8th RCDG Samar Reservists launches a successful assembly test

By EMY BONIFACIO, Samar News.com
March 15, 2011

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  Another first in the 8ID’s history was witnessed by the military and the civilians alike, when more or less 200 reservists from the western part of Samar flocked to the 8ID camp to register as additional members of the Army Reservists Group for an assembly test last March 12, this year.

The 1st Ready Reservist Battalion will be enrolling 556 volunteers with ages ranging from 18-65. In order to qualify, they must have graduated from the Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) for college graduates and Citizens Military Training (CMT) for high school graduates, ex-CAFGUs, retired military personnel and professionals, preferably priests, lawyers, doctors and all others.

“Reservists will be called to duty to assist in Disaster Risk Management and Relief Operations and environmental protection. However, in times of war, they can be engaged in military operations”, informs Col. Fernando B. Felix, the 8RCDG commander.

The applicants will undergo documentation procedures by filling up the Reservist’s Information Data Sheet, after which they will be provided with uniforms, identification cards and will be issued their respective serial numbers. For the actual services rendered, a corresponding subsistence allowance will also be given to these volunteers. Applicants can either be an enlisted personnel or an officer with designated military ranks just like those in active service, depending on their positions or stature in the community.  A governor can have the rank of a Lt. Colonel and a mayor can be a major.

The whole day activity was filled with the usual surprises initiated by the 8th Infantry Division Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Mario F. Chan.

It started with an orientation to various military operations and tactics, reorganization, instructions and personnel build-up to respond to given scenarios. Furthermore, they were made to familiarize with the regular infantry operations, mechanized infantry operations, field artillery, signal operation and others.

In the afternoon, actual demonstrations by the reservists were conducted. The simultaneous and precise moves made by the group in responding to the security threats were more than an assurance that they really will be an additional productive workforce for the military.

“We should help in training the youth in the concepts of nationalism, patriotism and discipline by supporting the ROTC program. This is a source of professional upliftment for us and part of the continuous education”, CG Chan was quoted as he commended SSgt. Eugene Calumba of the North Western Samar State University in Calbayog City for making it on top as the ROTC Commander and a reservist.

The newly installed ARESCOM Commander, Col. Alex Albano, shared his personal concern by conceptualizing an innovative learning through engagements in simple capability demonstrations. He commended the participants as full front catalysts for development by maximizing their non-traditional military roles. He encouraged everyone to be the dedicated pioneers of reservists who will continue to symbolize the committed and responsible citizenry. In his final statement, he stressed the importance of their role in promoting peace and development that would lead to the improvement of the quality of life of every Samarnon.

CG Chan assured to strengthen the organization towards efficiency. He promised to continue to instill the discipline and harness the national character and national spirit of the Filipinos. He succeeded in inspiring the reservists present when he said that “the best soldiers come from Samar”.