Navy reservists urged to join active troops in disaster response

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 11): Navy reservists urged to join active troops in disaster response

Navy officials have urged navy reservists to join active troops in disaster response.

Reservists are civilians who during peacetime have other careers outside of the military but can be called for active duty when the state needs their services.

In Commodore George Catameo’s speech during their assembly at the University of the Philippines New Library in Tacloban City, he acknowledged the presence of 500 navy reservists in Eastern Visayas. June 4-10 is Reservists Week.

“We want to show the people the enhanced role of the reservists in community oriented activities particularly in disaster risk reduction management or disaster response,” Catameo said.

“There is really a need for us to participate in the inter-agency collaboration especially during disaster or calamities,” he added.

The navy reserve command in Samar trained for 16 Saturdays on disaster response by the Office of the Civil Defense.

There were also simulated exercises on disaster response especially during fires, earthquakes and floods.

Navy reservist Jun Arceno who attended the training said it taught him first-hand how to respond to emergencies, whether man made or natural ones.

“I do not regret the 16 Saturdays I spent with the navy reserve command as I have grown professionally and personally and I am ready and committed to obey the orders of the reserve command at any given time,” he added.

Meanwhile, the navy reserve command awarded military merit medals to two of its reservists, Mayor-elect Stephanie Uy Tan of Catbalogan City and Ernesto Cachero for their commitment and support to the command which drew inspiration and admiration from their peers.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221370915861