Senator Robinhood Padilla has commended the 48 new reservists who have completed their BasicCitizen Military Course (BCMC) and now full-fledged reservists of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The group called Sandigang Alab Batch 10 reservists predominantly consisted of Senate employees.
Padilla, together with Philippine Navy officials Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., flag-officer -in-command; Maj. Gen. Joseph Ferrous Cuison, head of the Naval Reserve Command, and Capt. Junmar Sales, National Capital Region commander, welcomed the new reservists following their graduation rites last Navy headquarters in Manila.
The newly-minted reservists underwent a rigorous 20-day training where they learned the art of self-defense and a deeper understanding of the role of reservists in protecting the country and the people.
Speaking before the graduates, Adaci emphasized on the crucial role of the reservists in national security.
“Mahalaga ang papel ng mga reservist sa ating pambansang seguridad. Sa panahon ng mga sakuna, kaguluhan, krisis, at iba pang mga hamon, ang inyong presensya at kahandaan ay nagbibigay ng dagdag na lakas at kumpiyansa sa ating hukbo. Noong nakaraang taon, sinimulan na rin ang programa para sapagpapaigting ng AFP Reserve Force upang magkaroon ng mas mahusay na interoperability at malinaw na integrasyon ang reserve force sa ating regular force. Partikular tayo sa interoperability dahil dito nakasalalay ang epektibong ugnayan ng dalawang pwersa (The reservists’ role is crucial. In times of accidents, chaos, crisis, and other challenges, your presence and preparedness gives added strength and confidence to our troops. Last year, the program to enhance the AFP Reserve Force was started to achieve better interoperability and clearer integration of the reservists into the regular force. We are particular on the interoperability because effective coordination between the two forces is critical),” Adaci said.
Celebrity reservist Major Jose Sixto Dantes III, better known as Dingdong Dantes, recalled his experience when he enlisted as reservist in 2006: “Isa lang po ang katanungan ko (I had only one questsion): how else can i serve the country and the people? And I learned that the best way to serve the country is by serving the people,” Dantes said.
Senator Francis Tolentino acknowledged the sacrifices made by the reservists for love of country.
In his video message, Tolentino extended his gratitude to the Philippine Navy and Senator Padilla for giving the Senate employees an opportunity to be part of the reservist movement.
In another video message, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, also a reservist, extended his congratulatory message to the graduates and expressed hope that the new reservists will serve the people well.
Padilla urged the new reservists to use the ranks they achieved as a symbol and motivation to influence the youth in being part of the reservist program.
Rallying the public to support and be part of the reservist program, Padilla said the success of the civilian military training would only be achieved if people would truly understand how important the role of the reservist is for the country and the people.
The senator expressed hopes that people from Palawan, Western Mindanao and other areas would soon enlist in the movement and eventually become reservists, adding that the appetite for the movement in these areas could still be improved.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Senators salute 48 new AFP reservists.”
