Five faculty members from different colleges of Tarlac State University completed the Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) of the 3rd Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command, Philippine Army, on October 18, 2023.
Asst. Prof. Jazzel Llaneli Manabat (CASS/OPA), Ms. Maricor Cheska Santos (CASS/OUP), Ms. Liana Faith De Leon (CASS/OQA), Asst. Prof. Winfred Leah Bondoc (COS), and Engr. Michael Tomas (COEng) braved the 45-day training and graduated among the 156 civilian volunteers dubbed BCMT "Lakas Diwa" Class 01-2023.
Aside from the essential lectures to fulfill the cognitive aspect of the training, the new citizen-soldiers underwent practicals, including marksmanship, obstacle course, and field training exercises.
"It's fulfilling to finish the 45-day training. I have done activities and drills that are once in a lifetime. It's challenging yet memorable. I am also very thankful to our military instructors and the administration for this opportunity," Santos said in an interview.
The closing ceremony was held at the 3RCDG Headquarters in Camp General Servillano A. Aquino in San Miguel, Tarlac City, with Col. Arnel B. Bautista, Assistant Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, G9, PA, as the guest of honor and speaker.
"Your efforts in completing the course support the Philippine Army's endeavor to strengthen the Reserve Force," Col. Bautista said in his speech.
He urged the graduates to put their training to good use, particularly when the country needs it most during war and other national emergencies.
The BCMT graduates from TSU are eyed to contribute to its ROTC Unit. They will be involved in the upcoming Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI), according to NSTP Director Prof. Louis Adonis Silvestre.
Prof. Silvestre invited interested members of the TSU community to join the BCMT through a letter addressed to the Administrative Council dated August 17, 2023.
The BCMT is one of the pre-entry courses Filipinos must undergo to join the Reserve Force.
Photo credits: 3RCDG, Liana Faith De Leon, Maricor Cheska Santos
