LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Benguet Provincial Police Office (BPPO) has launched a 98-day weight loss program designed to help 98 overweight and obese personnel across the province regain their fitness and meet the standard.
The program began on August 26 and will run until December 2, according to Major Edwin Sergio, BPPO public information officer, in an interview on Thursday.
It will cover all 12 municipal police stations and the provincial office, excluding La Trinidad, which has a separate initiative.
“This is not just a challenge for the 98 personnel but for the entire Benguet police force, who are expected to assist and motivate their colleagues in reaching the required weight and body mass index (BMI),” Sergio said.
The program includes regular physical activities such as Zumba, jogging, taebo, walking, road clearing, trail running, and even tree planting to build agility and burn calories.
Progress will be tracked through weigh-ins every two weeks.
The weight-loss campaign was among the first programs initiated by then PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III when he assumed the post in June, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness for police officers to perform their duties effectively.
Those who fail to meet the required weight will be relieved of their posts, placed on floating status, and barred from availing of loans. They, however, were given enough time to meet the required weight.
Sergio said the “five biggest losers” will receive cash prizes. **Liza Agoot
