President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
March 22, 2023
In celebration of National Women’s Month, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred awards to the Ten Outstanding Women in Law Enforcement and National Security (OWLENS) Philippines 2023 at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace.
“We all salute your efforts… It is high time that these contributions are recognized and valued. You have certainly broken gender stereotypes, and you have shown young girls across the country that they can excel even in male-dominated professions,” the President said.
He also highlighted the need for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) to commence updating of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security — a milestone achievement of the Philippines being the first country in Asia to formulate a comprehensive action plan to improve the role and status of women in the security sector.
Recognizing other remaining challenges in bridging the country’s gender gap, President Marcos Jr. gave his assurance on the Administration’s steadfast pursuit to provide women with more prominent roles and greater voice especially in government.
“This administration shall continue to implement concrete and comprehensive measures to increase women representation in the security sector and government service towards creating a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable society,” he added.
The awardees for this year comprised the following: Brigadier General Fatima Claire Navarro of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); Dr. Cynthia Saloma of the University of the Philippines (UP) Genome Center; Lieutenant Commander Lady Chatterly Alvaro-Sumbeling of the Philippine Navy (PN), AFP; Anna Lira Reyes of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Major Leah Joy Lopez of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), AFP; Captain Marissa Arlene Martinez of the Philippine Navy (PN), AFP; Police Lieutenant Colonel Rogelyn Peratero of the Philippine National Police (PNP); Colonel Ma. Christina Basco of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), AFP; Major Beryl Charity Bacolcol of the Philippine Navy (PN), AFP; and Police Staff Sergeant Idy Ann Flor Aca-Ac of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 10, PNP.
A project of Republic Defenders (RD) headed by former Ambassador Vidal Querol as Chairman, Project OWLENS Philippines recognizes the exceptional performance of Filipino women in law enforcement and national security, especially at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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