Always revered as strong and courageous, police officers are like ordinary people facing personal battles in life. With this in mind, an organization began putting together resources for the welfare and protection of the country’s defenders.
For Mary Rose Marbil, wife of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, General Rommel Francisco Marbil and the national adviser of the PNP-Officers’ Ladies Club Foundation Inc., she transformed the OLC into a foundation in July 2024 to extend help, instill hope, and provide invaluable assistance to critically ill policemen and their dependents.
Led by Leilani Alba, foundation president, the group would troop to the police regional offices across the country to bring its Love and Blessings “LAB” virus initiative where beneficiaries in each police regional office are given much-needed aid.
“The policemen are always helping others, but it seems like no one thinks to help them. And you know, especially in time of sickness, during typhoons, or calamities – they’re always the ones helping others. But their families are also affected. No one is helping them. That is why we thought, why don’t we also put our resources towards them,” Marbil stated.
In the Calabarzon region, 27 police officers and their dependents were given financial assistance, gift packs, and wheelchairs.
For Police Sr. Master Sgt. Mariel Debasa, one of the LAB Virus beneficiaries, the visit from foundation members brought her hope and eased the burden of going through a medical treatment.
“We are deeply grateful for the financial assistance you have provided for those of us who are ill. This support is a great help for our treatment, your kindness has helped us to ease the pain and sadness we are experiencing. We are grateful for the time you have given to visit us here in PRO Calabarzon, it is something we cannot repay,” Debasa said.
Marbil also presided the induction of new regional and provincial foundation officers whom she expects to continue future OLC projects.
“To the members of the foundation, continue to remember the objective and the sole heart of the foundation, so that the intent to help remains there,” Marbil said.
The foundation remains proactive in extending hope and a helping hand to critically ill police officers and their dependents despite any future changes in the PNP leadership.
“We’ve institutionalized it, documented everything, and will continue to document all the guidelines. This way, when I step down, I can properly and smoothly hand over everything to the new adviser,” Marbil added.
She noted that the OLC’s legacy will continue to flourish and provide support to the brave and trustworthy men and women in uniform even after General Marbil’s term. (CO/PIA-4A)
