BOOSTING RESERVE FORCE. Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. delivers his speech during the closing rites for the completers of the Basic Citizen Military Course in Basco, Batanes on March 9, 2024. A total of 119 Ivatan volunteers joined the Navy's reserve force and are expected to boost maritime security in the country's northernmost province. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy)
MANILA – Naval reservists could play a major role in the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. has said.
Adaci made this remark during the integration rites for 119 Ivatan volunteers into the Navy's reserve force at the Basco Municipal Gymnasium, Basco, Batanes on March 9.
These individuals were added to the PN after graduating from Basic Citizen Military Course Classes 01-24, 02-24, and 03-24.
"The newly graduated PN reservists will help strengthen the defense of our northern maritime areas. They were trained and organized by the Naval Reserve Command headed by Maj.Gen. Joseph Ferrous S. Cuison, Naval Forces Northern Luzon, and the Naval Reserve Center Northern Luzon. They will also serve as force multipliers, boosting maritime security in Batanes. Additionally, they will assist in emergencies and calamities as needed," Adaci said in a statement.
Adaci added that strengthening the PN reserve force will significantly contribute to the Navy's Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy by bolstering the service's capabilities in projecting its force in the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
This will also help extend the country's in-depth defensive posture to protect the Philippine territory, he said.
Adaci noted that reservists play a vital role in strengthening the PN by providing additional manpower, expertise, and support during emergencies, training exercises, and operational deployments.
"Their contributions are instrumental in enhancing maritime security and disaster response as they bring valuable civilian skills and knowledge to the naval organization," Adaci emphasized.
With these new reservists, he said the PN can broaden, deepen, and seamlessly operate under the context of the CADC.
The CADC aims to develop the country's capability to protect its entire territory, including its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to ensure that the next generation of Filipinos will be able to benefit from the country's natural resources.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier said the CADC will allow the AFP to protect and guarantee "Philippine nationals, Philippine corporations, and those authorized by the Philippine government the unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources within our EEZ and other areas we have jurisdiction."
Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco, who also served as a speaker at the event, is also a Navy reservist since 2017 and holds the rank of master sergeant. (PNA)
