As the nation commemorates National Women’s Month with the recurring theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” the Philippine National Police (PNP) reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment through the formal launch of the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration on March 3, 2026, at Camp BGen Rafael T Crame in Quezon City.
The kick-off ceremony gathered key PNP officials, uniformed and non-uniformed personnel, partners, and gender advocates in a unified call to strengthen institutional reforms that promote inclusivity, dignity, and respect within the organization and the communities it serves. The event was graced by Ms. Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women, who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP Chief, was represented by Police Lieutenant General Edgar Alan Okubo, Deputy Chief PNP for Operations. He delivered the PNP Chief’s welcome remarks, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive leadership.
In his message, Police General Nartatez underscored that women in law enforcement are no longer confined to limited or traditional roles. Today, they serve as essential leaders in operations, administration, and community engagement. He reiterated that protecting women and children remains a sacred duty of PNP and called for sustained collective action to foster safe, inclusive, and responsive communities.
A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of the Top Three Outstanding Police Regional Offices (PROs) for exemplary performance in advancing Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives. These were PRO 2, represented by Police Brigadier General Antonio P. Marallag Jr., Regional Director; PRO 11, represented by PBGen Leon Victor Z. Rosete, Regional Director; and PRO 4A, represented by PBGen Paul Kenneth T. Lucas, Regional Director. Their leadership has significantly strengthened programs promoting inclusivity, protection mechanisms, and gender-responsive governance in their respective areas of responsibility.
Seven Outstanding Female Individual Awardees were likewise honored for their dedication and professionalism, including Police Colonel Angelyn C. Salvador, Chief, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations Center; Police Major Baby Rose Cajulao, Chief, Family, Juvenile, Gender and Development Section, PRO 2; Police Major Elmira A. Relox, Chief, Regional Women and Children Protection Desk, PRO BAR; Police Executive Master Sergeant Rodalyn P. Sarongon, Chief Clerk/Senior Action PNCO, Women and Children Protection Desk, Iloilo PPO, PRO 6; Police Staff Sergeant Realyn S. Baiño, CAD PNCO, Bayugan Component CPS, Agusan del Sur PPO, PRO 13; Police Staff Sergeant Mutya Marie V. Onayan, Women and Children’s Protection Desk PNCO, Lezo MPS, Aklan PPO, PRO 6; and NUP Jenny Daria D. Bernaldez, Administrative NUP, Regional Community Affairs Division, PRO 3. Their exemplary service demonstrates that competence, compassion, and courage define women’s leadership in policing.
Five female PNP star-ranked officers were conferred the Women Leadership Achievement Awards. These are Police Major General Maria Leonora C. Camarao, Deputy Director, Internal Affairs Service; Police Brigadier General Vina H. Guzman, Director, Police Community Affairs and Development Group; PBGen Maria Shiela D. Portento, Chief, Women and Children Protection Center; PBGen Jeanne B. Panisan, Chief, Inspection and Audit Division, Internal Affairs Service; and PBGen Angela Q. Rejano, Dean of Academics, Philippine National Police Academy. Their achievements reflect transformative leadership that integrates discipline with empathy and authority with accountability.
PNP also recognized five Gender and Development advocates and stakeholders whose sustained partnerships advance women’s rights and institutional reform. These include the PNP-OLC Foundation Incorporated, Soroptimist International of the Americas Philippine Region, Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, ASEAN-ACT, and the British Embassy Manila. These partnerships demonstrate that building inclusive and safe communities requires collaboration across sectors.
In her keynote message, Chairperson Valdeavilla commended the PNP for institutionalizing gender equality measures within its ranks. She highlighted the organization’s strengthened mechanisms for addressing sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, emphasizing that dignity must be non-negotiable.
“A safe institution is a strong institution,” she stated, noting that PNP cannot effectively protect the public if it fails to safeguard its own personnel.
She acknowledged the “double burden” many Filipino women face who balance professional duties with household responsibilities. Within the police force, countless women officers carry emotional labor, guiding, mentoring colleagues and mediating conflicts, while also fulfilling their roles as mothers.
The Chairperson also emphasized that women’s health is a public concern and integral to operational readiness. With violence increasingly migrating online, she lauded the PNP for modernizing its Women and Children Protection Desk through 24/7 social media reporting channels aligned with the Safe Spaces Act.
Citing the PNP’s 2024 GAD accomplishments, including high national rankings in GAD budget allocation and expenditures among National Government Agencies, she described the organization as a model of proactive leadership in equity reform. She encouraged sustained transformation through gender-sensitive performance indicators, improved gender-disaggregated data systems, expanded leadership training for women officers, stronger mental health programs, and deeper operational collaboration on Women, Peace, and Security initiatives.
“National Women’s Month is more than a celebration; it is a platform for acceleration,” she said. “It is a reminder that empowering women and promoting gender equality are essential foundations of sustainable national development.”
In closing, Chairperson Valdeavilla paid tribute to Filipino women as heirs of the Babaylan—guardians of balance, voices of wisdom, and architects of peace. She called on PNP leadership to continue building an institution where care and command coexist, where women are respected and protected, where health is safeguarded, and where equality thrives alongside discipline and professionalism.
As the celebration resounds with the call, “Mabuhay ang kababaihan at kalalakihang Pilipino,” the message is clear: Through strengthened policies, responsive services, and dedicated Women and Children Protection Desks, PNP will continue to stand with women and remain not only a force of law, but also a force of healing, inclusion, and peace.
