In 2020, Deniece Milinette Vargas Cornejo initiated a successful movement, rallying a group of women leaders and youth advocates opposed to misogyny to support her cause.
She launched the empowering “Black and White” Facemask movement, not only in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also as a silent protest—to amplify the voices of abused women and ensure their safety throughout their lives.
The movement aided the Philippine National Police and rescued numerous women and children from violators.
In line with this, Deniece attended master classes in International Policies and engaged in diplomacy dialogues.
Her commitment to creating a safer community was soon acknowledged and recognized by Retired Police Brigadier General Diosdado “Dado” Tolentino Valeroso, former Executive Director of the Emergency 911 National Office under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy in 1982, he retired in 2015 as deputy for administration of the National Capital Region Police Office.
Valeroso also ran for senator in the 2016 national elections.
Courtesy Visit to DILG: (L-R) General Diosdado Valeroso, Former Executive Director of Emergency 911; Elizabeth Deleon, Assistant Secretary for Community Participation; Felicito A Valmocina Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs; First Emergency 911 National Ambassador Deniece Milinette Vargas Cornejo; and, Engineer Johfel Valmocina.
Valeroso recognized Cornejo’s commitment to the Vision, Mission, and Goals of the Emergency 911 National Office by naming her the First Emergency 911 National Ambassador.
He lauded Cornejo for dedicating her time to actively promoting the 911 Hotline, thereby raising public awareness and educating citizens on:
- The importance of calling 911 in during emergencies, and
- The swift response the public can get from dedicated telecommunication and the first responders.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Valeroso, a retired police superintendent, as Executive Director in May 2017 to help implement the 911 Emergency Hotline designated as the nationwide hotline for public safety and crime prevention.
