As we celebrate National Heroes’ Day, it’s essential to highlight how our uniformed personnel—comprising the Navy, Army, Air Force, and other agencies—maintain their health and fitness. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that 39.7% of Filipinos are sedentary, underscoring the importance of active lifestyles, especially for those in service.
Fitness Assessments and Regimens
Uniformed personnel undergo rigorous physical fitness tests tailored to their respective branches. Here’s a snapshot of their fitness requirements:
Philippine Army: The Philippine Army Warrior Fitness (PAWF) Test comprises seven events, including Leg Tucks, Modified Push-Ups, 100-meter Sprints, Casualty Drag and Carry, and a One-Mile Run. This comprehensive test evaluates overall physical strength, agility, and endurance.
Philippine Navy: Navy personnel must perform 20-22 push-ups per minute for men and 11-13 for women, with additional requirements based on age. Men are expected to run 3.2 kilometers in 20 minutes, while women have up to 22 minutes. Sit-ups are also a key component, with men required to complete at least 24 per minute and women 17.
Philippine Air Force: The Air Force fitness test includes 30 push-ups in two minutes for men and 11 for women. Men should also perform at least 36 sit-ups in two minutes, while women must complete 23. Additionally, there is a 3.2-kilometer run with specific time requirements based on age.
Philippine National Police (PNP): The PNP evaluates physical agility through abdominal crunches, push-ups, and running. This test assesses coordination, strength, and speed.
Support Beyond Fitness
Generika Drugstore has introduced a special discount program for uniformed personnel as a token of appreciation for their service. From August 6, 2024, to February 28, 2025, active employees from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) can avail of a 5% discount on all generic medicines at Generika Drugstore branches nationwide.
Gino Guinto, Chief Commercial Officer of Generika Drugstore, emphasizes, “Supporting their health and well-being is our contribution to making our nation safer.” The initiative not only provides significant savings on medications but also offers additional health services, including free consultations, blood pressure monitoring, and affordable diagnostic tests.
This discount is part of the broader “Saludo sa Serbisyo” program by Ayala Corporation, which supports uniformed personnel through housing assistance, financial education, livelihood training, and scholarships for dependents. PCPT Antonio Dela Cruz of the Police Security and Protection Group notes that such initiatives positively impact morale and welfare, showing appreciation for their daily sacrifices.
Brig. Gen. Danilo Benavides of the Philippine Army’s Training and Doctrine Command also commends the program, highlighting the value of private sector support for their well-being.
Conclusion
The physical fitness and health of uniformed personnel are crucial not only for their performance but also for their overall well-being. Through rigorous fitness tests and supportive initiatives from organizations like Generika Drugstore and Ayala Corporation, these brave individuals are given the tools they need to stay healthy and perform their duties effectively.
