KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- A ranking Philippine Army (PA) official here emphasized the crucial role reservists play in nation-building efforts.

Brigadier Gen. Pedro Balisi Jr., commander of the army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Armor Division said during the closing program of the three-day Battalion Assembly Test (Pre-Mobilization) Training of Reservist Officer and Enlisted Reservist Personnel of 1204 Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn).

“The reserve corps provide a base for the expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the event of war, invasion, and rebellion, or during national emergencies,” he said.

According to Maj. Dennie Pajel, (ARM) PA 1204 CDC Director, the assembly test aims to account and determine the physical well-being of the reservists and test the state of their readiness when call of duty arises.

“As part of their military training, the army reservists engage in mobilization exercises to ensure that they function well in times of need,” he added.

This will also equip them with essential training and update them of the current thrusts and programs of the command and the AFP in general.

During the three-day activity, the participants were taught on Basic Map Reading and Signal Communication, Rescue Operation and First Aid Application, Weapons (Assembly/Disassembly) and Environmental Protection.

The 1204th RRIBn, with over 7,000 officers and enlisted personnel, is primarily in charge of all reservists and the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program in the province of South Cotabato.

Meanwhile, South Cotabato Vice Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr. pledged his full support to the army reserve force.

“The Office of the Provincial Vice Governor is always open to support you. We are looking forward to an active partnership and more activities that will benefit the community,” Pingoy said. (PIA XII)