PH Navy in Southern Luzon welcomes over 80 new reservists

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Naval Forces Southern Luzon based in Legazpi City, Albay welcomed more than 80 new reservists who completed a seven-day Basic Citizen Military Course (BCMC) Monday (July 1).

Captain Edwin Nera, deputy commander of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon, congratulated the Class 4 and Class 5 graduates at a ceremony held at the Philippine Navy Headquarters Naval Forces Southern Luzon in Rawis, Legazpi.

In his keynote speech, Nera, who also serves as the commander of Naval Task Force 31, emphasized that being a reservist is more than just a calling.

“Being a reservist is a calling that requires dedication and sacrifices. It is about balancing your civilian life with your duties to your beloved country. It is about training tirelessly, readying ourselves for any challenges that may come our way,” Nera said.

Nera also underscored the necessity for more volunteers to protect the nation from those threatening its sovereignty.

Naval Forces Southern Luzon Deputy Commander Captain Edwin M.Nera, PN speaks before fresh graduates of the Basic Citizen Military Course (BCMC) at the Philippine Navy Headquarters Naval Forces Southern Luzon in Rawis, Legazpi. as he delivers his keynote address on Monday, July 1, 2024. (Photo: PIA 5)

“Dahil may banta sa ating teritoryo at kasarinlan hindi makapangisda ang ating mga kababayan sa West Phil Sea (The current threat to our territory and sovereignty hampers our fellowmen from fishing in the West Philippine Sea),” he said.

Hindi natin mapakinabagan ang mga yaman sa ating exclusive economic zones, pinakikialaman ang ating pamumuhay, pinagbabantaan ang ating ekonomiya. May panganib sa ating bansa at ayaw nating mapailalim sa mga dayuhan,” he added.

(We are unable to utilize the resources in our exclusive economic zone. They are messing with our lives, threatening our economy. Our country has a threat, and we don’t want to be under foreign command.)

Commander Wendelboy Buntag, chief of the Naval Reserve Center Southern Luzon, said the new reservists will provide additional strength to the Navy Reserve Force.

“The closing ceremony marks a significant milestone for the participants who have dedicated themselves to learning essential skills and principles of military service. They will not only attain military skills but also have a hands-on experience in their fields of specialization,” Buntag said.

A student of Mariners–Baras, Canaman taking up a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMIT), John Troy Israel said the BCMC has helped him hone his skills as he looks forward to the fulfillment of his career.

He expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity and was happy to be part of the training.

“As a Filipino, I want to defend our country. That’s why I chose to be part of the Philippine Navy Reserve Force – for our country,” Troy told the Philippine Information Agency.

“I underwent exemplary training as a reservist with the Philippine Navy in the Headquarters of Naval Reserve Center-Southern Luzon. I honed essential skills in leadership, discipline, and strategic decision-making. The BCMC program encompassed rigorous physical conditioning, advanced tactical exercises, and intensive emergency response training,” reservist Yvonne Abad said.

Abad, a 20-year-old BS Criminology student at Naga College Foundation, feels prepared to serve effectively in times of need, with a strong sense of duty and resilience.

“The training emphasized teamwork, adaptability, and the importance of swift, decisive action in challenging situations. Thanks to Gryphon Bicol R5 Inc. for their support throughout the training. Para sa diyos, para sa bayan,” Abad added.

Gryphon’s spirit of volunteerism

Abad and Israel were part of Class 4 and were members of Gryphon Fire Volunteer and Rescue Inc.

They were encouraged by Gryphon founder Manuel Amasa II to participate in the Philippine Navy Reservist training while promoting the Filipino spirit of communal unity and cooperation.

Amasa believes the world needs well-trained, competitive, and responsive volunteers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, volunteers from Gryphon manned checkpoints in Camarines Sur province. They were among the frontliners who faced the risk of infection but never wavered in their commitment to volunteerism, despite their fear of getting infected.

The organization was established in 2019 and has been actively seeking partners with the same goal.

Meanwhile, Buntag reminded reservists that serving the country is a primary duty.

“We have imparted in them the value of discipline and a sense of volunteerism. We are faced with many challenges. As I’ve always imparted to the reservists- always be prepared like the regular force, kasi yon naman talaga ang (that’s the) mandate ng mga (of the) PN reservist– for expansion, and to augment the forces in times of emergency and natural and other forms of calamities,” her added. (LSM-PIA5)