The Eastern Police District (EPD) has set a beauty pageant for lesbian cops to highlight their contribution in maintaining peace and order and upholding the principles of the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid the multitude of controversy hounding the organization.
EPD Director Romulo Sapitula said the search for “Gwapulis din 2017” aims to promote ‘gender sensitivity and eliminate gender discrimination in the community and in the PNP.
There will be 12 contestants who will compete for the title on May 5 at Tanghalang Pasigueña in Pasig city. The pageant hopefuls were gathered from police stations in the cities of San Juan, Marikina, Mandaluyong and Pasig.
Sapitula said he initially thought of mounting a similar contest for gay cops but he decided not to continue with it.
“Ang problema eh walang sasaling pulis,” he said.
Earlier, the PNP held the “Gandapulis 2017”, a title that was won by a Yolanda survivor and Leyte cop, Police Officer 1 Arla Ray Paciencia.
The 12 lesbian cops are scheduled to have their photo shoot today and a lunch with the Adopt-a-pupil beneficiaries on May 4 before the grand finals on May 5.
The EPD memorandum said the 12 candidates will be judged according to the following criteria: Gwapo sa Paningin 40 percent, Gwapo sa Kalooban 20 percent, Talentado 20 percent, Gwapo sa sarili (confidence, stage presence) 10 percent and Gwapo sa kanila (audience impact or online votes) 10 percent.
The grand winner of the ‘Gwapulis din 2017’ will win P20,000 while the first and second runners up will receive P15,000 and P10,000 respectively.
The third runner up will receive P5,000 while non-winners will receive a plaque of appreciation. (JENNY F. MANONGDO)