Mindanaotoday.com | Security forces highlight crucial role of women in peace, order
By: Claire Gigje
MARAWI CITY – Women, being an empowered sector of the community, have already been recognized for their roles and contributions in any field and aspect, including in matters related to peace and order.
The security sector, particularly here in the city, has conveyed that they see women in their workplaces and troops as vital in each of their operations as they display equal capabilities and strength with their male members.
As such, they heartily joined the celebration of Women’s Month kicked off by the city government this March.
Lt. Col. Gieson Baniaga, city police station chief, said that this annual event is a good way to remember how important it is to work toward gender equality and build a society where everyone has the same opportunities, no matter their gender, race, or social background.
He affirmed that a man could be successful through the help, support, and determination of a woman who may not necessarily be a wife, as she could be a mother or a sister.
“We are thankful to the women for their help. We salute you,” said Baniaga.
The chief of police also said that women have contributed much to the peace and order aspect.
He shared that the Philippine National Police has hijab troopers who assist other men in uniform when big events take place.
Additionally, they also have a Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) that caters to complaints related to harassment and abuse.
With this, Baniaga urged victimized women to approach their protection desk to address their relevant issues and concerns.
Capt. Dominador Addun Jr., 500th Combat Engineer Battalion executive officer, further attested that women give strength to men.
He recalled that before, the notion was that men were stronger than women, but now, such a notion is already deemed invalid, saying that everyone is already equal as things men do can now be done by women as well.
Addun maintained that the role of women remains significant, especially in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
He said in the army, almost all of their lady soldiers do what is assigned to their men in uniform.
“We have patrolling women. They communicate. We really have equal rights,” said Addun.
FO3 Japar Macalaba, Marawi City Fire Station chief of operations, on the other hand, conveyed that women are indeed selfless, and bear love, purity, grace, and integrity.
He underlined that women symbolize virtue, great strength, tremendous peace, and resilience, which men cannot manifest all the time.
Macalaba gave an example of how men can’t be stronger than women: when women give birth and raise children who all have the potential to be leaders of the country in the future.
“To all women, thank you so much for your contributions to the development of our communities,” he said.
Members of the security sector here have expressed their openness to welcoming women in their offices. (CRG | PIA-10 | Lanao del Sur)
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