“I grew up bullied, I am always reduced to tears most of the time by my classmates. This was the starting point when my father trained me to become a champion”.
“In school I always ended up being bullied because of my size and gender but my mother wouldn’t allow me to just cry and surrender. This moved my father to train me for self-defense in order to protect myself and my siblings. At 8 years old my training began”.
Let’s take a look back on how PSSg Jonalyn Lonzaga Olivar overcome her predicament and became a gold medalist and world champion in World Police and Fire Games. A sports competition of police and fire officers all over the world. Yes, a Cebuana won against foreign nationals a testament of her excellence as a sportswoman, discipline and perseverance.
Despite her poor beginnings this did not prevent PSSg Olivar to reach her dreams. Her parents were hog raisers; their family’s livelihood came from this humble source of income. They were struggling and unable to make ends meet but their parents tried hard to provide for the family’s needs.
In high school she graduated Salutatorian in Looc Norte National High School in Asturias, Cebu and in college she finished and excelled as a member of the Karate-do varsity in the University of Cebu Main Campus and won medals during tournaments under Japan Karate Association-Nihon Karate Kyokai Philippine Inc.
PSSg Jonalyn Lonzaga Olivar grew up in Barangay Langub, Asturias, Cebu. When she was young she only had one dream, to become a police woman to fight for the poor and against inequality.
True enough, she finished her degree in Bachelor of Science in Criminology in the University of Cebu Main Campus in 2005 with honors.
But she did not work directly with the Philippine National Police, instead she was employed with EteleCare under the security department for six years from 2006-2012.
As the eldest, working in EteleCare was a means to help her family break free from their poor situation.
In July 2, 2012 under the batch Romans she entered the PNP. She trained hard as a police officer and as an athlete. She never forgot her sports, this drove her to aim for excellence in everything she does.
With diligence and never losing sight of her first love, she won as a champion from 2016-2019 in the AFP-PNP-PCG Olympics. She is also a 3rd Dan International Black belter of Japan Karate Association.
Her constant training and discipline made her achieve the ultimate Gold and 3 Silver medals in Karate and 1 silver medal in 10k run in track & field during 2023 World Police and Fire Games.
Truly, PSSg Jonalyn Lonzaga Olivar has achieved accolades and medals with sheer determination. She thanked her parents for the support given to her all these years. She would also like to thank her boss, sponsors and the Filipino community in Winnepeg, Manitoba Canada for the support and sacrifices for the Filipino athletes.
In all of her achievements she is inspired by her sons GJ Adamson and James Gallen who understands her work and her passion.
PSSg Jonalyn Lonzaga Olivar has this guiding motto that steers her life “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.
Cebu PPO is proud of you, Truly, we are home to excellent and result oriented police officers. In your words, this is only the beginning! Congratulations to our own, world champion, PSSg Jonalyn Lonzaga Olivar! We are proud of you, Mabuhi ka!
Written by: NUP Merlie A Dacunos
Source: Cebu Police Provincial Office
