Legazpi city: The newly inaugurated training facility of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Albay is set to bolster the production of law enforcers from the Bicol region and improve the agency's services locally.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the inauguration of the new NBI regional office and training facility in Rawis, Legazpi City, NBI Director Melvin Matibag announced plans to establish similar offices with clearance and learning centers in various regions. This initiative aims to enhance public service and fortify the bureau's mandate. Matibag expressed his vision for these offices to develop into academies across regions, thereby providing better service for the Filipino people.

The training center in Legazpi is expected to initially accommodate around 100 trainees, and Matibag hopes for increased recruitment to aid in fulfilling the bureau's mandate. He also mentioned that the facility might soon be renamed "NBI Academy Legazpi City," transitioning from its current status as a training center.

Acknowledging the national government's support in providing the land and Congress's funding for the construction, Matibag noted that this project could serve as a model for establishing similar NBI academies and regional offices nationwide. Despite having only around 2,000 personnel nationwide, the NBI is committed to strengthening partnerships with the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies.

NBI-Bicol Regional Director Yehlen Agus highlighted the new building's significance for the region, as it now encompasses the investigation, forensic, administrative, training, and clearance sections. With the old regional office potentially being converted into a provincial office, the development marks a significant step forward for the region.

Agus pointed out that there are currently three NBI offices in Bicol, located in Naga, Daet, and now Legazpi, serving clients from Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. She emphasized the facility's potential as the NBI Academy for Bicolanos, where future NBI leaders from the region could be trained.

She also encouraged qualified applicants, particularly licensed professionals, to prepare their requirements ahead of the recruitment period anticipated to open by June or July.