Rallies the public to support and be part of citizen military training program
Senator Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla praised the 48 new reservists who completed their Basic Citizen Military Course (BCMC), now officially part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The Sandigang Alab Batch 10 reservists primarily consisted of Senate employees.
Padilla, along with Philippine Navy officials Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., Flag Officer in Command; MGen. Joseph Ferrous Cuison, Commander of the Naval Reserve Command; and Capt. Junmar Sales, NCR Commander, welcomed the new reservists at their graduation ceremony held last Tuesday at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila.
These newly-appointed reservists underwent an intensive 20-day training, where they mastered self-defense and gained a comprehensive understanding of the role of reservists in safeguarding the nation and its citizens.
In his address to the graduates, Vice Admiral Adaci highlighted the vital role that reservists play in maintaining 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, popularly known as Dingdong Dantes, reflected on his experience when he enlisted as a reservist in 2006: “I had just one question: how else can I serve the country and the people? I learned that the best way to serve the country is by serving the organization well.” Dantes expressed his hope that the new graduates would embody integrity, honor, and excellence in all their endeavors.
Senator Francis Tolentino acknowledged the sacrifices made by the reservists for their love of country. In his video message, Tolentino extended his gratitude to the Philippine Navy and Senator Padilla for providing Senate employees the opportunity to join the reservist movement. “Once again, congratulations. I am a staunch advocate of basic ROTC, and I hope you continue to serve the nation with honor,” he said.
In another video message, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, also a reservist, congratulated the graduates and expressed his hope that the new reservists would serve the people well.
Senator Padilla, known for advocating citizen military training, highlighted the noticeable transformation of the reservists following 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.
Senator Padilla urged the new reservists to use their achieved ranks as a symbol and motivation to inspire youth participation in the reservist program. He emphasized that the success of civilian military training hinges on public understanding of the vital role reservists play in serving the country and its people.
Padilla expressed his hope that individuals from Palawan, Western Mindanao, and other regions with low enrollment would soon join the movement and become reservists, acknowledging that interest in these areas could be strengthened.
He also hoped that the new 48 reservists would inspire others to cultivate a deeper love for the country and its citizens.
