The Philippine National Police (PNP) proudly held the 2025 National Women’s Month Kick-off Ceremony on March 3, 2025, at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City. The launching event had emphasized the organization’s strengthened commitment to gender equality, inclusivity, and women’s empowerment.
Police Major General Roderick Augustus B. Alba, Director of the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR), who warmly welcomed guests and delivered the message of Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the Philippine National Police. He was assisted by Police Colonel Jonas T. Amparo, Acting Executive Officer of DPCR and Police Colonel Marvin Joe C. Saro, Acting Director of the Police Community Affairs and Development Group.
“This year, as we embrace the recurring theme ‘WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society—Babae sa lahat ng sektor, aangat ang bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,’ we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a nation where every woman is empowered, valued, and given equal opportunities to contribute to progress and development,” PGen Marbil said.
PNP upholds gender inclusivity as both a policy and a principle. With a total of 42,757 active female members, women in the police force are not just equal partners but also vital leaders in law enforcement, breaking barriers and redefining leadership. From commanding police stations to leading rapid response units, female officers play crucial roles in addressing violence against women and children, combating human trafficking, and fostering community peace-building. Their contributions reinforce the organization’s commitment to a safer and more inclusive society.
A significant milestone of the celebration was the launch of the PNP Women’s Support Network (PNP WSN), the first-ever all-women group within the country’s law enforcement agencies. Its very mission is to strengthen the role of women in gender-responsive policing, human rights advocacy, and nation-building. This initiative, along with strengthened partnerships and advocacy programs, serves as a catalyst for ensuring equitable access to opportunities for female officers and personnel.
“As we mark the launch of the PNP Women’s Support Network, let us reaffirm our pledge to break barriers, promote gender-sensitive policies, and create a workplace free from discrimination and bias,” PGen Marbil emphasized.
A highlight of the event was the awarding of outstanding offices, units, and individuals within PNP who had made significant contributions to gender-responsive initiatives. The Plaque of Merit was awarded to Police Regional Offices 1, 2, 4A, 6, and 11 for their exemplary programs promoting gender inclusivity. Their respective Regional Directors received the awards, recognizing their leadership in advancing gender equality in their regions. The awardees were: Police Brigadier General Lou F. Evangelista, Regional Director of PRO 1; Police Brigadier General Antonio P. Marallag Jr., Regional Director of PRO 2; Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth T. Lucas, Regional Director of PRO 4A; Police Brigadier General Jack L. Wanky, Regional Director of PRO 6; and Police Brigadier General Leon Victor Z. Rosete, Regional Director of PRO 11.
Additionally, five distinguished women leaders received the Women Leadership Achievement Award for their outstanding leadership and dedicated service to the nation: Police Brigadier General Jezebel D. Medina, Director of Health Service; Police Brigadier General Portia B. Manalad, Chief of the Women and Children Protection Center-DIDM; Police Brigadier General Maria Leonora C. Camarao, Director of Regional Internal Affairs Service, NCRPO; Police Brigadier General Jean S. Fajardo, Regional Director of PRO 3; and Cdt. 1C Justine Jade A. Calpahi, the first female Regimental Commander of the PNPA.
To further strengthen the PNP’s advocacy for gender inclusivity, several Gender and Development (GAD) advocates and stakeholders were recognized for their significant contributions. The awardees were: British Embassy Manila, received by Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Simon Jones, Counter-Terrorism Police Liaison Officer, for supporting gender-responsive policies in law enforcement; GAD Technical Working Group (NAPOLCOM), received by Director Donna Lynn A. Caparas, Staff Service Chief of the Crime Prevention and Coordination Service, for institutional gender mainstreaming efforts; PNP OLC Foundation, Inc., received by Ms. Mary Rose P. Marbil, Adviser, for championing gender inclusivity; Soroptimist International of the Americas Philippine Region (SIAPR), received by Region Governor Marivic Ds. Paras, for uplifting women across different sectors; Republic Defenders/Project OWLENS (Outstanding Women in Law Enforcement and National Security), received by Ambassador Vidal E. Querol, Chairman Emeritus, for empowering women in the security sector.
The event was attended by high-ranking PNP officials, commissioned and non-commissioned officers, non-uniformed personnel, representatives from government agencies, and various partner organizations, all sharing a unified goal of advancing gender inclusivity.
The Guest of Honor and Speaker, Atty. Beatrice Aurora A. Vega-Cancio, Commissioner of the National Police Commission, had underscored the vital role of women in governance, law enforcement, and national development. “In line with this year’s theme, we highlight the reality that leadership knows no gender. Anyone with determination, skills, and excellence can rise to the challenge. Never let others dictate your potential. Take on special assignments, believe in your capabilities, and know that you are more than capable of achieving what you set your mind to,” Atty. Vega-Cancio said.
She also emphasized that the progress women have made within the PNP extends beyond internal reforms—uplifting the women it serves and protects, and embodying the PNP’s core values of commitment, integrity, and service to every Filipino.
As PNP celebrates Women’s Month, it strengthens its commitment to promoting gender inclusivity, fostering a workplace culture that values diversity and equality and serving as a reminder that women’s service, sacrifices, and leadership are invaluable to the nation’s progress.
With the collective efforts of both men and women in the organization, PNP moves forward in building a progressive society—one where every woman plays a significant role in shaping the future of a Bagong Pilipinas.
