PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (WESCOM) -- In a remarkable display of support, reservists from the Philippine Army's (PA) 407th Ready Reserve Transport Battalion and 1603rd Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade, along with earlier donations from the Provincial Government of Palawan, have come together to extend their aid to soldiers deployed at the BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) in Ayungin Shoal. The generous donations include assorted food supplies such as canned goods, snack packs, instant noodles, sacks of rice, and a 600-watt solar portable battery pack.

Earlier this month, Palawan’s provincial government, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), also contributed to the cause by donating 50 food packages of assorted goods, specifically for the benefit of troops deployed in the country’s lone outpost in Ayungin Shoal.

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos PN, the Commander of the AFP Western Command (WESCOM), expressed his sincere gratitude to all those who pledged support to the troops deployed on the frontlines, saying, "We are deeply grateful for the tremendous support shown by our comrades in arms from the AFP Reserve Force, and the Local Government of Palawan to our soldiers stationed at Ayungin Shoal.

Your generosity will undoubtedly uplift the morale of our brave men and women who are safeguarding our nation's interests." Among the reservists present during the simple hand-over ceremony of the donated items were Colonel Enrico Yuzon, Lt. Colonel Lovell Jude Noche, Captain Mel Hallar, Sergeant Arsenio Sy, and Sergeant Javenello Voltaire Peñaflor, all coming from the two ready reserve units of the Army Reserve Command mentioned earlier.

In light of these efforts, VAdm Carlos also added “It is imperative that we, as Filipinos, recognize the significance of upholding our 

sovereignty and protecting our country's territorial integrity in its western frontier. The defense and security of our nation are tasks that extend beyond the military alone – they require the collective support and engagement of every Filipino.”Through the collective efforts of the two ready reserve units and the earlier donation from the Local Government of Palawan, the brave soldiers of LS 57 will receive vital support during their deployment. This act of solidarity also coincides with the AFP-wide celebration of the 44th National Reservist Week this year, highlighting the dedication and commitment of the AFP Reserve Force towards serving the country.

LS 57, a significant structure for the country in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), plays a crucial role in safeguarding national interests. It holds immense strategic and symbolic importance, reminding every Filipino of the need for vigilance and unity in the face of external challenges. Along this line, the remarkable show of support from the reservists and the Local Government of Palawan underlines the strong bond between soldiers and their communities. “By actively participating and supporting initiatives that contribute to the protection of our territorial integrity, we demonstrate our unwavering dedication and commitment to a brighter and more secure future for our beloved country”, said VAdm Carlos as he addressed the audience during the simple hand-over ceremony of all the food supplies and equipment intended for the troops deployed in LS 57.  (WESCOM)