The Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO-1) on Tuesday commended 11 of its uniformed and non-uniformed personnel (NUP) in line with the kick-off ceremony of the National Women’s Month celebration.

In a statement, PRO-1 said the awarding was in recognition of women’s significant contributions in society and as a way of fostering progress in empowering women for their valuable efforts in the conduct of different police functions, both at the administrative and operational levels.

The awardees are Col. Anela Rejano, chief of the Regional Finance Service Office 1; Col. Tetchie Lebanan, chief of the Regional Medical and Dental Unit 1; Lt. Col. Regina Abanales, deputy chief of the Regional Civil Security Unit 1; Lt. Col. Genevieve Poblete, chief of police of Binmaley Municipal Police Station (MPS) Pangasinan; Maj. Maria Theresa Miemban, chief of police of Sison MPS Pangasinan; Capt. Arcelie Pang-Ag, chief of police San Gabriel MPS La Union; Lt. Arminda Abang, chief of Provincial Administrative and Records Management Unit in La Union; Lt. Cheryll Cacayorin, chief of police of Carasi MPS Ilocos Norte; MSgt. Marilyn Obidoza of Santol MPS La Union; SSgt. Vina de Leon of the Bayambang MPS Pangasinan; and NUP Ofelia Dimaculangan, chief of NUP Affairs Division of the PRO-1.

In her recorded message, Department of the Interior and Local Government Ilocos regional director, Dr. Julie Daquioag, highlighted the crucial role of women in the foundation of a home, and most importantly, the development in society.

“Women have a huge role. With their domestic role, economic role, and community-management role,” she said.

She added the gender stereotype of women is slowly fading away given the laws, memorandums, among others, that were set in place to ensure equal rights and opportunities between men and women in society.

“I congratulate everyone and those who implement the GAD (gender and development) programs in their respective offices,” she said.

Rejano, one of the awardees, said women in the Philippine National Police are not just front-liners but are also on top of the line in providing gender equality space in the police service.

“We thank the men who allowed us to succeed in our chosen field,” she said.

Rejano is the first woman to lead the Regional Finance Service Office at the PRO-1.

Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque, PRO-1 regional director, congratulated and expressed his salutations to all the women, especially those who belong to the police force.

“Gone are the days when women are merely homemakers, (be)cause we find them now in the different fields working jobs which we once thought were for men. You women are not only faring well, but you are actually doing better,” he said in a statement.

This year’s Women’s Month celebration carries the theme “We Make Change Work for Women,” which is focused on “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran” highlighting the advocacy for the development of women. (PNA)