San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Wednesday, September 18, enlisted as a Philippine Navy reservist during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reservist Enlistment held in San Juan City which was set up by the AFP Reserve Command, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Navy.
Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Chairman for the National Capital Region and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora enlists as a Navy reservist during San Juan’s AFP Enlistment Program. The program aims to recruit reservists who will undergo proper training to be utilized during disasters, calamities, and even in times of war. (Photo from San Juan LGU)
“Ako po ang pangungunahan ko sa San Juan ang magpalista sapagkat gusto ko pong tumulong. Ang desisyon ko po ay kung ano man ang pangangailangan ng ating lungsod. At dahil ang problema talaga ng San Juan ay pagbabaha, at ang rescue operations namin ay konektado sa pagbabaha, ako po ay nagdesisyon na sumali sa Navy reserve (I enlisted as a Navy reservist because I want to help San Juan. Since flooding is one of the biggest issues here in the city, I decided to join the Navy reserve to be able to participate in the conduct of rescue operations during flooding and other disasters)," Zamora said.
The enlistment event provided an opportunity for San Juaneños to sign up as reservists in the AFP as part of the city’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of patriotism and civic duty among its citizens.
Zamora underscored the important role that reservists play in the community, particularly in disaster response and crisis management.
"Marami sa atin ang gustong tumulong sa ating bayan, sa ating komunidad. Pero meron ba tayong kaalaman? Kailangan pag tumulong tayo, dapat sapat ang ating kaalaman at alam natin ang ating gagawin sapagkat buhay po ng tao ang nakasalalay dyan. Sa mga taong gustong tumulong kapag may sakuna, sumailalim tayo sa training para kapag kailangan tayo ng bansa sa anumang pagkakataon, kaya nating tumulong. Handa po tayo (A lot of us want to help our country and community, but do we have the proper knowledge for it? It's imperative that once we help, we should be knowledgeable of the proper rescue and emergency procedures as a person's life is in our hands. For people who wish to help in times of disaster and calamities, we have to undergo proper training so that if the country calls for our help, we are ready)," he explained.
Gen. Charito Plaza, commander of the Air Force Wing Reserve, thanked the mayor and the city government for the initiative.
“I would like to congratulate Mayor Zamora because this is the first enlistment activity initiated by an LGU. Hindi porket reservist tayo, reserba. Hindi ibig sabihin second class military tayo. We are part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. If you are a reservist, you are going to be given the chance to become a hero and save the lives and properties of your families, your community. I welcome our reservists (I would like to congratulate Mayor Zamora because this is the first enlistment activity initiated by an LGU. Reservists are not just solely reserve forces or a second class military. We are part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. If you are a reservist, you are going to be given the chance to become a hero and save the lives and properties of your families, your community. I welcome our reservists)," he said.
Those interested in joining the AFP Reserve Force need not bring all the requirements to the event. San Juaneños can sign up on the day of the event and submit their required documents at a later time.
This flexibility allows more residents to express their interest and begin the enlistment process with ease.
The enlistment is open to natural-born Filipino citizens aged 18-64 who meet the medical and physical examination requirements. For those who are interested, the qualifications include being a high school graduate, while for a commission, applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree and pass the AFP Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT).
Booths are available for those who wish to sign up and begin the enlistment process on the spot.
Here are the requirements:
For Enlistment:
- Reservist Information Data Sheet
- Basic/Advanced ROTC/BCMC Certificate
- College diploma and transcript of record
- PRC License/Professional Civil Service Eligibility
- NBI Clearance (Original)
- PSA Birth Certificate with Receipt
- Certificate of Drug Test Result
For Commissioning:
- Graduates of PMMA, MAAP & Advance NROTC (NS-43) or Degree Holders/Licensed Professionals must bring:
- Application form
- Affidavit of no pending case
- 7 pieces of whole body 3x5 postcard-size photos (white background)
- Personal Data Sheet/Summary of Information
- PSA Birth Certificate with Receipt
- College diploma and transcript of records
- AFPSAT result (if applicable)
- Certification of Drug Test Result
- National Agency Command Clearance (NAC Clearance)
The sign-up booths will remain open at the San Juan City Hall Atrium until the end of the month.