How a survivor's battle became a foundation of hope for the PNP and AFP.
The Police and Armed Forces Leukemia and Blood Disorders Foundation of the Philippines Inc. — “The POLAR LEAF” — is a private, non-stock, non-profit, volunteer-based corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC Reg. No. CN201709817, issued March 20, 2017).
The foundation was conceptualized by PBGen. Regino S. Catiis (Ret.), an officer of the Philippine National Police and a leukemia survivor. Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in March 2015, he underwent a bone-marrow stem cell transplant on June 26 of the same year. Through his own battle, he saw how leukemia and blood disorders affect fellow members of the PNP and AFP — and, together with his wife Lynie and their family, resolved to help in the fight against blood cancers.
Spiritually guided, he founded The Polar Leaf with a group of dedicated PNP and AFP members who formed the incorporators and initial Board of Trustees. Its ranks include volunteers from the PNP and AFP, medical professionals, and private individuals — survivors, families and friends of patients, and compassionate hearts committed to helping those afflicted with blood diseases.
As far as we know, it is the first health foundation established specifically for personnel and dependents of the PNP and the AFP with health concerns relating to blood disorders.
POLAR is coined from Police and Armed Forces — a word for extremes, like the crucial conditions patients face. LEAF comes from Leukemia and Foundation — in symbolism, leaves signify truth, renewal of life, and hope.
Orange is the worldwide awareness color for leukemia and blood disorders. The clasped hands are the helping hands the foundation extends to patients and their families throughout the journey.
Latin for “God is our Hope” — believing in one Supreme Being who can grant healing, salvation, and the hope of a renewed life.
The blue and red shapes with the sun and three stars represent the Philippine flag — a foundation organized in the Philippines, serving fellow Filipinos. The shapes are drawn as leaves, echoing renewal of life.
The blue and green figures represent the target beneficiaries — members of the PNP and AFP and their dependents — in the colors of their respective organizations.
Our mission and vision, how we're organized, and the people behind The Polar Leaf.
Mission & Vision Org. Structure