Project Title: Police Regional Office BAR
Principal Architect: Gloryrose Dy Metilla
Junior Designers: Jenelle Metilla
Project Type: Government
Client: MILG BARMM
Stage: Ongoing
Project Location: Parang, Maguindanao
The Police Regional Office BAR is an ongoing government project that serves as a crucial infrastructure development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Designed under the leadership of Principal Architect Gloryrose Dy Metilla and supported by Junior Designer Jenelle Metilla, the headquarters aims to be more than just a functional law enforcement facility. It is envisioned as an architectural embodiment of security, resilience, and cultural heritage, reinforcing the deep-rooted identity of the Bangsamoro people.
Architectural Inspiration: The Tausug Astana
The regional headquarters’ architectural design draws significant inspiration from the Tausug Astana, a traditional palace structure historically associated with royalty and leadership in the Bangsamoro region. The Astana symbolizes authority, strength, and governance, making it a fitting reference for a building that will house law enforcement personnel dedicated to upholding peace and order.
The design incorporates key elements from the Astana, such as intricate carvings, elevated platforms, and sweeping rooflines that echo traditional motifs while adapting them for modern use. These design choices create a seamless blend of cultural homage and contemporary functionality, ensuring that the building not only stands as a government facility but also as a testament to the region’s architectural legacy.
A Fortress of Security and Community Trust
Security is at the heart of the Police Regional Office BAR’s design. The building is structured to provide a safe, resilient, and well-fortified environment for police personnel and the broader community. Features such as reinforced walls, controlled access points, and state-of-the-art surveillance systems ensure that the headquarters is equipped to handle various security challenges.
Beyond physical security, the design also considers the psychological and communal aspects of policing. Transparency and openness are key principles in the layout, ensuring that while the facility is secure, it remains approachable to the public. The inclusion of public service areas, reception halls, and community engagement spaces fosters a sense of trust between law enforcement officers and local citizens.
Sustainability and Functionality
Sustainability is a fundamental principle integrated into the Police Regional Office BAR’s design. Given the region’s climate and environmental conditions, the project incorporates energy-efficient systems, natural ventilation strategies, and sustainable building materials. These elements not only minimize the facility’s ecological footprint but also reduce long-term operational costs.
Additionally, the headquarters features:
- Wide, open courtyards that provide natural cooling and green spaces for relaxation.
- Rainwater harvesting systems to ensure sustainable water use.
- Solar panel installations to supplement energy consumption and promote renewable energy use.
Supporting Law Enforcement and Public Service
Functionality is a core aspect of the design, ensuring that the headquarters is fully equipped to handle administrative, operational, and training needs. The facility includes spacious offices, briefing rooms, conference halls, detention areas, and training facilities that cater to the diverse requirements of a modern police force.
The design also takes into account future expansions and adaptability, ensuring that the building can evolve in response to changing security and administrative needs. The headquarters is not just a static structure; it is a dynamic, evolving space that can accommodate advancements in law enforcement technologies and practices.
A Cultural and Governmental Milestone
The Police Regional Office BAR is more than just an infrastructure project—it is a symbol of the evolving governance and security landscape in BARMM. By integrating cultural heritage, modern functionality, and sustainability, the facility reflects the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people for peace, order, and progress.
As the project moves forward, it continues to garner support from the MILG BARMM and local stakeholders, ensuring that the final structure will serve both law enforcement personnel and the wider community effectively. With its deep cultural roots and forward-thinking design, the Police Regional Office BAR is set to become a landmark of safety, governance, and architectural excellence in Maguindanao.
Upon completion, the facility will strengthen regional security, enhance public service delivery, and stand as a proud architectural representation of the Bangsamoro identity—a perfect blend of tradition, authority, and resilience.