Mary Rose Marbil: A Mother’s Heart That Nurtures Families, Communities, and the Planet

 We all wear many hats — wife, mom, daughter, friend. But sometimes, it’s the quiet things we do for others that become our biggest legacy. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t always make the headlines, but stays — deeply rooted in the people we’ve helped, the lives we’ve touched, and the world we leave behind for our children.

For Mary Rose Marbil, that’s the life she chooses to live every single day — not just as a mother to her daughter or a wife to the country’s top cop, but as a woman who sees every family as an extension of her own. Every police officer’s child, every struggling family, every stray dog — they’ve all become part of her growing circle of care.

As the Adviser of the Philippine National Police - Officers’ Ladies Club Foundation, Inc. (PNP OLC FI), Mary Rose could have taken the ceremonial route. But instead, she chose to use the platform to create lasting impact, supporting police personnel and their families — especially those quietly carrying the burden of service.

Service Rooted in Family and Compassion
One of the Foundation’s key projects is the "LAB Virus" (Love and Blessings Virus) initiative — a program created to extend help to PNP personnel suffering from long-term illnesses or disabilities. The initiative identified over 500 critically ill individuals, most of whom are battling chronic kidney disease and require regular dialysis treatments. With medical costs weighing heavily on these families, the program provided financial aid to help them cover both healthcare expenses and daily needs.

The program also extended its reach to the Bahay Bulilit Day Care Center, where children of PNP personnel were given school supplies and essentials — simple yet meaningful support to help them continue their studies. During one of the Foundation’s events, the children performed for their visitors, creating a heartwarming moment that reflected the community spirit behind the initiative.

Mary Rose and the Foundation aim not just to assist during emergencies but to sustain ongoing support for PNP families. Fundraising activities — including concerts featuring singing PNP personnel — were organized to generate additional resources for the cause.

A Family Built on Faith and Simple Joys
Away from the Foundation’s activities, Mary Rose and General Marbil share a quiet, grounded life centered on family, faith, and their shared love for animals.

The couple’s story goes all the way back to their high school days as classmates at Paco Catholic School. Over the years, their bond strengthened, especially in facing the challenges that come with General Marbil’s career in law enforcement. Together, they raised their only daughter, Robyn, who is now 26 and recently engaged.

Despite his high-ranking position, General Marbil is described as a playful and loving father at home. One of the fondest memories shared by their daughter was seeing her father dancing around their living room to the song “Happy” by Square Heads — a rare glimpse of the man behind the uniform.

Their family is also known for their love of animals. They own a farm in Batangas, where they care for rescue dogs, offering them a safe haven. In fact, their attachment to their pets runs so deep that one of their dogs once gave birth on their bed — a lighthearted memory that captures the home they’ve built together.

Faith also plays an important role in their lives. General Marbil is a devotee of St. Padre Pio and the Simala Shrine in Cebu. A painting of the shrine, which includes their family in the scene, hangs prominently in their dining area — a constant reminder of their gratitude and beliefs.

In a particularly meaningful moment before his appointment as PNP Chief, General Marbil welcomed a blood-stained Padre Pio relic into their home for almost two months. He considered it a blessing, especially when the news of his appointment came just a day before he was scheduled to return the relic.

Turning Environmental Challenges Into Action
Mary Rose’s care extends beyond people — it also includes the environment. Living near Taal Lake exposed her firsthand to the harsh realities of environmental damage.

In 2022 and 2024, Typhoons Paeng and Kristine severely affected their Batangas property. But beyond the storm damage, what left a lasting impact was the sight of 50 to 100 sacks of plastic waste washed ashore from the lake. The volume of debris was enough to collapse their fence, highlighting the growing environmental problem.

This experience inspired Mary Rose to launch zero-plastic initiatives in their community. One effort involved encouraging residents to collect plastic waste in exchange for money, promoting recycling and proper waste management. Additionally, she led tree-planting activities, with nearly 200 native trees like Narra and Talisay planted around Taal Lake and Crater Island to help restore the natural surroundings.

Sustainable Livelihood Through Soap-Making
Recognizing the need for sustainable programs, Mary Rose also spearheaded a soap-making livelihood project — a program designed to teach families and PNP personnel how to create liquid soaps and detergents using locally sourced materials.

The initiative began in Cebu and is now being expanded to include street sweepers in Camp Crame and other regions. The goal is not only to promote sustainability by reducing reliance on commercially produced products with excessive packaging but also to help participants gain a practical skill that can generate income.

The program envisions setting up refilling stations, allowing communities to minimize single-use plastics while supporting their families.

A Life of Purpose, Service, and Family Values
Throughout her work, Mary Rose demonstrates that motherhood and leadership go hand in hand. She balances her responsibilities to her family and community with grace — finding ways to create change, even in small, steady steps.

Her projects reflect what truly matters to her: family, faith, service, and sustainability. Whether it’s supporting the families behind the police force, rescuing animals, planting trees, or helping others build livelihoods, her efforts continue to grow — quietly but powerfully.

Mary Rose Marbil’s Ongoing Initiatives:
 LAB Virus Medical Aid Program — providing medical and financial support to critically ill PNP personnel
 Bahay Bulilit Educational Support — supporting children of PNP personnel with school supplies and daily needs
 Soap-Making and Livelihood Program — teaching families skills for income generation while promoting zero-waste practices
 Tree-Planting Drives — restoring environmental balance with native tree species planted around Taal Lake
 Animal Rescue and Care — providing a safe haven for rescued dogs at their Batangas farm

Mary Rose Marbil’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful work happens not in grand gestures, but in the quiet, consistent ways we care — for our families, our communities, and the world we hope to leave behind.