“The badge means responsibility. Physical fitness means you’re prepared to carry it.” – Unknown
Physical fitness is, indeed, a vital aspect of an effective police force. From the call for a swift and modern policing, police officers’ fitness, particularly in conducting foot patrols and enduring flexible work shifts, directly impacts their ability to perform their duties safely and effectively.
Recognizing physical conditioning as an investment in public safety, the Philippine National Police (PNP) formally relaunched its regular physical conditioning program dubbed “Pulisteniks” in a Kick-off Ceremony held on June 24, 2025, at the Transformation Oval in Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City, which was also streamed live via the PNP Facebook Page.
This program, scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday, is part of the PNP’s broader internal wellness campaign, reinforcing the value of physical readiness as a foundation for operational excellence and responsive policing. All PNP units and offices nationwide are directed to conduct physical conditioning exercises to encourage personnel participation.
Leading the ceremony and representing Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, Chief, PNP, was Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Deputy Chief PNP for Administration, who also delivered PNP Chief’s keynote message. The event was participated in by officers and personnel from Crame-based National Support Units (NSUs) and offices, setting the tone for a revitalized culture of fitness and resilience within the police organization.
In his remarks, PGen Torre emphasized the significance of physical fitness among police personnel, stating: “This initiative (Pulisteniks) is not just about stretching or running laps. It is about recognizing a simple truth that too often gets overlooked – a healthy body is a healthy mind.”
“Let us not treat this as an obligation. Gawin po nating bahagi ng ating lifestyle bilang pulis ang pagiging malusog. Kasi kapag malusog ang katawan, malinaw ang isipan, matatag ang loob, at mabilis ang kilos,” he added, urging all personnel to embrace fitness not only as a scheduled activity, but as a way of life.
He underscored the crucial need to stay fit amidst the physical and mental demands faced by police officers in their daily duties. Beyond the physical aspects, fitness also supports mental health – reducing stress, anxiety and depression. Moreover, physically fit officers help shape public perception, signaling trust and confidence to serve and protect the community.
“A strong and healthy [police officer] is a dependable [Nation’s Peacekeeper]. And a dependable PNP is what our country needs,” PGen Torre concluded.
