PBGEN Jezebel Dominguez-Medina, a native of Sabangan, Mountain Province, has made history by becoming the first female Igorot to be promoted to Police Brigadier General in the Philippine National Police (PNP). Her promotion, announced during the annual donning of ranks ceremony on December 12, 2022, at Camp Crame, Quezon City, is a historic achievement not only for her but also for the Igorot community and women in law enforcement.
A Dedicated Career in the PNP
Medina's career in the PNP began in 1993 when she joined through the lateral entry program. A licensed dentist by profession, she brought her medical expertise to the police force, quickly proving her ability to lead and innovate. Over her nearly 30-year career, she held several significant positions within the PNP, including regional chief of the PNP Health Service in Region 3, director of the PNP Women and Children Protection Center, and chief of the Quezon City Police District Medical and Dental Unit.
Her career has been marked by a strong commitment to improving the welfare of police personnel, particularly in health care. She is best known for pioneering the "Bagong Ngiti sa Dating Bungi" program in 2004, which provides free dentures to police officers in need. This program, which has since been replicated across various regions under the name "Serbisyong May Ngiti para sa Kapulisan," has helped countless officers improve their dental health, making a significant impact on their overall well-being.
Innovating Police Health Services
Beyond dental care, Medina has been a driving force behind the creation and success of the Enhanced Monitoring of Police Overall Wellness (EMPOw) program. Initially known as Oplan Tokhang Kalusugan, the program was introduced at Police Regional Office 3 when Medina was the Regional Chief of the Medical and Dental Unit. The program aims to address health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia among police officers, providing regular medical consultations, health monitoring, and free maintenance medications.
Medina expanded the EMPOw program to the Cordillera region in 2022, where it has benefited officers in the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PRO-Cor), helping them identify and manage their health conditions. The program has become a model of success, improving the overall health and wellness of police personnel and promoting a culture of care within the PNP.
Breaking Gender Barriers
Medina's promotion to Police Brigadier General is a landmark achievement for women in law enforcement. In a field that has traditionally been male-dominated, Medina's rise to such a prestigious rank serves as an inspiration to women, particularly those from indigenous communities like the Igorots. Her success shows that with determination, innovation, and hard work, women can break barriers and make significant strides in any field.
Her promotion not only highlights her personal achievements but also marks a moment of progress for gender equality in the PNP. With more women assuming leadership roles within the police force, Medina's journey serves as a powerful reminder that opportunities for women in law enforcement are growing, and there is no limit to what they can achieve.
A Historic Partnership
Medina's promotion is even more notable given that she and her husband, B/Gen Remus B. Medina, are now the first husband-and-wife generals in active police service. Remus Medina, the director of the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit, shares his wife's commitment to the PNP, making their shared success a rare and remarkable achievement in the history of the Philippine National Police.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
PBGEN Jezebel Dominguez-Medina's promotion to Police Brigadier General is a testament to her dedication to the PNP and her unwavering commitment to the health and welfare of police personnel. Through her innovative health programs and leadership, she has made a lasting impact on the force and continues to inspire women and men alike.
Her achievements are not only a source of pride for her family, her community in Sabangan, Mountain Province, and the Igorot people but also for women across the country who aspire to succeed in law enforcement. Medina's legacy will continue to shape the future of the PNP and inspire future generations of women in law enforcement, showing that with perseverance, leadership, and innovation, anything is possible.
