Photos by Alicia Angelica Villanueva
When Mary Rose Marbil retired from the corporate world after more than three decades and devoted her time to her role as the National Adviser for the PNP OLC Foundation Inc. (PNP OLCFI), she knew she was embarking on a journey of purpose.
What started as an idea to improve the welfare of cops soon became a reality, driven by the desire to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel and their families in meaningful ways.
Nurturing the seeds of the Foundation
“First, the foundation’s sole purpose is to help PNP personnel, both uniformed and non-uniformed, as well as their dependents who are in need,” Mary Rose said.
To start the foundation, Mary Rose insisted on a different approach that set it apart from past practices, ensuring transparency and continuity in their efforts.
From the beginning, her focus was clear: to create an organization that genuinely supports police personnel without unnecessary socializing or external pressures.
“I carefully handpicked the officers,” she explained. “I didn’t know all of them, but I had strict criteria in mind. Thankfully, I believe I chose the right ones,” she added.
Using her experience as a career woman, Mary Rose emphasized their efforts to maintain financial independence from the PNP’s budget.
“I said, ‘We have to raise our own funds.’ We had the singing cops, we had the Harmony of Heroes, and we had fundraising events,” Mary Rose explained.
“My husband’s directive was clear: ‘I don’t want you asking for money (budget)—raise the foundation’s own funds.’ And we did,” she said.
Rooted in Resilience and Tending to Growth
One of the initial hurdles was the foundation’s registration status.
“The foundation was unregistered and had been expired for many years,” Mary Rose shared.
Determined to legitimize their work, she spearheaded the foundation’s official registration, which was finalized on July 31, 2024.
Since then, PNP OLCFI has made significant strides, helping more than 500 cops nationwide through various initiatives.
Among its early projects was the “Love and Blessing (LAB) Virus” project, an initiative that caught public attention and garnered overwhelming support.
“People realized that our purpose was good—it focused on the policemen,” she said.
According to Mary Rose, donations from private groups and individuals poured in, including an anonymous contribution of ₱1.5 million.
“They saw the video when we had the singing cops. We showed them where we went. They were so touched. We received a lot of donations, which is a huge help to the foundation,” she said.
Another key initiative is the reactivation of the Child Development Center (CDC). Mary Rose noted that the main issue in the past was always about who would pay the teachers.
To address this, the foundation partnered with the Quezon City local government, which now provides programs and teachers, ensuring the CDC’s sustained operations.
Additionally, the foundation is exploring collaborations with other private organizations and foundations to strengthen its sustainability.
“We’re setting it up in such a way that it will continue even after our leadership changes,” Mary Rose said.
She also emphasized the need for additional healthcare resources, including an improved healthcare system to better serve officers stationed across various locations.
“The budget for health needs to increase,” Mary Rose said. “Even with the support available, it’s still not enough,” she added.
Marbil credited her husband’s efforts in piloting a health card initiative for officers and expressed hope that similar programs would be expanded.
Mary Rose, on the other hand, addressed a common misconception about the foundation’s identity.
“Focusing on the foundation—that’s our biggest challenge. Our primary challenge is clarifying the OLC’s identity. Previously associated with both PNP officers, the ladies’ club, and the foundation; its nature was ambiguous. It’s now simply OLC, a change that has already taken place,” she explained.
She further shared how her husband’s advice helped shape the foundation’s mission.
“There’s a misconception that it’s a social club. They have different things they do depending on the adviser. But, you know, that’s why my husband said, ‘If you’re going to focus on the police force, I will support you,’” she stated.
Sowing Seeds of Support
Looking ahead, Mary Rose vowed that sustainability remains a top priority for the foundation.
“When my husband retires, I’m coterminous. So, we’re setting it up in such a way that we have it institutionalized, which means my term will also end,” she noted, as her husband is set to leave his post in June of this year.
To ensure continuity, the foundation is institutionalizing its processes, creating a structure where officers remain in place even after leadership transitions.
Mary Rose underscored the importance of institutionalizing the foundation to ensure continued support for police officers and their families, regardless of leadership changes.
“We’re structuring it in a way that the Foundation continues,” Marbil said.
She added that elections will be conducted to appoint new officers, reinforcing stability and long-term impact.
“We fixed everything, documented everything. [Once] we turn over, we [will] give them guidelines,” she said.
She cited instances where the previous iteration of the PNP OLC lacked advisors, leading to stagnation. To prevent this, she said the foundation is formalizing agreements with the PNP and other partners.
“We’re trying to make it more professional,” she explained.
“Since it’s a foundation, we’re working it out so that retirees and active members are represented in the board of trustees, providing guidance and stability,” she added.
When asked what advice she’d give to the next PNP OLC Foundation adviser, Mary Rose expressed hope that someone would continue what she started.
“I hope that they do, you know, like the LAB Virus program. I don’t mind if they change the name or do their own thing, as long as it still serves the same purpose,” she said.
“There are still ideas coming out and I hope and pray that they continue. But as I said, we’re never too sure,” she added.
Blossoming Appreciation
Through its unwavering commitment, PNP OLCFI has not only uplifted police personnel but also established a sustainable model for support and development.
Mary Rose highlighted the overwhelming gratitude from those benefiting from the foundation’s work.
“It’s the first time they’ve been noticed. They’re very thankful. It’s a big thing,” she said.
“All of them said the same thing in different ways, but the sentiment is the same—everyone is just so thankful,” she added.
What started as a simple idea has now transformed into a lasting legacy—one that continues to evolve, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of many.
