Law enforcement is a job known to be dominated by men. However, as time passed, more women are now part of the police force.

Police Captain Lilibeth Arche used to be among those who only dreamed of becoming a police officer. Other aspirants may have had their own defining moments that pushed them to pursue the profession, but for P/CAPT Arche, it was her strong sense of justice and the passion to help her community that fueled her determination.

Now on her 26th year, P/CAPT Arche heads the Mandaue City Police-Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD). “Our office was created in order to help address the protection needs of the women and children victim-survivors of violence, sexual harassment, and online sexual exploitation of children (OSAEC), among others. Before, women were hesitant to report their situation to the authorities because they were handled by men and feared that they will not be taken seriously,” said P/CAPT Arche.

P/CAPT Arche’s vision as the head of the WCPD in Mandaue City includes providing an open communication line between their office and the community and make their services available to them round-the-clock.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has enabled this vision of Mandaue City through providing phone kits, hotline numbers and banners, which have raised awareness and helped the WCPD directly accept reports and complaints of violence and other crimes against women and children.

P/CAPT Arche’s team is also active in collaborating with local government units, non-government organizations, and private companies to strengthen their education campaign on pressing matters such as anti-bullying and gender development in the community.

Women like P/CAPT Arche are changing the world by dedicating their life to integrity and passionate service. “Every day, I try to live my life by the words that I live by, which are to protect the vulnerable and to empower the marginalized. Men are not the only ones who can protect, women are just as capable,” added P/CAPT Arche.