ASEZ has launched youth-led efforts to build safer cities by holding crime-prevention seminars in Parañaque City, Philippines.
On November 13 and 19, 2025, ASEZ hosted the ASEZ Crime Prevention Seminar at Olivarez College and PATTS College of Aeronautics in Parañaque. Around 150 to 330 participants—including students, local residents, and police officials—joined the events to discuss the importance of crime prevention and practical ways to take action. The seminars were held as part of ASEZ’s crime-prevention initiative, the RCT (Reduce Crime Together) Project.
The RCT Project consists of two main components: RCT School (Reduce Crime Together School), which aims to reduce school violence and everyday crime, and CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) activities, which prevent crime by improving the physical environment. Through seminars, education sessions, campaigns, and forums, RCT School helps students recognize crime and environmental issues on their own, while developing responsible civic awareness and sensitivity to human rights. CPTED activities focus on cleaning and brightening everyday spaces, such as school surroundings, urban areas, rivers, and parks.
The seminars were held at the Olivarez College Conference Hall and the Presidential Hall at PATTS College of Aeronautics. ASEZ members, students, faculty and staff, and local residents from diverse backgrounds took part. An ASEZ representative said, “Crime prevention is not a task for one institution alone—it is an issue directly connected to all of our daily lives,” adding, “We hope this seminar will encourage students to look more carefully at their surroundings and take greater interest in community safety.”
Government and law-enforcement officials also attended to support the youth-led initiative. Mark Allen Besa, representing Congressman Eric Olivarez, emphasized, “Because students are the future of our country, seminars like this are essential for reducing crime in the years ahead.” Clloyd Joseph Gracia, representing Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, stated, “I am very glad to see so many young Paranaqueans participating in this meaningful event,” and encouraged participants by saying, “Let us work together to build a brighter future for Parañaque.”
At the seminar held at Olivarez College, Congressman Eric Olivarez visited in person. He explained that ASEZ’s agenda align with major issues facing Parañaque City, and he mentioned the potential for future cooperation connected to city policies. Introducing ASEZ’s vision in detail, he stressed that youth participation can be an important driving force in urban safety strategies.
A lecture was also delivered by PMSG. Napoleon Mallare Jr., representing the Parañaque Chief of Police. He made clear that the seminar was not merely a campaign, but a forum for practical cooperation and information sharing. After presenting common crime tactics occurring in Parañaque, he noted, “Crime is not a distant issue—it is a reality that can happen in the neighborhood where we live at any time,” urging students to learn how to recognize and prevent risky situations.
ASEZ member Julie Tegelan (24) said, “I realized that crime ultimately begins with one person’s decision,” adding, “I believe changing myself is the starting point for creating a safer future. I hope more seminars like this will be held.” Cypaul Barrios (25) shared, “Knowing myself is the starting point for confidence and self-respect,” and added, “When my mind is healthy and positive, I feel I can also contribute to a crime-free and sustainable future.”
ASEZ continues RCT activities across the Philippines. Institutions such as Davao Southeastern University, Ireneo Santiago High School in General Santos, and Malaywalo Central Elementary School have implemented RCT School programs to reduce school violence and promote a culture of respect and consideration. ASEZ has also practiced CPTED through cleanup and beautification efforts at locations including the Katipunan Avenue pedestrian overpass in Quezon City, Pansol Barangay, P. Herrera Street in Pateros, Talon Stream in Las Piñas, and Buyaa Stream in Parañaque, working to create everyday spaces where students and residents can feel safe.
In recognition of these efforts, ASEZ has received approximately 60 certificates of commendation and appreciation from officials including the mayors of Las Piñas, San Pablo, Parañaque, and Digos, the Chairman of the General Santos City Council, and the Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
ASEZ in Philippines stated that it will not treat this seminar as a one-time event, but as part of an ongoing process to create meaningful change in local communities. In Parañaque and other cities, ASEZ plans to connect RCT School, RCT Campus, and CPTED activities to operate regular crime-prevention education and campus programs. Through cooperation with schools, local governments, and police, ASEZ aims to support improvements in living environments while also promoting lasting changes in public awareness.
ASEZ also plans to continually monitor key indicators, such as residents’ perceived level of safety, experiences of cyber and school violence, and awareness of reporting channels, and to share identified risk factors and improvement needs with relevant institutions so that more realistic and effective prevention measures can be implemented.
Staying true to its name, “Reduce Crime Together,” ASEZ affirmed its commitment to building safe cities where everyone can live with peace of mind, through sustained and practical youth-led crime-prevention efforts based on multi-stakeholder partnerships with local governments, universities, and police.