Camp General Mariano Riego de Dios, Tanza, Cavite
November 22, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the 35th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) at the Camp General Mariano Riego de Dios in Tanza, Cavite.

In his keynote address, the President extended his congratulations and gratitude to the ARESCOM members for their contributions in harnessing the capabilities of ordinary citizens to become one of the country’s defenders, and for their services in aiding those people in need.

“The Filipino people is indeed fortunate to have a responsive and mobilizeable reserve [force] that is adequately prepared to respond in times of disasters, calamities, and provide humanitarian assistance [in] the disaster-stricken areas and across the country,” President Duterte said.

ARESCOM’s capabilities were put into action during the onslaught of earthquakes and typhoons in 2017-2018, and during the Marawi City siege where army reservists from the Lanao Del Norte Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion and the Misamis Oriental Ready Reserve Infantry Company extended support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“There is still a lot to be done in order for us to achieve lasting peace in our communities. But with your unwavering commitment to duty, I am confident that we can make our nation stronger and more resilient despite the challenges that come our way,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

He also assured all the uniformed men and women that the administration is putting its best efforts to modernize the AFP and equip the military with the skills, training, and resources necessary in the performance of their duties.

Furthermore, President Duterte also took the opportunity to ask the Congress to expedite the passage of the Reservist Employment Rights Act, a measure created for the job security of military reservists and other benefits. Likewise, to promote patriotism among the Filipino youth, he also called for the enactment of a law that would make the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program mandatory for Grades 11 and 12.

“This is a constitutional requirement that you must prepare to defend your country,” he ended.

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