TACLOBAN CITY – Police personnel from the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) battling serious illnesses are grateful for the continuous support they receive through the ‘Damayang Otso’ program.
Launched in February 2023 under then PNP-8 director, General Rommel Francisco Marbil, who is now the PNP chief, ‘Damayang may Malasakit para sa Kapulisan’ or Damayang Otso is a charitable initiative providing financial assistance to both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel (NUP) facing life-threatening medical conditions.
These include breast cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic kidney disease, lung cancer, colon cancer, leukemia, and other serious ailments.
“We are thankful for the continuous support that the PNP is providing us,” said PMaj Jessie Mañas, who is assigned to the regional office and suffers from hyperuricemia, prostate enlargement, and Stage 5 chronic kidney disease.
Mañas shared that he has been receiving assistance from the program since its launch, helping him afford essential medicines, maintenance drugs, and other medical needs. Beneficiaries receive P10,000 in monthly cash assistance.
Originally a regional initiative, Damayang Otso expanded nationwide last year through the PNP Officers Ladies Club (OLC) Foundation, Inc. under its “LAB Virus Program” (Love and Blessings – Spreading Love in Every Touch), led by Mary Rose Marbil, wife of the PNP chief.
Marbil shared that while they initially aimed to assist 250 police and NUP personnel, the number of beneficiaries has now reached around 600.
“In the past, there was no one helping the protectors. We realized that it’s time to help and protect them,” Marbil said in a media interview during her visit to PRO-8 Thursday, January 30.
During her visit, Marbil, assisted by PRO8 Regional Director BGen Jay Cumigad and members of the PRO8 OLC, personally handed over financial aid to beneficiaries like PMaj Mañas.
She explained that funds for the program come from various activities organized by their foundation, as well as donations. Most of the beneficiaries, she noted, are in the advanced stages of their illnesses, with some at Stage 2, and the most common conditions are cancer and chronic kidney disease.
Given the rising number of police personnel battling serious illnesses, Marbil emphasized the need for regular laboratory tests as part of routine health check-ups for early detection and prevention. She also called for the implementation of wellness programs to encourage police personnel and NUPs to adopt healthier lifestyles and avoid vices.
In addition to financial assistance, Marbil also led the distribution of school supplies to day care pupils inside the PRO8 camp.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
