THE Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have forged a partnership with 10 Rotary international districts to launch more humanitarian projects and help save the environment.

PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, Lieutenant General Rhodel O. Sermonia, in behalf of PNP chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., signed the memorandum of agreement with the Rotarians and AFP.

The MoA signing was described as an “unprecedented collaboration” between the Rotary International and the police and the military.

The agreement encompasses joint PNP-AFP efforts in implementing programs falling under Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus: Peace Building and Conflict Prevention, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy, Community Livelihood and Economic Development, and the Environment.

With the MOA serving as written authorization, the AFP and PNP have granted their personnel the authority to “coordinate, liaise, and cooperate” with Rotary districts in the pursuit of their projects and advocacy throughout the Rotary Year 2023-2024.

Comprising over 25,000 Rotarians across the 10 districts, Rotary International is a global socio-civic organization driven by individuals who are dedicated to taking action, connecting people, transforming communities and funding sustainable service projects.

Notably, their campaign to eradicate polio, initially launched in the Philippines in 1979, has become a worldwide phenomenon.

The campaign has successfully eliminated polio from nearly all countries, with only Pakistan and Afghanistan remaining affected.

This partnership between Rotary International and the PNP and AFP underscores the organizations’ recognition of the pivotal role played by both law enforcement agencies in upholding peace, security and nation-building in the country, said Lt. Gen. Sermonia.

Among those who signed the agreement were Rotary District Governors Rodolfo Enriquez (District 3770), Paul Angel Galang (D3780), Francisco Cornejo (D3790), Ronald Solis (D3800), Lilian De La Cruz (3810), William Pastor Delloro Jr. (D3820), Antonio Tambunting III (D3830), Maria Ester Espina (D3850), Rozanne Gamboa (D3860) and Gilda Go (D3870).

“We are grateful to Rotary International for choosing us as their partners in their noble cause.

We share their vision of creating positive change in our communities and our country.

We look forward to working with them in their blood donation and environmental projects, as well as in other areas where we can make a difference,” said Gen. Acorda as he emphasized the importance of the MOA

The MOA solidified the commitment of Rotary Districts in the Philippines to work closely with the AFP and PNP.

As such, they will collaborate on various initiatives such as the upcoming National Blood Donation Activity which is scheduled next month as well as the implementation of National Environmental Projects in September.

These environmental projects encompass activities such as artificial reef deployment and expanding mangrove belts, among others.

Former PNP chief Archie Francisco F. Gamboa, who served as the district trainer of District Training Facilitator 3860, facilitated the agreement.

Effective July 1, the ex-PNP chief’s wife, Rozanne, will assume governance of District 3860.