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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP hails vital role of reservists to national security

AFP hails vital role of reservists to national security

Published Sep 14, 2025 02:35 pm
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reservists spring into action with a high-impact demonstration of humanitarian and disaster response (HADR) capabilities, showcasing their vital role in national resilience during the 46th National Reservist Week culmination ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Sept. 13, 2025. (Photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reservists spring into action with a high-impact demonstration of humanitarian and disaster response (HADR) capabilities, showcasing their vital role in national resilience during the 46th National Reservist Week culmination ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Sept. 13, 2025. (Photo: AFP)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored the service and sacrifices of the country’s “citizen soldiers” as it capped off the week-long celebration of the 46th National Reservist Week at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Saturday, Sept. 13.
AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said there are 158,269 Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine reservists nationwide, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring national security and unity. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Katuwang sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas.”
“Your service reminds us that defending the nation is not just the job of those in uniform, but a responsibility shared by every Filipino. You embody the spirit of Bayanihan, showing that when we unite, there is no challenge too great for our people,” Brawner told the reservists.
Meanwhile, more than a million more reservists are cadets of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).
Brawner was accompanied by Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Irineo Espino, Major Gen. Gerold Gagan, deputy chief of staff for reserve force development, and other key defense and military officials.
During the ceremony, outstanding reservist units and individual personnel were recognized for their exemplary service.
The event also featured dynamic demonstrations of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations and wargaming simulations where AFP Reserve Force personnel showcased their skills, preparedness, and operational capability.
Infantry divisions nationwide also celebrated National Reservist Week.
In Maguindanao, the 1st Sultan Kudarat Ready Reserve Battery, 1202nd Community Defense Center (CDC) showcased an artillery fire demonstration at Camp Siongco, headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), impressing thousands of spectators including reservists, ROTC cadets, and active-duty soldiers.
They were trained by the Philippine Army’s 6th Field Artillery Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment under Lt. Col. Tara Cayton.
Major General Donald M. Gumiran, 6ID commander, said the role of the reservists had evolved significantly over the past decades. Once seen primarily as a strategic backup, he said today’s reservists are “an operational and essential component of our defense posture, a significant part of the nation's total force concept.”
Col. Ruben Aquino, 6ID Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, presented the contingent composed of 1, 077 reservists from the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines reserve force and 1,018 ROTC cadets to Gumiran.
“I want you to know that we are moved by your devotion, we honor your sacrifices, and we commit our whole organization to support your development through trainings and recognition. We will continue to strengthen programs that will integrate and empower our reservists,” Gumiran told the reservists.

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AFP reservist National Reservist Week General Romeo Brawner Jr.
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