Sen. Padilla Welcomes New Reservists from the Basic Citizen Military Course (BCMC) Class 10 - 2024

After 20 days of military training, 48 new reservists are inducted into the of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The Sandigang Alab Batch 10 reservists were predominantly composed of Senate employees. The graduation ceremony was held at the Navy Headquarters in Manila and was attended by Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla, together with Navy Headquarters and the Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr, and Naval Reserve Command (NRC) Commander, Marine Major Gen. Joseph Ferrous Cuison.

Padilla, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Philippine Army and a vocal advocate of basic citizens' military training, has repeatedly stressed that such training is not just about handling firearms but also about self-defense and helping in times of calamities.

He added it is in Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) where youths learn not just to be warriors - but to maximize their skills such as computer expertise, to help the nation.

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, Vice Admiral Adaci emphasized on the crucial role of reservists to ensure 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 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 that the success of the civilian military training would only be successful if people would truly understand how important the role of the reservist is for the country and the people.

The senator expressed hope that people from Palawan, Western Mindanao and (plug here other places with low applicants) would soon enlist in the movement and eventually become reservists, noting that the appetite for the movement in these areas could still be improved.

Padilla expressed hope that the new 48 reservists would serve as an inspiration to other people in promoting a deeper love for the country and its people.