From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30, 2023): DND chief seeks reservist group's help in beefing up ROTC bill (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of DND)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) chief Carlito Galvez Jr. has sought the assistance of the Reserve Officers Legion of the Philippines (ROLP) in strengthening the proposed Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), which has now reached the Senate plenary.

“I humbly request your assistance once again in strengthening the ROTC through legislation by helping us advocate for it. In the first State of the Nation Address of His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in July 2022, the revival of mandatory ROTC as well as its subsequent alternative, the National Service Training Program (NSTP), were both mentioned as among the priorities of his administration,” Galvez said in a statement Wednesday night.

He also noted that the ROLP and the defense sector could team up in reviewing the measures and guidelines to guarantee that the ROTC program of instruction shall be responsive to the demands of the nation and ensure that "true love (of) our country is at the heart of its implementation."

Galvez on March 24 presided over the oath taking ceremony of the ROLP board of directors, who were led by ROLP president and chairperson, Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab, who is also a reservist colonel and commander of the 2202nd Ready Reserve Brigade.

“On behalf of the One Defense Team, I congratulate the newly inducted national officers and members of the board of trustees of your highly respected organization. Cognizant of ROLP’s strategic role as a reliable support system to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), I am elated to have administered your oath of office, which formally binds you to render service once again to our nation, particularly in the advocacy of developing a stronger reserve force,” he said.

Galvez also cited that for 85 years, the ROLP, since its inception in 1938, has been the cement that binds the graduates of the ROTC, the ROTC advanced course, and the commissioned professionals in serving the nation as a vital component of the AFP. (PNA)

Commitment to defending PH

Meanwhile, both commanders of the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) have reiterated their commitment to support each other in defending the nation and its people against all threats.

This expression of "mutual support" took place during a courtesy call of Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño to Navy commander Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. last March 29, PN spokesperson Captain Benjo Negranza said in a statement Thursday.

"Both military leaders, during the call, reaffirmed mutual support toward achieving the overall mission of the AFP. Also discussed were current and future undertakings involving administration, operating concepts, facility expansion and development, and collaborations between the country's air and sea forces," he added.

During the meeting, Parreño lauded the PN for its "professionalism and excellence" through the years especially in the conduct of joint exercises.

"It is always my pleasure and honor to fly by your side and be your partner in your common goal to protect our people and secure the state. Makakaasa kayo na kaagapay ninyo ang PAF. Maraming Salamat! (Rest assured that PAF will be your partner in this goal. Thank you very much!),” he added.

Meanwhile, Adaci acknowledged the importance of close coordination and collaboration toward the seamless execution of both forces' mandates.

He also guaranteed the Navy's continued collaborations with the Air Force in all levels of engagements.

Adaci also lauded the men and women of the PAF "on your excellent performance of your mandate as the guardians of our skies."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1198524