2 Cebu cops among 'Most Outstanding Filipinos'

CEBU, Philippines —  At least two Cebu police officials received the Metrobank Foundation’s Most Outstanding Filipinos of 2021 Award.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, chief of Talisay City Police Station, and Police Senior Master Sergeant Mary Joy Balug Ylanan, Police Community Relations Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) of Bogo City Police Station, received this year’s Most Outstanding Filipino Award for Police Officers.

Ylanan was named “The Multi-Awarded Lady Cop of the North” by the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) in an article, winning multiple awards for her service including the Outstanding Senior Police Officer for PCR for two consecutive years.

She was also a finalist in the Metrobank Foundation’s Most Outstanding Filipinos 2018, and recognized by the Philippine National Police, the Local Government Unit of Bogo City, and other private sectors.

She said in an article posted by the CPPO page, that her biggest accomplishment had been “helping others and touching their lives as a Women and Children’s Protection Desk officer and being able to connect to the people she serves in the community as a Police Community Relations officer.”

The female cop, who had come from a humble beginning, said that she believed poverty was not a hindrance to success, and in the saying: “If others can, why can’t I?”

In her Facebook posts, Ylanan thanked the people who supported and guided her in her profession as a police officer.

Pelare, on the other hand, came from a family of police officers and also became a lawyer in 2017.

He said that he was happy and humbled by the opportunity given to him by the program.

The Talisay City Police chief told The Freeman that, for him, the biggest factor that contributed in receiving this aw ard was the OPLAN Limpyo in Talisay City, saying that the analytical and comprehensive, human rights-based and community-based approach on keeping their city safe was their banner project.

He said that they do not only focus on arresting people, but also doing community work in order to win support and cooperation from the community.

Visiting houses, constructing communal toilets and feeding the children of drug suspects were some of the activities they conducted in their campaign.

Pelare thanked those who believed in the Talisay City police and became part of their OPLAN Limpyo, and said that this is a manifestation proving partnership between the police and community.

“This recognition by the community is very much appreciated because this validates our belief that crime prevention is actually not the monopoly of the police, but it is a partnership between the community and the police,” Pelare said.

The Metrobank Foundation Most Outstanding Filipinos 2021 were awarded to 10 Filipinos composed of three police officers, three soldiers, and four teachers, as a recognition for their exemplary career-service.

Aniceto Sobrepeña, president of Metrobank Foundation, wished that the people may derive inspiration from the awardees’ example, as “a community held together by hope especially during these turbulent times.”

“The entire nation continues to be at a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the situation is still evolving. During this extended period of unease, we are fortunate to be inspired by the dedication of public servants and front liners who are steadfast in their mission,” he added.

The recipients will receive a cash prize of P1 million each (net of tax), a golden medallion, and “The Flame” trophy during the conferment ceremonies on September 2 as part of Metrobank’s 59th anniversary celebration. — Brigida Ramos Gerzon, CNU Intern, GMR (FREEMAN)