During the launch of ‘Oplan Bantay Kalusugan,’ the count of individuals identified as obese and overweight reached 7,400. This event occurred last Tuesday, December 12, at the Hinirang Multi-Purpose Hall in Camp Kadiwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.
As per NCRPO Regional Director PMGen Melencio Nartatez, the successful simultaneous initiation of Oplan Bantay Kalusugan is one of the five focal priorities of PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda. The objective is to support police officers in achieving physical and mental fitness.
Upon evaluation by medical officers, a significant number of attending police officers were categorized as ‘overweight’ and excessively obese. Following the assessment, they will participate in a training program devised by the Regional Learning and Doctorate Development Division (RLDDD), which includes diverse physical activity interventions.
Psychological interventions are also slated to be part of the ongoing program for PNP personnel, complementing other health-related initiatives aimed at promoting their overall well-being.
PLt Jumelle Cuyco, Operations Officer and PSMU Officer of the Regional Medical and Dental Unit – NCR, highlighted that 34 percent of NCRPO personnel fall into the ‘overweight and obese’ category. This prompted the Regional Director to launch the program and assess if they have underlying health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
“We will provide them with medication after which we will also give dietary intervention. So, we will invite counselors from all over the region to go to our different districts because, to be honest, we only have two dieticians here in the region, and that includes me, so we cannot cater to the entire 7,000 personnel. We will give them meal plans,” said Cuyco.
Cuyco further noted that there is a recommended ‘weight reduction’ based on the average set by the Department of Health. It does not entail abrupt weight loss for the police officers, as only 1 pound needs to be shed per week, with a maximum weight loss of 2 kilos per month.
The program aims to assist the police force in effectively carrying out their duties, ensuring their physical fitness for proper movement, especially during pursuits and apprehension of criminals.
