A total of 155 reservists who are also lawyers, teachers, engineers and an actress completed the Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) in a graduation ceremony at the Headquarters NCR Regional Community Defense Group (NCRRCDG), Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on July 9, 2022
The 155-strong members of BCMT “Salinlahi” Class 01-2022 hurdled the reservist's training program from May 15 to July 9, 2022. The training program equipped them with basic soldiery and warfighting skills. The class is composed of professionals from various fields which also include actress Nathalie Hart.
Reserve Command, Philippine Army (RCPA) Commander Maj. Gen. Fernando V. Felipe led the pinning of ranks to the newly enlisted reserve privates who will be assigned to various Ready Reserve Infantry Battalions of NCRRCDG.
Maj. Gen. Felipe in his keynote speech highlighted the important role of reservists as the expansion base for the active force in times of national emergencies, rebellion, or war. The RCPA Commander also lauded reservists for their crucial role in saving lives during calamities such as onslaughts of typhoons or volcano eruptions.
“As you graduate today, bear in mind that you have a vital and bigger responsibility not only to the Reserve Force but to our countrymen as well. We are responsible to extend our hand in times of disaster, pandemic, calamity, and even war,” Maj. Gen. Felipe said in his remarks.
Photos by Pvt Divino Lozano PA/ OACPA