By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — In a night that celebrated the strength and resilience of Filipino women, Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer, chief of the Regional Public Information Office 13, stood tall as she received the Outstanding Uniformed Personnel award at the Gawad Pilipino Babae Ka Awards 2026 on March 22.
The recognition, organized by Gawad Pilipino Awards, led by Dr. Danilo B. Mangahas, was bestowed at Camelot Hotel in Quezon City in honor of International Women’s Month. The awards served as a tribute to Ometer’s unwavering dedication to public service and her leadership in empowering communities, particularly women. Through her work strengthening ties between law enforcement and the public, Ometer has proven that women not only hold but also thrive in positions of influence.
“I am humbled to receive this recognition,” Ometer shared during her speech. “This is a testament to the collective strength of women in the police force and across all sectors.”
Her achievement drew praise from PBGen Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, regional director of Police Regional Office 13, who called Ometer’s success a reflection of the dedication, integrity, and excellence that women in PNP Caraga embody. “Her recognition is a shining example of the powerful and inspiring women we have here—Matatag. Makapangyarihan. Inspirasyon ng Bayan,” Magistrado said.
Among other notable awardees recognized at the event were Sinclaire Castro, celebrated for her business leadership excellence, Saturnina Pasco Vicente, honored for her outstanding socio-civic leadership, and Bae Anna Jessa Mae Y. Crisostomo, distinguished for her leadership in indigenous peoples’ communities. Other honorees included Annika Co, recognized as an outstanding young female/child actress, and Hon. Jennifer M. Tuplano, lauded for her contributions to public service. Pearl Nathalie Divine M. Sapico was also celebrated as a Starlight Artist.
While these remarkable individuals were highlighted, the Gawad Pilipino Awards did not disclose the total number of awardees. The event was an inspiring reminder of the power of women to lead and make impactful contributions across various sectors of society.
The Gawad Pilipino Awards, celebrating the courage and compassion of women like Melchora Aquino, emphasized that these women’s contributions reflect the enduring spirit of Filipinas. Their work, they said, continues to inspire future generations to break barriers and embrace their power to create change.
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