MANILA -- The country's outstanding reservists and reserve units were feted as the National Reservists Week formally closed last Sept. 16.
Closing ceremonies took place at the AFP Grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Among the awardees were Reserve Navy Cmdr. Alexander G. Abilo, the AFP Reservist of the Year for Field Grade Level; Reserve Air Force Lt. Albert C. Corres, AFP Reservist of the Year for Company Grade Level; and Reserve Navy PO3 Jocelyn H Nuevo, AFP Enlisted Reservist of the Year.
“Recognition of these men and women manifests the interchange of support between the civilians and the military. Our reservists do not receive compensation for their services yet they remain professionals and put premium on national well-being,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard A. Arevalo said.
Also awarded were outstanding reserve units of the year; Naval Forces Reserve, National Capital Region, 82nd Marine Battalion Reserve, 60th Naval Affiliated Reserve Group (YLFC), and 559th NROTCU – University of Visayas.
Arevalo said Rear Admiral Robert Empedrad, AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, (J-9) hosted the activity.
Among the activities conducted were the parade and review, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response capability demonstration. National Reservists Week ran from September 3 to 10.
This year’s theme is “Laang Kawal: Laging Handa sa Pagtugon sa Pangangailangan at Kusang Loob na Naglilingkod Para sa Bayan.”
“Linggo ng Laang-Kawal" under Presidential Proclamation 627 of 1995 annually celebrates the AFP Reservists and their interminable support to our Armed Forces in fulfilling our mandate to protect the people and the state,” Arevalo said.
At present, the AFP has about 385,116 strong Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine reservists, and 1,520,704 Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) cadets.
“The AFP recognizes and commends the spirit of volunteerism, patriotism, and dedication that the Reservists have in their hearts. The participation of some members to the rear of the Marawi battleground is worthy of emulation,” AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said in a statement.
“The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) is one of the major sources of the AFP’s Reserve Force. Hence, the approval of President Duterte on the restoration of the ROTC for Grades 11 and 12 in public and private schools nationwide is very much invigorating as this will help proliferate and build up the AFP’s Reserve Force,” he added. (PNA)
