190 civilian volunteers from the Province of Cagayan are now part of the reserve force of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army after completing 45 days of Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT).
In the closing ceremony held on July 13, 2022, at Mamba Gymnasium, Tuguegarao City, 12 college graduates, 16 undergraduates, 4 vocational graduates under TESDA, six ALS completers, 62 high school graduates, and one elementary graduate will serve the Cagayanos as members of the 201st Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion as it was reinstalled today.
Pvt John Michael T Bareng (RESERVE) tops the DIMASUPIL Class of 2022 with a general average of 95.33% followed by Pvt Mark Jeric Pascua (RESERVE) with an average of 95.08% while Pvt Marlo P Cauilan (RESERVE) landed top 3 with an average of 94.86%.
Additionally, the Bernardo Carpio award was given to Pvt Michael Hondrada (RESERVE) and the Gabriela Silang award was received by Pvt Trishalyn T Espergal (RESERVE) for garnering the highest score on Physical Fitness Test (Male and Female Category) with a score of 88.30% and 82%, respectively.
The leadership award was also awarded to Pvt Sarah Jane Tapuro (RESERVE) for her excellent leadership abilities as the DIMASUPIL Class President. “Pagbubutihin ko ang pagtupad sa aking tungkulin bilang isang reservist upang makatulong sa atin pong mga kababayan lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna,” Pvt Kevin Dave Gallardo (Res) said in an interview of the Division Public Affairs Office of 5ID. He also shared that becoming a reservist is his stepping stone to become a regular member of the Philippine Army.
The 2nd Regional Community Defense Group facilitated their BCMT at Division Training School, 5th Infantry Division Headquarters. Moreover, BGen Steve Crespillo, Brigade Commander of 501st Infantry Brigade said that having civilian volunteers who are willing to serve their fellow means a lot to the Philippine Army.
“I salute your willingness to serve the people of Cagayan and by supporting the regular force as the additional manpower. Let us all join hands in serving our people and securing the land. Together, we will bring peace and resiliency to Cagayan.” Further, Atty Mabel Mamba, Cagayan Provincial Administrator served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker as the representative of Cagayan Governor Manuel N Mamba. “We need to make sacrifices today for the betterment of tomorrow. For the benefit of our family and the next generations. Let us all advocate for good governance to achieve peace and development in our province.”
Meanwhile, the reserve force provides the base for the expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the event of war, invasion, or rebellion; to assist in relief and rescue during disasters and calamities; to assist in socio-economic development; and to assist in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the furtherance of the overall mission. # (Photo courtesy:5ID)
