Senator Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla praised the 48 fresh reservists who successfully completed their Basic Citizen Military Course (BCMC) and are now official reservists of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The Sandigang Alab Batch 10 reservists were primarily made up of Senate employees.
Padilla, along with Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy; MGen. Joseph Ferrous Cuison, Commander of the Naval Reserve Command; and Capt. Junmar Sales, NCR Commander, warmly welcomed the new reservists after their graduation ceremony last Tuesday at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila.
During their intensive 20-day training, the newly-inducted reservists acquired essential skills in self-defense and gained a deeper understanding of their vital role in safeguarding the nation and its people.
Addressing the graduates, Vice Admiral Adaci emphasized the critical importance of reservists in ensuring 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 sa pagpapaigting 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,” Vice Admiral Adaci said.
Celebrity reservist Major Jose Sixto G Dantes III PN, better known as Dingdong Dantes recalled his experience when he enlisted as reservist in 2006: “Isa lang po ang katanungan ko: 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 organization well.” Dantes expressed his hope that the new graduates will embody intergrity honor and excellence in all their endeavors.
Senator Francis Tolentino acknowledged the sacrifices made by the reservists for the love of country.
In his video message, Tolentino extended his gratitude to the Philippine Navy and Sen. Padilla for giving the opportunity for Senate employees to be part of the reservist movement. “Muli, binabati ko po kayo at ako po ay isang masugid na tagapagtulak ng basic ROTC at nawa’y patuloy kayong maglingkod sa bayan ng may dangal,” he said.
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.
Senator Padilla who has been known to push for citizen military training highlighted on the visible reservists’transformation after their training. “Naaninag namin kung ano ang transformation na naganap sa inyo. Kami na nakapaligid sa inyo kitang- kita namin ang magandang idinulot sa inyo ng training na ito.”
“Sa inyong pinagdaanan, napakasarap isipin na ang suot nyo na uniporme ay kumakatawan sa lahat ng bagay na dati ninyong kinatatakutan subalit inyong nagawa. At iyan ang pwedeng mag umpisa ng inyong pagtatanggol sa sarili. Iyan ang basic citizen military training. Kitang kita nyo na buong-buo kayo bilang isang Pilipino,” Padilla said.
Sen. Padilla emphasized the importance of the new reservists using their ranks as a symbol of influence to encourage more young individuals to join the reservist program. He highlighted the significance of civilian military training and stressed that the success of the program relies on public understanding of the reservist’s crucial role for the nation and its citizens. The senator expressed optimism that residents from various regions, including Palawan, Western Mindanao, and others with low applicants, would soon join the movement to boost participation. He hoped that the 48 new reservists would inspire others to develop a stronger sense of patriotism and support for the country.
