25 hurdle 1st Philippine Navy reservists training in northern Luzon

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – For former television journalist Andrew Pinero, 48, his seven-day rigid but enjoyable Philippine Navy reservist training jumpstarts his preparation for the future. 

“Especially with the situation in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. “When the time comes na kailanganin tayo ng bansa, handa ako.”

Twenty-five “brave and willing” men and women finished the first ever training course for Philippine Navy reservists held in northern Luzon held at the Philippine Military Academy complex here on Saturday.  

Eleven women, which is almost half or 48 percent of the batch, joined the 04-16 class “Bakunawa” (sea dragon).

Lt. Commander Anthony De Leon, commander of the 112th Squadron, Northern Luzon Naval Reserve Command said the training aims to develop a high sense of volunteerism among the pioneer men and women. 

“We want to enhance and improve the image of the reservists,” De Leon said, citing the road rage incident which involved reservist Vhon Tanto.

Being a reservist enhances the sense of service to community and service to country, De Leon added.  

Pinero, who eventually placed as topnotcher of the class, together with his 24 other classmates underwent a seven-day basic military course that included military and defense doctrines, map reading, firearms proficiency, field training exercises and other basic military skills.

The reserve naval officer said the training will also prepare the reservists when they are called into duty. But during peace time, naval reservists could become responders during disasters or extend community services or conduct environmental protection efforts within the community.

There are 15,000 Navy reservists in the whole of northern Luzon.

De Leon said there will be a second batch of trainees in October to add up to the increasing number of interested would-be Naval reserve officers.

“There are doctors, other professionals intending to join us,” he said.

Reservists comprise 80 percent of the 120,000-strong Armed Forces of the Philippines. Only 20 percent are regular members.

According to De Leon, the campaign for Navy reservists is gaining up in the area as more Filipino patriots show fervor to serve and become ready when the time comes.