CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Philippine Navy reservists under the Naval Reserve Command recently captured several major awards during the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) closing ceremony of the 42nd National Reservist Week, held last 17 September 2021.
With this year’s theme: “Laang Kawal: Sulong Tungo sa Matatag na Sandatahang Lakas, Katuwang sa Seguridad at Pag-unlad ng Bansa”, the awarding recognized outstanding men and women who exemplified the AFP’s leadership and long-standing role in actively supporting the country’s humanitarian services, providing security and nation-building—most especially amid the ongoing raging pandemic.
Leading the list of awardees from the Philippine Navy was Naval Forces Reserve– West Commander and newly-sworn Executive Vice President of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), Navy Captain Aldrin C. Cuña Reserve as he received the coveted AFP Reservist Officer of the Year award for field-grade level.
Navy Chief Petty Officer Edna Rhea S. Cañero, meanwhile, bagged the AFP Enlisted Reservist of the Year. Currently, Cañero is detailed at the 22nd Naval Group Reserve NFR NCR as Chief Master at Arms.
The 246th NROTC Unit – Adamson University under its Commandant, Lieutenant Commander Reimon T Retaga, on the other hand, was awarded as the AFP’s ROTC Unit of the Year.
Also, topping all other entries in this year’s national essay writing contest was Petty Officer Second Class Ronald de los Reyes. In his award-winning piece, he emphasized the value of the government’s reservist program in self-development, protection and nation-building.
Other representatives from the Philippine Navy were likewise recognized, such as: Petty Officer First Class JL Moralde and Seaman Second Class Michael Sy for their first- runner up finish at the photo exhibit contest; as well as finalists: Lieutenant Junior Grade Christian Chua for AFP officers of the Year, Company Grade Level and Master Sargent Dennis Gabasa for his essay writing entry.
“Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic, we were able to push through with this year’s National Reservist Week, an event that promotes the essence of the Presidential Proclamation Number 627 which underscores the importance of reservists in the country,” Marine Major General Eugenio Hernandez, the AFP’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservists and Retirees Affairs, J9, shared.
“We had lesser activities this year. But with the activities that we had like the essay-writing contests and others, we were able to encapsulate the essence of being reservists,” he added.
Meanwhile, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant Secretary Mel John Versoza, who represented Secretary Mark Villar, graced the event as its guest of honor. In his speech, he highlighted the department’s continued support of the AFP, particularly the reserve force development.
“We will give our best effort to provide what is needed to perform the reservists’ duties. We are dedicated to create a link between the military and the public that’s why we need to exert extra effort to innovate for a better Philippines,” Versoza shared.
Moreover, Hernandez emphasized on the AFP’s burning desire to uphold and sustain the military’s ethos despite learning to live with brunt of the pandemic.
“We all drive toward a single purpose. One thing remains constant, that is the desire to make the country a safe place,” he stated.
Currently, there is a growing number of reservists in the country with around 1,100,000 personnel who augment the efforts of the regular force in protecting the country’s interest and well-being. (PO2 Ronald Rey M Delos Reyes PN(Res)/PN)
https://piagov.wordpress.com/2021/09/24/philippine-navy-wins-awards-at-42nd-national-reservist-week/
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