PNP Bicol kicks off Women’s Month with stiletto run
LEGAZPI CITY: For the first time, the Philippine National Police (PNP) here kicked off its Women’s Month celebration with a stiletto race for male police officers at Camp General Simeon Ola on Friday, March 1.
The male participants of the race wore women’s shoes with thin high heels that made running uncomfortable and grueling.
One runner said that it is easier to undergo basic police training than to run with high heels.
The PNP joined the celebration of Women’s Month as acknowledgment to the pivotal role of women in the society, said BGen. Andre Dizon, Bicol police regional director.
Dizon said that the stiletto run for male policemen may be amusing but it symbolizes the act of “teaching the men how to be in women’s shoes.”
He also underscored the remarkable contribution of women in the society, specifically in the police force.
“Bicol Region has a police force of 11,000, and the province of Masbate was handled by a woman police director, led by Police Colonel Lian Van de Velde. She is the first female police officer who served as the provincial director in Bicol,” Dizon said.
“We are posting and assigning our female cops in its positions based on their expertise. Most of the women’s desks were handled by females because it’s not an easy task wherein most of the cases are women and handle children experiencing domestic violence. They’re trained to handle cases of women and children.”
Currently, there are 15 female officers posted as police chief in the Bicol Region, Dizon said.
This year’s theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patunayan,” underscores the fair and rightful recognition of women’s capabilities in propelling societal progress.
The 2024 National Women’s Month celebration aims to build upon the momentum generated by the recurring theme, “We for gender equality and inclusive society,” introduced in 2023.
Booths showcasing products from local farmers and other small businesses were also displayed inside the camp.