As we celebrate National Heroes’ Day, we checked out the latest developments on how our policemen and military personnel work on their health and fitness. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released data that 39.7 percent of Filipinos are sedentary which is definitely bad for our health.
During the pandemic years, many (my daughter included) joined as Navy, Army or Air Force reserves. While we hope it is to serve the country, many took the opportunity to be trained and get physically fit outside the confines of their homes.
Chill time in between grueling physical activities in Cavite: JC de Vera with female Navy reservists.
Fitness measures
There are many signature fitness regimens and physical tests. The Philippine Army Warrior Fitness (PAWF) Test, for example, is comprised of seven events performed in a sequence. These include the Leg Tuck; Modified Push-Ups; 100-meter Sprint and Drop; Casualty Drag and Carry; Up and Over Squat; Ammunition Can Carry; and One-Mile Run.
Meanwhile, for the Philippine Navy, the minimum requirements of the physical exam include 20 to 22 push-ups per minute for men and 11-13 push-ups for women. The number of push-ups corresponds to an age bracket as well. Men should be able to run 3.2 kilometers in 20 minutes while women should not clock in over 22 minutes. Those 25 years old and below are expected to be one and 1/2 minutes faster. As for sit-ups, men should do at least 24 per minute while women are expected to do 17 sit-ups per minute.
In the Philippine Air Force, your fitness is assessed in three events. Men should do 30 push-ups in two minutes while women should do 11. Younger participants are expected to do more while those 27 years old and above can do two reps less. For sit-ups, men are made to do at least 36 in two minutes while women are required 23. There is also a 3.2 kilometer run which men should finish in less than 20 minutes with women allowed a minute more to complete it.
The physical agility test of the Philippine National Police (PNP) includes abdominal crunches, push-ups and a run. A screening committee determines the level of coordination, strength and speed the person possesses.
Generika Drugstore offers additional discounts and health perks to uniformed personnel nationwide until Feb. 28, 2025.
Beyond fitness
Generika Drugstore announced a special discount program “for uniformed and non-uniformed personnel to honor their courage and sacrifices in the line of duty” ahead of the National Heroes’ Day.
“More than 500,000 active employees from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) can avail of a five percent discount on all generic medicines from all branches of Generika Drugstore starting Aug. 6,” said Gino Guinto, chief commercial officer of Generika Drugstore.
“Even valor needs relief. This is our way of taking care of the people who take care of us, recognizing the invaluable sacrifices they make every day in the line of duty. Supporting their health and well-being is our contribution to making our nation safer,” Guinto added.
During the pandemic, the PNP strengthened its health and fitness program through Memorandum Circular 2020-029. Being at the frontlines of peacekeeping, police personnel need to be physically and mentally fit and healthy to effectively perform their duties to the Filipino public.
“This has an impact on the morale and welfare of all uniformed personnel. It contributes to a sense of appreciation and support from the private sector, fostering a positive environment for those serving in uniform,” said PCPT. Antonio Dela Cruz of the Police Security and Protection Group.
“Buying generic medicines from Generika Drugstores already offers consumers up to 85 percent savings compared to buying branded medicines. On top of this, all personnel from the above agencies can avail a five-percent discount on all generic medicines, including Generika Drugstore’s house brands Actimed Quality Generics and Nutrawell Supplements, simply by presenting their agency ID at any Generika Drugstore nationwide.
“Beneficiaries of the program can also have access to Generika Drugstore’s Plus services such as scheduled Libreng Konsulta with partner doctors, free blood pressure monitoring, affordable blood sugar tests and basic diagnostic services with mobile laboratory partners.
“This is what Ginhawang Generika is all about. By providing access to quality, affordable medicines and basic healthcare services, we aim to empower communities to take better care of their health. Truly, ginhawa is within reach in every Generika Drugstore all over the country,” Guinto said.
This discount, which will run until Feb. 28, 2025, is in support of Ayala Corporation’s comprehensive and needs-based Saludo sa Serbisyo program, which was launched in 2016.
Through its subsidiaries, the company also provides housing assistance, financial education, livelihood training and scholarship for dependents of uniformed personnel, among others.
BFP deputy chief for operation FSCUPT Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu lauds the initiative, “We can say that the Saludo sa Serbisyo program is one of a kind. Truly, we appreciate this unique gesture showing that Ayala Corporation recognizes our service to the nation.”
“It’s really very heartwarming for us that the private sector appreciates our service to the country and that the Ayala Group looks out for our welfare and basic needs,” said Brig. Gen.Danilo Benavides, deputy commander of The Philippine Army’s Training and Doctrine Command.
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