Celebrating Women's Month with Mary Rose Marbil: A Story of Love, Compassion, Family and Service

She was all smiles when she went in. Donned in a white crisp top, hair tucked back and a presence I couldn't put to words. She has this presence signifying power, poise, posture that make known strictness. But once she uttered words, it felt like we were welcomed home, like no strangers... getting a warm hug. 

She's the beautiful Ms. Mary Rose Marbil, loving wife to PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil and caring mother to recently engaged Robyn Marie Marbil. She's also the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. (previously Officer's Ladies Club) Adviser, an honor she doesn't treat as an obligation, but an opportunity to help through charitable causes, now geared to help PNP Personnel and their families. This is also something that she is passionate about. 

Photo from the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. Facebook Page

 

This strong disposition must have come from somewhere, so I asked about who she gets the inspiration from. She immediately answered her Mom. She says "The woman who made a big impact is my Mom. Not just because she is my Mom, but because of how she is, and how she handled things. She's always objective about things. When we got married, we stayed with her for 3 years. She didn't want me to stay in PSG quarters because there would be a lot of chismis there. It might have been difficult to have 2 queens in one castle, but it wasn't with her. If there are conflicts, she never asked why, but just be present and be there for me. Even with the siblings, she's the most level headed. That's my Mom."

With the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc., she was involved in spearheading their ongoing project called LAB Virus (which they coined from Love and Blessings). She usually goes with the PNP Chief in various locations in the country but didn't participate much in efforts. With the project, she was able to start helping PNP personnel and their beneficiaries. With the foundation, she didn't have to wait for a regional visit to help people. It also rarely happens, and this was able to put them in a more pro-active state. 

The foundation sought help from health services to identify over 500 individuals that are critically ill. This was a huge number, even the Chief PNP was surprised. Much of them were suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease and needs lengthy dialysis treatments in their respective regions. They provided them needed financial assistance that would help for medical bills and for their daily spend. 

While it was a huge help, they wanted their actions to also be more sustainable. One of the regional leaders in Cebu was teaching life skills in making soap. It's a business they could easily teach PNP personnel and their beneficiaries, so they could fend for themselves, and put food on the table after getting help from the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. Very soon, they will also be teaching and giving away business kits to street sweepers in Camp Crame. They are excited to do this in Manila/Laguna too.

 Here's our interview with Ms. Mary Rose a few days ago:

Spreading love with every touch, the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. is continuously going around regions including BARMM. With help from private individuals who signified support through their organization, they would be able to lend a hand to more people especially PNP personnel and their families.

Recently, they also had a concert with singing PNP personnel to raise funds for the foundation. They also get help from individuals, other foundations (and the public) so they could come to the aid of more people in times of need. Her experience in the corporate world has helped her organize a structured operation to cater the underprivileged. They now have officers that will be able to continue efforts and ensure it would be addressed after her term. This is such a selfless and noble task, but she finds insurmountable fulfillment doing this.  

Her message to women out there, "There's always something you can do. You're not just a wife, let's not limit ourselves to what people think you can do. We are limitless, especially as women. It shouldn't be a hindrance, I even think there's more power in that. We have our charm, use it to move and make things happen. With our talents, we can use it for the welfare of the people around us. Do what you need to do!" Her story of love, compassion, her family and the service the foundation does for others is so inspiring.

Thank you for sharing your time Ms. Rose, it was certainly a pleasure getting to know you!

Foundation Gives Hope for Communities in South Luzon

South Luzon is home to various IP groups and communities. Much of its landcape has been continuously hit by natural disasters and their lives have been heavily affected. The folks from DigiP|us, through their social arm Bing0P|us Foundation knew they needed not just material help, but livelihood that could be sustainable. Bicol region always has been in the typhoon's path and recovery after takes time.

Folks from the foundation took time and visited these communities in Manalansay in Oriental Mindoro to get them units of solar lights and solar powered generators so farmers from local organizations would be able to have power in these far flung areas. These are used to light up their homes, power houses that produce handicrafts that provide livelihood for these IP's for years now. Their kids also need it to study, have education and provide power for their phones and communicate with others if needed.

Mothers like Ms. Gayot who want to teach their kids and study at home didn't have these lights in order to help with their studies. This is the first time they've had an opportunity to receive needed resources like these, in over 20 years that they lived there.

In the Bicol region, the foundation provided financial assistance to several affected families of Typhoon Christine, even those in Cam Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes group of islands and Masbate. They have pledged over 37 Million Pesos for it since November 2024. They did it with the help of government agencies such as DSWD in Region 5 and has benefited 74 families in these areas. Over 250K of it will go to house repairs and help affected children in need of education, those orphaned too. This certainly gives hope to those who live in these communities, and this foundation is just starting.

IP Community Gets Tech and Health Grant on National IP Month

No one is being left behind as DigiP|us Interactive and Bing0Plus Foundation served 1,800 elderly and IP scholars as part of their steadfast support for their community during National Indigenous Peoples Month. This includes a 2 day medical mission and donation of tablets for the benefit of the Carol-an Indigenous Community in Kabankalan in Negros Occidental (my home province).

This happened in November 20-22 and has benefited over 1,829 Senior Citizens coming from 12 Barangays, and concentrated on eye care, giving checkups, eye glasses and medication. Some cases needed more attention, so they referred them to specialists as well. The also worked with Kabankalan City IP Youth Organization, to say thanks for their elders and their help with their efforts on their culture. This is part of the foundations commitment and to be of service in far flung areas where medical attention is needed. It was also witnessed by Celeste Jovenir, the COO of Bing0Plus Foundation. 

They also gave 50 students brand new tablets to use specifically for their education. Beneficiaries were in different levels, all members of the Carol-an IP Community. Jeolina Largardo the President of KaCIPYO thanked the foundation for their generous support and for giving them tools to continue their education. This is just some of the work that the foundation is continuing to make sure the needed healthcare, education will be provided for different IP communities across the Philippines.