“WE make change work for women.”

This is the theme of today's International Women’s Day which the Cagayan de Oro City Police (Cocpo) kicked off yesterday at its headquarters in Barangay 40, this city.

Cocpo Director Aaron Mandia said the event was highlighted with the presentation of plaques and recognition of Cocpo’s 2021 Seal of the Most Child-Friendly Police Station of the city in partnership with the City Government and the Oro Youth Office.

Nadine Angelica Gadia-Casiño, Founder of Modern Nanay of Northern Mindanao, was the guest of honor and speaker during the event.

Casiño emphasized the significant role of women in society and their ability and capability to empower the youth in our generation especially in the midst of the pandemic and even in the aftermath.

“I felt blessed and honored to be your guest speaker today. But I would like to emphasize that honor should be to every woman in the police force. These women had put their lives just to serve and protect the citizenry. So accept my highest respect to everyone in the police force,” Casiño said

Also, during the activity, the women's force showcased their dance and sing presentation to the delight of the invited guests and the crowd.

A motorcade followed en-route of the heart of the city as part of the information drive for the public to be informed about the celebration.

The said affair was fully attended by the city's police stations, special units, and officials such as Police Lt. Col. Surki Seriñas, Deputy City Director for Administration; Police Lt. Col. Ghazali Mamacotao, City Internal Affairs Service chief; Major Major Evan Viñas, Cocpo spokesperson; Police Major Noemie Caudilla, Women, Children Protection Desk (WCPD) head; Police Major Rowena Cabatingan, Supply and Logistics Officer; Police Non Commissioned Officers

Mandia, in his speech, thanked and congratulated the entire Cocpo women’s police force for the successful celebration.

“I recognized your significant role to play and women’s empowerment in nation-building and in building the lives of our constituents in the community that we are serving,” Mandia said.