ILOILO — Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and several provincial officials have formally joined the Philippine Army Reserve after completing the Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) 01-2025 – a significant push to strengthen local participation in national defense and disaster response.
The officials were conferred their certificates and serial numbers during the flag-raising ceremony at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on April 27, signaling their official induction into the Reserve Command of the Philippine Army.
Others who completed the training were Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Provincial Population Office head Atty. Ruel Von Superio, Atty. Artem Ron Raymundo, Charles Lemeric, Leobert Pinuela, and Gerry Mae Alcoriza.
The training, conducted at Camp General Adriano Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo from October 11, 2025 to November 24, 2025, involved physical conditioning, tactical exercises, and classroom instruction designed to build discipline, leadership, and readiness for emergency response.
“Under Republic Act No. 7077, also known as the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act, elected officials are encouraged to join the reserve army program. Why is this important? When these officials become members of the Reserve Course, especially if they attain officer status, they gain the leadership ability to encourage their constituents to register for military training. This initiative also emphasizes that all able-bodied Filipino citizens should participate,” Colonel Michael Asuncion, director of the 604th Community Defense Center, told Panay News.
The officials’ participation aligns with Executive Order No. 111, which institutionalizes the Provincial Community Defense Action under the MoRProGRes Iloilo framework, or “Kapayapaan, Kaayusan at Katatagan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas.”
Military officials said the inclusion of local leaders in the reserve force is expected to boost community-based defense initiatives and improve coordination during disasters and security operations.
As newly inducted reservists, the officials are expected to assist civil authorities in times of calamities, support peacekeeping efforts, and help mobilize communities in emergencies.
“Salute to all graduates! Your courage and resilience are an inspiration to all Filipinos, and your service embodies the true spirit of what it means to be a citizen of this great nation,” Asuncion said.
He added: “We are truly grateful that the governor agreed to be a reservist; it is a significant contribution for him to be part of the reserve course. As the governor, his timing of the executive order is crucial, as it will expand the scope of reserve course development throughout the entire province. Through his leadership, he can also influence other officials.”
The ceremony was led by Colonel Edralin Poblete of the 6th Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command, Philippine Army, with personnel from the 604th Community Defense Center in attendance./PN
