A few months back, in the busy streets of Manila, a traffic enforcer met a tragic fate, struck down in the line of duty, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the everyday routines we often take for granted.  In another deeply personal encounter, I recently found myself at the corner of a store, my heart racing, witnessing two men in a violent altercation. In that gripping moment, the fragility of human existence became painfully clear, and the fine line between safety and chaos seemed almost nonexistent.

Nevertheless, initial efforts to prevent these violent occurrences have already been made. On August 31, 1994, Proclamation No. 461 was ratified, declaring the first week of September every year as National Crime Prevention Week. This declaration aims to promote awareness and unity in our efforts to prevent and, ideally, eliminate criminal activities.

There are a variety of things that are outside the control of man, particularly, criminal activity. This served as the precursor of this proclamation. This government effort aims to remind the public about the importance of crime prevention, emphasizing the significance of safety in our daily routines. This program will be implemented annually to ensure that people are well-informed and maintain a state of vigilance.

As a government-led effort, it also urges the active involvement of citizens to contribute to the safety of our nation and inspire future generations to achieve the same cause. Afterall, the realization of the ideal status quo we yearn for can only be accomplished through the cooperation of the government and its citizens. This alone cannot be achieved in solitude, but if both the government and the people take on this commitment, it might just be enough to reach the goals we seek to achieve.

In these trying times, where crimes are rampant, this nation seeks a beacon of hope, a guarantee that our government is fulfilling its duties in the prevention of crimes as well as protecting the interests of its constituents. Perhaps in the foreseeable future, a scenario of peace and justice awaits us, where we can savor the revitalizing freshness of a world untainted by criminality. However, until then, this proclamation serves as a reminder of how cruel and unforgiving the world can be.