Many, up to now, refer to AFP Reservists as “Reservist lang” by which they mean we are not part, or of a lower class compared with the regular force counterpart. They seem to think that we do not share the same “courage” and “heroism” as with a regular soldier, when the time comes for an actual battle to call on us. Unfortunately, the only time we can prove ourselves is when that time comes. But by God’s grace, and fortunately for us, that day has not come upon us yet, as war or battle is the last thing any human being would ever want, most especially the soldiers who have committed to lay down their lives to fight.
Nevertheless, before I say more about the PN Reserve Force, please allow me to express my respect to our brothers in the AFP Regular Force, as they are the ones whose vocation has been to answer the call of duty for the protection and security of our country.
To be a soldier –that is what we Reservists want to be– we admire the discipline, the courage, the sacrifice and commitment, and the honor that goes along with it. As PN Reservists, we are earnestly giving all we have to become a good sailor, to mirror our regular navy comrades. Although we are hungry for education and training towards military proficiency, and thirsty for extensive knowledge and military professionalism, we aim to give back beyond our best to improve the environs while strictly observing military protocols and adhering to the chain of command, which is the core virtue of the military that we ultimately admire.
A Life of Sacrifice
While we are judged to be “reservist lang” by the general public, little do they know that PN Reservists also have their share of sacrifice to be able to sustain their participation in the naval activities. Aside from their absence from their families during supposedly precious day-offs, oftentimes they have to leave from work that can cost them a portion of their livelihood. They pay for their transportation to and from the camps during activities, and at times some other provisions. They pay for their documentary requirements which includes government clearances, papers, and prints. They are even willing to provide for their own uniforms if they have to, just to present themselves worthy alongside their regular comrades.
The PN Reserve Force is composed mostly of these ordinary people doing their fair share of their bit to do extraordinary achievements for the country and its citizens. They are a father providing just enough for his family but still spending to be where they need to be during mission; a mother leaving her children for her reservist duty; an employee multi-tasking to be able to do their reservist function; a leader working late nights for his troops; or administrative staff doing accounting and motivating their personnel in their PNRF organization. We are just as ordinary as the majority of the Filipinos, financially and professionally, but with the heart and passion to serve our fellowmen and others who are in need.
A Life of Commitments
Like any organization, I would say, the PNRF is not a perfect one, and will never be, as there is no such thing. All organizations have their gaps to connect and improvements to be implemented. There is this fact that there are a lot of things needed to be done “in the” and “for the” organization. But on the other hand, that is the very reason why we reservists are volunteering our time and expertise, “para makatulong” (to be able to assist) the PN and the AFP.
However, the familiarity of an AFP Reservist with civilian organization, while being new to the AFP organization, they will be faced with military protocols, policies and requirements that are confined only to military organizations. Not to mention the management and motivating of volunteers. The challenge of adjustment is really of great extent, including the demand for time. Many in fact lose their interest, and will simply no longer show up.
Again, we will have to go back as to why we have joined as a reservist, which is basically the passion for duty, honor and the prestige of the military culture and discipline. We can always join any organization conducting community service, rescue operations, or the ones aiming for socio-economic development, but we prefer to do all these while preparing ourselves to defend our country.
These challenges to be faced, being a reservist is not a life of privilege but a life of service. One must possess a high level of commitment to serve, as well as to be able to persevere and contribute to the national security and defense of our country.
It is All Worth It
With all humility, I am deeply honored to share a few of the numerous valuable contributions of the PN Reserve Force.
Along with regular counterparts and many other government agencies, the AFP Reserve Force nationwide was a big portion of the AFP contingent in the fight against Covid-19 serving in security detail, administrative, or medical fronts, during hard lockdowns and quarantines, ensuring safety, security of the citizens, and control of the virus.
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, PN Reservists faced the deadly risk yet were at the forefront, repacking, hauling, and distributing relief goods operations in Metro Manila, providing food lifeline to thousands of families that are confined to their homes, and denied of work-generated income due to lockdowns.
Furthermore, PN Reservists are perpetual participants of several Civil Military Operations delivering medical and dental services to the less fortunate, and connecting with our people.
Technical expertise were also shared by our highly trained and experienced maritime shipping captains and chief engineers. They have provided valuable recommendations and information with regard to the safety standards, maintenance and upkeep of our PN Vessels.
Our Duty
Everyone in the PN Organization has a role to fulfill, and each one is as equally important as the other. Our part and duty as a PN Reservist plays a vital contribution to the much needed human assistance development of our countrymen. In this fast changing geo-political, social, and natural environmental situations in the world, the PN Organization will need much more additional hands of a trained and organized force that they can seamlessly work with at the snap-of-a-finger for our country’s humanitarian work and territorial defense needs.
All the sacrifices and commitments made by Reservists in the Naval Reserve Command –and to many more sacrifices and commitments as we move forward– I attest that it is all worth the personal resources and selfless efforts expended by each Reservist to achieve the goals and objectives of each of their missions. It is for every person we were able to help and give hope to, every enemy we were able to deter, and every inch of our territory that we keep.
It is in this vein that I hope many more will join to press on and be ready for our next mission.
