Policewomen in the Philippine National Police hold a significant role in the organization, in the process, exhibiting exceptional skills and abilities in policing that advance the cause of gender equality and women empowerment towards nation-building.
The organization, therefore, takes pride in celebrating the achievements, contributions, and meaningful participation of policewomen, especially in increasing operational effectiveness and in enhancing communities’ trust.
According to Ford (Stress on Law enforcement, 1988), police officers are subjected to significant tension and stress, regardless of the nature and size of the units/offices they work in. Although many law enforcement officers receive the rudimentary training to recognize the stress involved in situations like hot pursuits, encounters, and in solving heinous crimes, most of them fail to grasp the magnitude and scope of the physiological and psychological effects of stress on both their bodies and minds.
Studies have shown that some of the policewomen were also victims of abusive partners but remained silent to avoid the stigma and resultant stress of being battered women despite being law enforcers themselves.
It is within this context that the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG) in partnership with the PNP Officers’ Ladies Club whose adviser’s Mrs. Mary Grace Lino-Azurin, the better half of PNP Chief General Rodolfo S Azurin Jr, has invoked the “Malasakit” program of the PNP’s Peace and Security Program: Malasakit + Kaayusan +Kapayapaan = Kaunlaran, to foster and share the essence of Malasakit (empathy and compassion) among the most important core element of the organization—its personnel.
As the Group in PNP that serves as the “TAGATAGUYOD” and “SANDIGAN” of Malasakit, PCADG coined the Project R.E.S.E.T. M.E. (Resilient and Empowered Society through Engaged Transformation of Mind and Emotion) to aid the organization’s personnel and other survivors of unfortunate encounters, in resetting their minds and emotions to have credible, effective and capable police officers while kindling hope and confidence in the survivors in collaboration with other stakeholders.
The recipients of the project were Women and Children Protection Desk Officers, since their very role necessitates frequent response to upsetting, vivid and even gruesome scenes that may be present during investigations of violent crimes. Physical and emotional disorders have been reported to emerge due to the cumulative effects of such episodes over time, becoming serious issues which may be detrimental, not only to the policewomen themselves, but also to their families.
On March 20, 2023, the Project R.E.S.E.T. M.E. Seminar/Workshop was conducted at Emotional Reset Center in San Mateo, Rizal with a total of 30 “Juanang Pulis” participants who have been designated as WCPD Officers coming from different Police Stations of NCRPO, PROs 1, 3 and 4A.
Other than the policewomen, the one-day Seminar/Workshop was also attended by the members of the PNP Officers Ladies Club, with its adviser, Mrs. Mary Grace L. Azurin.
R.E.S.E.T. M.E. Seminar/Workshop is a breath of fresh air for our policewomen and survivors. Its aim, to improve the emotional welfare and state of mind of the participants towards a holistically-balanced life, implore for emotional and intellectual liberation to promote positive thinking and apply stress management to achieve self-love.
Dr. Maria Bryce Fabro, Founder and Managing Director of Emotional Reset Center, and her team, deftly facilitated activities, including the face-to-face seminar on Stress Management, an interactive workshop for reflection and self-awareness, on strengthening self-confidence, building trust, and bringing hope for the participants; aqua therapy; and a heart-to-heart talk with the participants which was taken to task by members of PNP OLC as nurturers for guidance counseling.
Mrs. Mary Grace L. Azurin expressed her message during the said activity. “We, in PNP OLC, will serve as your friend, sister and mother in promoting the Agenda ng Kababaihan Tungo sa Kaunlaran. Let me enjoin everyone not to rest on our laurels and in the comfort of our own homes until every Juana is at peace, and making her way through the challenges. Let us ensure that no Juana is left behind. Kayang-kaya natin ito, basta Tulung-tulong tayo! Sabi nga ng PNP, Life is Beautiful!”.
The activity ended on the same day with a short Closing Ceremony, with PMGen Mario A Reyes, The Director for Police Community Relations as the Guest, ably represented by PBGen Arnel Amor B Libed, Deputy Director of DPCR. Also in attendance were the Acting Director of PCADG, PCol Lou F Evangelista, the members of the PCADG Command Group and members of PNP OLC.
PMGen Reyes’ message ran as follows: “Through this seminar, we want you to feel that you are valued and heard. I believe that each one of you can make a difference in this organization, and I encourage you to make a reflection on how you can be better in your own simple and healthy way.” PNP continuously promotes the protection and welfare of every policewoman, especially in its mental and emotional aspects, as Filipino women have vital roles in our community and in our country.
