Securing The Seaports of the Central Visayas Archipelagic Region: Work Experiences of the Port Police

Abstract

This study explored the work experiences of the Port Police Officers at the Cebu Port Authority (CPA). Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following: the positive and negative experiences of the informants, their duties, how the informants addressed the challenges encountered in the performance of their duties, and the informants’ aspirations to improve the performance.
This study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing a phenomenological approach. This inquiry utilized ten (10) informants from the Cebu Port Authority (CPA), Cebu, Philippines, using a validated interview guide with open-ended questions prepared by the researcher. The informants were all interviewed individually. Colaizzi's analysis was employed to analyze the collected data.
Three themes summarized the positive experiences of the informants were: Professional Relationships, Public Service and Social Impact, and Personal and Career Development. Regarding the negative experiences, the following themes were: Workplace Challenges, Environmental and Operational Pressures, and Resource Constraints. For challenges encountered by the informants, the themes were: Emotional Resilience and Coping, Safety and Risk Management, and Work-Life Balance and Organizational Support. Moreover, the themes of Career and Professional Growth and Operational Excellence described the informants' aspirations to improve their performance in their duties.
The findings of this study served as supplementary guidelines for evidence-based policies, strategies, and training programs tailored to the unique needs and contexts of Port Police Officers of Cebu Port Authority (CPA).