Every September, National Reservist Week gives us a chance to pause, reflect, and recognize a quiet yet indispensable force that safeguards our nation: the reservists of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Often, they stand outside the limelight, far from the public’s daily consciousness. Yet, during times of crisis—whether national security challenges or natural disasters—it is the reservists who embody the essence of citizen-soldiers: ordinary men and women ready to serve when duty calls.

The Affiliated Reserve Unit (ARU) Summit 2025, held by the National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group (NCRRCDG), under the leadership of Colonel Rey Ga, underscored how strategic the reservist program has become in strengthening the country’s defense posture. The presence of institutions such as ARMSCOR, MMDA, Skyway O&M, PNR, and PT&T highlighted a forward-looking vision: reservist integration is not just about manpower, but about merging capabilities from government, private sector, and civilian stakeholders into a cohesive defense and disaster-response ecosystem.

This synergy ensures that the Philippine Army Affiliated Reserve Unit (PAARU) Program continues to evolve as a genuine force multiplier. The program is anchored in Republic Act 7077, which legally affirms the role of reservists as a component of the AFP—an enduring reminder that national defense is not the exclusive domain of career soldiers, but of the Filipino people themselves.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has initiated a program to encourage its members to apply and undergo a training program that will entitle them to join the pool of reservists that will constitute membership in army affiliated units. The MAP is an organization of top CEO/COOs and top executives in the corporate world that transcends across industries. This program was pioneered by its former president, Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad, one of the top legal luminaries in the Philippines and in the ASEAN region, chairman of a law firm that bears her name and chairman, Philippine Bank of Communications. Other distinguished members include LTC Gina Marie Angangco, president ARMSCOR Global Defense; Karen De Venecia, independent director, IBX, LTD; James Velazquez, president PT&T corporation; Eduardo Francisco, president BDO Capital and Investment Corp; Reza Dadufalza-Goyeneche, head of the Trade Council of Denmark in the Philippines, and Atty. Ira Paulo Puzon.

They continue to be an inspiration to this program. Many members have signified their interest in attending future basic military training course as basic requirement for commission in the reserve force.

If the ARU Summit highlighted strategic relevance, the Navy Reservists’ Outreach Program in Baseco demonstrated the heart of reservist service. By extending free medical check-ups, feeding programs, and relief distribution to over a thousand residents affected by typhoons, the reservists embodied the human dimension of security: protection of life and dignity.

This is where the reservist program shines brightest. Beyond warfighting capabilities, it positions itself as a bridge between the military and the people, proving that nation-building is as much about compassion as it is about defense. Their ability to mobilize resources—from charitable foundations to local government partners—demonstrates that the reservist corps is not only trained for battle but also empowered for community care.

In an era marked by both traditional and non-traditional security threats—territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, intensifying natural disasters, cyber vulnerabilities—the AFP cannot afford to act alone. Reservists provide the necessary depth, flexibility, and resilience to the Regular Force. They represent not only additional boots on the ground but also professionals from diverse sectors: doctors, engineers, IT specialists, teachers, entrepreneurs. Their expertise transforms the reserve force into a reservoir of national talent that can be tapped in moments of dire need.

Moreover, reservists embody the democratic ideal that defense is a shared responsibility. They remind us that citizenship is not passive; it demands readiness to sacrifice and serve for the common good.

National Reservist Week is more than just a ceremonial commemoration. It is a call to action—to strengthen policies, invest in training, and broaden the reach of the AFP Reserve Force. The government, civil society, and private institutions must rally behind initiatives that uplift the reservist corps, not only with resources but also with recognition of their indispensable role.

In the end, the reservists stand as the living embodiment of the AFP’s core values: Honor, Duty, and Service. They are the quiet guardians of peace and the first responders in crisis. As we honor them this National Reservist Week 2025, we must remember: in their sacrifice lies the strength of our democracy, and in their service lies the resilience of our nation.

(Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos served with distinction as a military professional, 42nd Commanding General Philippine Army, 1st Force Commander, UN Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, former member, UP Board of Regents and Professorial Lecturer II (part-time), UP-Diliman.)