EDITORIAL STAFF
ROBERT REQUINTINA
A growing number of Filipino stars are answering the call to service by joining the military’s reserve force. We should take a moment to thank some of these celebrities who have put their lives on hold to serve the country. They are worthy of emulation.
It’s so refreshing to read about stars who carry the spirit of volunteerism, patriotism and dedication in their hearts. As part of the reserve force, they go through field drills, target practice, and more to fulfill the mission of protecting the people and state, especially in times of crisis. It also teaches volunteers leadership, discipline, and respect for authority. In addition, being part of the reserve will inspire and encourage love for the country.
Actress Arci Munoz, actor Christopher de Leon, singer and actress Geneva Cruz, actor Rocco Nacino, beauty queen Wynwyn Marquez, actor Matteo Guidicelli, actor Baron Geisler, beauty queen Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Kapuso actor Dingdong Dantes, actor Gerald Anderson, Star for All Staffel Vilma Santos Recto, Beauty Gonzalez, Actor JM De Guzman, Actor Kiko Estrada, Actress Julia Baretto, Actor Enzo Pineda are some of the celebrities who have answered the call to serve.
Filipino singer and actor Ronnie Liang became a second lieutenant in the Philippine Army Reserves in November 2020.
“For the first two years I served the public as an army reservist. Naghahatid and Sundo ako from health workers at drop-off points, Nagpapakain din ako from locally stranded people. I distributed food packages at Ayuda,” Liang said when asked about his activities as a reservist during the pandemic. (I picked up and dropped off some of our health workers at designated points. I also provided food for the stranded commuters.),” Ronnie said in a recent interview.
When asked about the fulfillment he gets as a reservist, Liang said, “Yung fulfillment na masaya yung mga tinutulungan mo, that’s my reward for me. This is my incentive or benefit. Bei hindi ka nila nakakalimutan bei pinaglalaban ka nila” (If the people you helped or have helped are happy, then for me that is my reward. They will never forget you and they will fight for you).
dr Risa Caldoza, Mrs. Tourism International 2017, also graduated as a reservist in the army.
“I joined the Army Reserve Force last year 2021 through their 45 day Citizen Basic Military Training. Being a part of the armed forces has always been on my wish list thanks to my late grandfather who was a colonel in the Philippine Air Force. It was my gift to him, a kind of honor for him, and I hope he’s proud of me in heaven,” says Risa, also a dermatologist by profession.
She adds, “I’m Filipino and this is my way of giving back to my country. At 51 when I graduated, it proves again that age is no barrier to achieving your goals. Our country needs us; it takes strong women who can fight for them. I did it in festive heels in 2017; I did it in combat boots in 2021.”
So you want to become a reservist in the Armed Forces of the Philippines? Some basic information about the Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act.
The Citizen Armed Force, or alternatively referred to as the Reserve Force, was created on July 23, 1990 under Republic Act 7077, Article III, Section. It is tasked with providing the basis for the AFP’s expansion in the event of war or invasion, or rebellion; Assistance in providing assistance and rescue in the event of a disaster or catastrophe; support for socio-economic development; and assisting in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities to further the overall mission.
You must choose which component you wish to join: The Army Reserve Component, The Air Force Reserve Component, The Navy Reserve Component, AFP-Wide Technical Reserve Component; and the attached reserves.
There are three categories of AFP reservists citizen-soldiers:
1) The reserve of the 1st category consists of able-bodied reservists between the ages of 18 and 35.
2) The second category reserve consists of able-bodied reservists between the ages of 36 and 51.
3) The reserve of the third category consists of all able-bodied reservists who have reached the age of 51.
As Martin Luther King III, the civil rights leader’s eldest son, said in a speech during Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations in the United States in January 2009, “You don’t have to have a Ph.D. to serve. We know that many of us can make a big difference with little effort. The goal is to keep it that way all year round.”
Celebrities enlisting in the military will attract and inspire more civilians to serve the country. They receive no compensation or talent royalties for their services, but they remain professionals and value the national welfare.
For detailed information on joining the military reserve force, visit afpreserve.org.
(Robert R. Requintina is entertainment editor of the Manila Bulletin)
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