THE Zonta Club of Bacolod has recognized policewomen who serve as Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) investigators in Police Precincts 1 to 10 in rites held at Bantug Ranch in Granada Alangilan Road, Bacolod City.

Led by its President Clarissa Araneta and incoming president Reeda Bantug, the recognition was held to help boost the morale of women serving the police organization.

Police Lieutenant Arlyn T. Torrendon, acting chief of WCPD of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) under the leadership of Police Colonel Manuel Placido, was among those who were recognized by Zonta for their service rendered to the welfare of women and children.

Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and other City Councilors and City Administrator Em Ang graced the said rites.

Such recognition boosted the confidence and enthusiasm of those policewomen and the police organization, citing their hard work and dedication to their work and fellow men.

Police Lieutenant Torrendon, in her acceptance speech, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Zonta officials for recognizing their efforts that uphold the welfare of women and children who commonly fall prey to various forms of violations.

"It is with great honor and privilege that the Zonta Club recognized us due to our actions and undertakings in the name of police service. All these were achieved with the guidance, wisdom, and grace of the Almighty Father who is always there to ensure that we perform our duties and responsibilities to the people. Our work is full of challenges and sacrifices. We even miss attending special occasions with our respective families, especially during Christmas and New Year's celebrations because of our commitment to our duty. It is always a duty first. We will continue to serve and protect our fellow men with utmost dedication," she said.

This recognition will serve as motivation to us. In partnership with Zonta, we can lessen and prevent crimes, as well as gain the support of the community for the best interest of the women and children.

"We believe that it takes a village to raise a child," and with these collaborative efforts, we can further uphold the rights and welfare of women and children.

Meanwhile, Bantug Real Estate Development Corporation led by Michael Bantug and Reeda Bantug signed a deed of donation of a 500-square-meter property that will come to be a site of the three-story building of Police Station 5 in Barangay Granada.

A memorandum of agreement was signed by Michael and Reeda Bantug and BCPO Director Police Colonel Manuel Placido.

Michael Bantug said the donation will be for the advantage of the communities living in Barangays Granada and Alangilan.

The family saw the importance of donating the property for the use of our police organization, he said.