Reserves play key role in peace, dev't efforts, nat'l emergencies

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 21, 2022): Reserves play key role in peace, dev't efforts, nat'l emergencies (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CALL TO ACTIVE DUTY. A total of 103 reserve officers who will undergo the two-year Call to Active Duty Tour for Training during the send-off ceremony at the Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on April 19, 2022. The training gives them the chance to serve in the regular force. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

A ranking Philippine Army (PA) official said reserve officers play a crucial role in the "total force" concept of the military, especially in times of national emergencies.

PA vice commander Maj. Gen. Henry M. Doyaoen made this statement during the send-off ceremony for the 103 Call to Active Duty Tour for Training (CADTT) officers last April 19 at the Philippine Army Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio.

"I am proud to witness a new batch of CADTT officers who can actively and wholeheartedly serve the Filipino people and the country in challenging situations. As you transition into serving with our regular Army units, I urge you all to maximize your learning for the duration of your two-year active duty tour for training,” he said in a statement Wednesday night.

The CADTT is a program that gives reserve officers the opportunity to serve in the regular force. The program hones their capabilities in leading and managing small unit operations as part of a bigger force.

Doyaoen also highlighted the Army reserve force’s crucial role in the humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the eruption of Taal volcano, the onslaught of “Odette” late last year, and more recently Tropical Storm Agaton, the first tropical cyclone to hit the country this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172602