Reservists cited for community volunteerism efforts

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila - The Army Reserve Command's 1502nd Community Defense Center in Agusan del Sur received the Caraga Region's Most Outstanding Covid-19 Volunteer Organization Award in an online conferment rite yesterday, November 29, 2021.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 13 and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency recognized the unit's contributions to the government's pandemic response efforts.

"The organization's compassion and dedicated service have helped eased the physical and psycho-social burdens of Covid-19 in their community," read part of the citation.

The 1502nd Community Defense Center (1502CDC) is the supervising unit of the 1502nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (1502RRIBn) which is under a reservist volunteer Lt. Col Maria Teresa Baylon (Res).

Maj. Marlon Bagara, the 1502CDC Director, said his unit received the award due to a team effort of his personnel, stakeholders, and reservists. He also dedicates the award to 1502RRIBn for their untiring effort in serving the community, especially this pandemic.

"This award is dedicated to our reservist personnel who volunteered to serve our people this time of the pandemic. Our 1502RRIBn, composed of reservist doctors, teachers, and other professions, is truly a public service-oriented organization that supports the government's programs", Maj. Bagara said.

Meanwhile, in his previous statements, Army Chief and concurrent Chief of Staff, AFP Lt. Gen. Andres C Centino, underscored the importance of Army reservists' role in nation-building.

"As our regular troops fight the armed groups threatening our people, the Philippine Army is grateful that our reservists fill some of the non-combat roles of the Philippine Army. Your role helping the government's fight against covid-19, the conduct of outreach program, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response are truly commendable," said Lt. Gen. Centino.#