AWARD-WINNING female officers of the Philippine National Police have been honored during the 1st general assembly and fellowship of the Ten Outstanding Policewomen of the Philippines (TOPPW) awardees since 2002 to date, officials said on Sunday.

More than 140 active and retired TOPWP awardees and officers and members of the Zonta Club of Makati Paseo de Roxas Foundation, Inc. which started the search in 2002 attended the event at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame.

PNP Director for Police-Community Relations Major General Mario A. Reyes, in behalf of PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. underscored the important role being played by female PNP personnel who are known for their dedication and commitment to keep peace and order and enforce the law.

At present, of the total 229,623 personnel complement of the PNP, 21.51 percent or 49,400 are women while the PNP Officer Corps is 17.87 percent female with 2,820 female officers assigned to leadership positions in different levels of the organization.

“The Ten Outstanding Policewomen of the Philippines (TOPWP) Awardees exemplify excellence and dedication in their respective fields of police work. Their remarkable achievements have brought immense honor and prestige to our organization, shining a positive light on their exceptional performance in critical areas such as investigation, police community relations, traffic management, anti-drug operations, intelligence operations, health services, human resource development, and administrative management,” Maj. Gen. Reyes said.

Those who were honored during the event include active Police Colonels Kimberly Molitas, Jean Fajardo, Gemma Vinluan, Christine Tan, Janet Homo, Marilo Aboloc, Madeline Cacao, Joy Tomboc; Lieutenant Colonels Jovelyn Bañares, Helen Galvez, Jeanurada Macario, Maria Deovina Sevillano, Viviene Mae Malibago , Grave Naparato and Janet Arinabo.

Others are Majors Shirley May Montalban, Harriet Bulcio and Jairilyn Camangian; Captain Mayla Perla Gavina; Lieutenants Ailene Catugas and Jaidee Lunggami; Police Executive Master Sergeants Judith Olbes, Sonia Corpuz, Maria Cristina San Juan, Manuela Cueto and Yolanda Maberit and Mariel Rodili;

Police Master Sgt. Rosemarie Baccay, Staff Sgts. Maricar Anastacio, Ailene Eugenio, Ana Paral and Marjorie Pablo; and Police Chief MSgt. Annaliza Flores.

The 27 TOPWP awardees from 2002 to 2022 are assigned in offices such as the Office of the Chief PNP, PNP Internal Affairs Service, PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management; DPCR, Directorate for Logistics; PNP Health Service; PNP Engineering Service, PNP Training Service; Aviation Security Group, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Finance Service and Police Regional Offices 1,2,3, 4-A and 4-B.

Col. Fajardo of PNP Academy Class 1996 is currently the PNP spokesperson.

Maj. Gen. Reyes commended the TOPWP winners for their perseverance and dedication in breaking barriers and taking on leadership roles traditionally held by men. He likewise emphasized their essential role in addressing abuse, discrimination, and violence against vulnerable sectors of society, serving as beacons of strength, compassion, and hope.

Since 2002, the TOPWP program has already recognized 140 outstanding policewomen who have made significant contributions to law enforcement and public service.

The PNP, in collaboration with Zonta Club of Makati-Paseo de Roxas Foundation, Inc. presently headed by Ms. Moleen Del Rosario and the Armscor Philippines represented by Ms. Gina Marie Angangco partnered to launc the search for policewomen known for their exemplary dedication and achievements in the police service.

Attorney Benedicta Baladad, president of the Management Association of the Philippines also attended the event along with Mrs. Eleanor Soriano, the chairperson emeritus of the Kabalikat Award-TOPWP who announced the launching of the Search for the TOPWP this year.

The TOPWP general assembly and fellowship was held amid the PNP’s commitment to promote gender equality, recognize exceptional women in law enforcement and foster a strong sense of camaraderie within the police force.

“Through initiatives like these, we can build a competitive, gender-fair, and principled leadership in our organization, ensuring that we continuously serve our fellow citizens with unwavering dedication and integrity,” Maj. Gen. Reyes said.