

The session aimed to capacitate the guards with the necessary insight, attitudes, and customer service skills to help them in their professional and courteous interaction with the guests, students, faculty, and staff of the University.

In addition, the guards received training on emergency response and management, including active shooter response, bomb threat, and terrorist tool identification and response and management as well as the identification and detection of Improvised Explosive Devices or IEDs.

To better appreciate their roles and duties, they were also introduced to the legal basis of self-defense and citizen’s arrest and fundamental operational and reporting procedures and patrol basics.

Lectures were followed by tactical applications and drills, including self-defense and Arnis de Mano to test and measure the guards' proficiency and test their decision-making capabilities in time-sensitive and mission-critical situations.

Acknowledging frontliner dedication

In his message to security personnel, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Moises Neil V. Seriño recognized their dedication and commitment to serving the university despite the challenges and sacrifices that the nature of the job requires.

“Being a security guard is not an easy job. It requires discipline, vigilance, professionalism, and a sense of responsibility,” Dr. Seriño said in his remarks.

Dr. Seriño acknowledged that despite the guards' best efforts and sincerity in serving, there will always be a need for improvement.

But the most crucial thing, VP Seriño reminded security personnel, is to do their best and fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the best of their ability to serve and protect the university community.

This capacity-building initiative for the VSU Security Force is part of the sustained commitment of the University to upgrading institutional security systems and fostering a safe, secure, and resilient environment across all its campuses. 

This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

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