Gimenez Awards Take Center Stage as JCI Manila Engages PNP Leadership

The JCI Manila Board of Directors conducted a courtesy visit with the Chief of the Philippine National Police on a recent meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation between the organization and national law enforcement, particularly in recognizing exemplary police service and exploring future community initiatives.

The delegation was led by Edison Ke, President of JCI Manila, together with the Gimenez Awards Committee headed by Project Chairman Randolf Vista. The group met with Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police, to formally discuss matters related to the Outstanding Police Service Awards and potential areas of collaboration.

Also present at the meeting was Margarita Gutierrez, Undersecretary of the Department of Justice. Her participation highlighted the importance of coordination between civil society organizations and government institutions in promoting justice, integrity, and public service. Sama-samang pagkilos para sa katarungan was a recurring theme throughout the discussion.

The meeting began with an overview of the Gimenez Awards, JCI Manila’s long-standing program that honors outstanding members of the police force who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and dedication beyond the call of duty. Representatives from JCI Manila presented the objectives of the awards and the selection process, emphasizing the organization’s intent to recognize what they described as the “unsung heroes” of the police service. Serbisyong tahimik, ngunit may malalim na epekto was how the initiative was framed.

Beyond the awards, both parties discussed opportunities for future joint community projects. These included possible collaborations on grassroots programs focused on peace and order, community development, and public engagement. By aligning initiatives with the PNP, JCI Manila expressed its goal of contributing to programs that bring law enforcement and local communities closer together. As noted during the meeting, kapag magkaagapay ang komunidad at kapulisan, mas nagiging matibay ang tiwala ng bayan.

PNP officials welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the value of partnerships with youth leadership organizations such as JCI Manila. The discussion also touched on the importance of sharing positive stories from the police force to help balance public discourse and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.

The courtesy visit concluded with a brief exchange of commitments to continue dialogue and coordination in the coming months. While no formal agreements were signed during the meeting, both sides agreed to explore concrete projects following the awards process.

Also in attendance during the meeting were Constancio Chinayog Jr., Director for Personnel and Records Management of the Philippine National Police; Joshua Aragon, Executive Treasurer of JCI Manila; Francis Deo, JCI Manila Vice President for Community Affairs; Rocky Cebrero, JCI Manila Director for Special Projects; Ram Gutierrez, Commissioner for Special Projects; and Tash Ancha, also a Commissioner for Special Projects of JCI Manila.

The meeting marked a significant step in JCI Manila’s continuing efforts to engage with government institutions and support initiatives that promote public service and community trust. As summarized by participants, hindi lang pagkilala ang mahalaga—kundi ang patuloy na pagtutulungan para sa kapakanan ng sambayanan.