Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) commenced the celebration for International Women’s Month with a kick-off ceremony and various activities to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in society at Camp BGen Simeon Ola, Legazpi City, on Friday, March 1.
More than 200 police officers from the Albay police provincial office and regional headquarters participated in the event, with the theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan Patunayan,” highlighting the collective commitment to promoting gender equality within the police force.
In an interview, Police Regional Director PBGen Andre Perez Dizon emphasized his commitment to uplifting women by encouraging them to capacitate and embrace equal opportunities.
“Napatunayan natin na ang kababaihan ay epektibo sa larangan ng pagpupulis (at) sa larangan ng pagseserbisyo publiko. Sa mga positioning natin, mula sa chief of police, sa provincial director, sa regional staff at ano pang mga key positions sa PNP, binibigyan natin sila ng opportunity,” Dizon said.
Furthermore, a stiletto run, participated in by 27 male police personnel from different police offices, served as the highlight of the event to represent the support and respect that men within the police force extend to their female counterparts.
Patrolman Gerby Alintana from Regional Mobile Force Batallon 5, who was hailed as the winner, shared his experience participating in the activity, emphasizing the significance of his participation in the unique activity.
“Sa lahat ng kababaihan diyan, thank you sa experience na ganito kasi (na-feel) namin na ganito pala ang sitwasyon ng mga babae once na nagpapaganda sa mga partners nila, so appreciated namin ‘yon [kasi] ibig sabihin, nag-eeffort sila, kailangan maging thankful kami palagi kasi kumbaga kailangan namin suklian ‘yon,” Alintana said.
Meanwhile, PRO5 Spokesperson Malou Calobaquib, expressed her appreciation to their male colleagues for providing them an opportunity to showcase their impact within their organization.
“We really appreciate ‘yong pagkilala samin ng mga kalalakihan dito sa Police Regional Office 5 knowing na ang PNP is (mostly) males, we really salute our male counterpart for giving us the chance na ipakita ‘yong impact namin as a female personnel ng PNP,” Calobaquib expressed.
The event culminated with the awarding and followed by a separate ceremony about basic tactical drone, which was then attended by various chief of police. | Lyzha Mae Agnote, Gabby Bajaro