Policemen in stilettos dominated the grandstand of the Bicol Regional Police Headquarters in Camp Ola, Legazpi City Friday morning at the kick-off ceremony for some organized activities in celebration of Women’s Month this March.
Twenty-seven policemen participated in a walk-run marathon at the HQ grounds. The fully made up “Macho Juans” waved at the cheering crowd with designer bags and embellished high heels.
They admitted feeling discomfort as they walked and ran awkwardly much to the delight of the women in attendance.
The men said they could never measure up to the complexities of women as they tried to talk in their shoes that day.
Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said they organized the activity to demonstrate acceptance, respect, and have a little entertainment to celebrate the women members of their workforce.
According to Dizon, at least 20 percent or more than 200 of the 11,000 regional police workforce are women; 15 of them already rose in the ranks to become chief of police; there is also a provincial director while some are designated with sensitive assignments.
Dizon further added that acceptance and non-discrimination of any gender is important in his leadership. He noted that at least fifty policemen in his region identified as gays and there were also a few who are lesbians.
“Humanity is important and every Juan and Juanas have something to contribute, thus I would like them to recognize that,” Dizon said.
“’Yung mga lalaking nagsuot ng high heels ay pagpaparamdam sa kanila kung gaano kahirap magsuot ganung sapatos (The men who wore high heels now understand how hard it must feel to wear shoes like that),” he explained.
A 30-minute “Juana Zumba” was also held that morning to warm up everyone in the audience, most of whom were seen wearing purple shirts.
The Philippine Commission on Women leads the annual celebration of Women’s Month every year. For 2023 to 2028, it runs on the theme “WE for gender equality and inclusive society” with the letters ‘W and E’ standing for ‘Women and Everyone.’