Info campaign, livelihood training highlight National Reservist week celebration in E. Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): Info campaign, livelihood training highlight National Reservist week celebration in E. Visayas

An advocacy campaign and livelihood training symposium highlighted the gathering of Army Reservists from all throughout Eastern Visayas in line with the 34th National Reservists Week celebration here at the Balyuan Convention Center on Friday.

Lt. Col. Arthur Balunes Jr., commanding officer of the 5th Air Reserve Center (Arcen), said the gathering is an annual activity to inform the reservists of the programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and encouraged more civilians to join its reserve force.

Likewise through the activity, the AFP sought to enhance the potential of reservists in order to make them responsive and capable.

During peacetime, reservists who are mostly civilians have other careers outside the military. They are only called to active duty when necessary or when the state needs their services, usually in times of strife or war.

Balunes said the reservists are also a force multiplier of the AFP in communities and can be tapped to accomplish local projects.

He added that when needed the reservists would gladly take part in any socio-civic undertaking as when they donned their uniform, they swore to be free from any political influence.

During the whole-day gathering participants were briefed on topics to include why one should join the reserve force and who are qualified to be part of the AFP Reserve Force and AFP Affiliated Reserve Unit (AFP ARU) Program.

The last part of the gathering was a livelihood training symposium, which discussed important activities that reservist can engage in outside of the service.

Meanwhile, city administrator Tecson John Lim represented Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, who was invited as guest of honor for the celebration.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=532286