2 Davao woman law enforcers cited for outstanding work

A lady soldier and a lady jail officer recently received citations as among the women outstanding achievers of Mindanao for epitomizing empowered women in fields traditionally ruled by men.
Major Rosa Ma. Cristina R. Manuel of the 10th Infantry Division, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Chief Inspector Grace Taculin of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology gained their recognition from the Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW).
Manuel was cited for actively engaging in fields traditionally ruled by men and for breaking barriers in the military service, being the being the first female line officer to be assigned outside the 8th ID division headquarters based in Samar.
She is also the first female and current Battalion Executive Officer of the 10th Civil Military Operations Battalion of the AFP.
Previously, MCW said Manuel improved the system and database management of the G1 office and the massive clearing operations in Samar showed her as a seasoned female line officer.
In 2007, the lady soldier joined the 10th ID and was assigned to launch and operationalize the 10th Division Public Affairs Office which continues to function efficiently and works closely with members of the media.
Manuel also received military honors and civilian appreciation for her exemplary contributions and support to the military service in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in the communities.
Working in the service for more than ten years, the Battalion Executive Officer has consistently proven herself as an asset to the Philippine Army.
Being able to balance work and personal life, Manuel is also a champion in her own home being a wife and a mother of two kids. She also actively participates in civic and religious organizations.
Manuel was placed in the ranks of Hadja Bainon Karon, chair of the Moro National Liberation Front Women’s Committee of the Central Committee and founder of the Federation of United Mindanawan Bangsamoro Women’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Bo-i Era España, tribal chieftain of the Obo-Manobo tribe in Barangay Mua-an, Kidapawan and chairperson of indigenous peoples organization Tuddok; and Atty. Raissa Jajurie.
These women were cited by MCW for breaking the normal norm of society, for improving existing practices and for showing that women too can contribute in the public sphere.
Meanwhile, Davao City Jail chief inspector Taculin was recognized for making innovations and breakthroughs and being instrumental to the establishment of the Ray of Hope Village inside the city jail facility.