IN order to help police forces enhance their surveillance, coordination and monitoring activities, Okada Foundation Inc. (OFI) recently turned over its donation of P10-million worth of drones and a drone jammer to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The donation consisted of P9,966,140 worth of drones, including a drone jammer, according to the memorandum of agreement between the PNP and OFI, signed in February.

OFI President James Lorenzana expressed satisfaction with the completion of the project, adding that the new equipment would provide the PNP with additional technological capabilities to uphold peace and order.

"We know how vital the role of the PNP is to our community. Every day, you put your lives on the line in the performance of your duties," said Lorenzana. "Our society as a whole owes a big debt of gratitude to the brave men and women of the PNP."

He added: "It is their vigilance, alertness and dedication to peace and order that allows ordinary citizens to become more productive without fear for their safety. We want to assure you that the Okada Foundation is committed to helping uplift the lives and improving the well-being of our police officers and your families through our various projects."

In his speech, PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil welcomed the donation as "a modern concept we can use in addressing criminal elements."

"Our dream is to save lives, but that would only remain a dream if not for our stakeholders coming from the [private] sector," Marbil said in Filipino.

"We are happy that the efforts of our policemen are being recognized," he added. "Donations such as these support our goal of ensuring that wherever you are, you are safe, and we are gradually making that come true."

The OFI president also acknowledged Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor)'s support for their foundation's projects and for allowing the foundation to serve and give back to communities.

In addition, Lorenzana shared OFI's plans for future donations to the PNP, saying: "We are preparing to donate communications equipment worth another P10 million once we have determined what kind of apparatus would be suitable for your current system."

He added that the donation would also include a CBCT (dental cone beam computed tomography) machine for the PNP dental and oral surgery center.

Notable personalities in attendance during the turnover ceremony at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame included PNP Logistics Director Major General Mario Reyes, PNP Maritime Group Director Brig. Gen. Jonathan Cabal, PNP Southern Police District Director Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete and Pagcor Senior Regulatory Officer Luisa Pimentel.

For more information on the initiatives of OFI, visit Okada Manila's website at https://www.okadamanila.com/.