The Reliable Reserve Force Augmenting the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Regular Force

The Reliable Reserve Force Augmenting the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Regular Force

Republic Act 7077, otherwise known as “Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act”, was enacted in 27 June 1991 prompting the organization and development of the Reserve Force. Under this act, the Reserve Component, is mandated to provide the base for the expansion of the AFP Regular Force in the events of war, invasion or rebellion; to assist in relief and rescue during disasters or calamities; to assist in socioeconomic development; and to assist in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the furtherance of overall mission.
In the execution of the provision of Section 50 of said Act, the AFP Reserve Command (AFPRESCOM) was activated effective 1 April 1993. The AFPRESCOM functions, however, as an AFP-wide Service Support Unit (AFPWSSU) and was placed under the functional supervision of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Reserve and Retiree Affairs, then J10 (now J9), with BGEN CESAR C ABELLA AFP as the first Commander. It is also currently administering the Technical and Administrative Reserve and Affiliated Reserve Components, while the Philippine Army/Philippine Air Force/Philippine Navy Reserve Commands (ARESCOM, PAFRESCOM and NAVRESCOM) are administering their respective reserve line personnel and Affiliated Reserve Units. The AFPRESCOM absorbed the personnel, equipment and facilities of the former Metropolitan Citizens Military Training Command (MCMTC) stationed at Fort Andres Bonifacio, Metro Manila, then it transferred to the former AFP Logistics Command in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. On 13 Sept 03, it finally settled at its present location in the same camp with the building constructed solely for the Reservists’ (or Reserve Components’) training and development.

On my 5th month in the Reserve and Retirees Affair (RRA) Family, despite of the clear provisions in the law, I saw the many challenges in the current set-up. As the Command’s major staff and with the guidance of the incumbent Commander, BGEN QUIRINO S CALONZO AFP, a double/triple even quadruple effort still has to be done in order to “catch up.” But merely seeing every individual Reserve Component, gives me inspiring reasons why we should pursue the steps ahead. I’ve seen how the Reserve Components perform to the best of their abilities in their military tasks: the Affiliated Reserve Units bring in tangible and intangible support for the AFPRESCOM or AFP activities; the medical group promptly reports for MED/DENRETE duties, leaving behind their respective companies, in lieu of their military duties and bringing-in medicines, food and drinks for distribution; the Judge Advocate General Service (JAGS) and Academe members assist the AFP in the many studies and evaluations, and many other notable acts. For me, they are “the peace builders of our nation”. With the full and proper implementation of the RA 7077, the proper recognition and training for the Reserve Component, the Reserve Force would be optimized for nation building. So, let us all give the Reserve Component the salute and support that we could give in order to enhance them so that in times of emergencies, this motivated and well-trained Reserve Force working in synergy with the AFP’s Regular Force, would be a very reliable and capable force that we could always count on. /AAF210112