120 new Army reservists (Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Apayao) graduate from military training; “Carry with you the spirit of Honor, Patriotism, and Duty” - Maj. Gen. Señires

LUNA, Apayao — A total of 120 civilian volunteers from four Cordillera provinces have completed 45 days of Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT), strengthening the Philippine Army’s reserve force for disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and community development.

The graduates, composed of 104 men and 16 women from Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Apayao, formally took their oath as members of the Army Reserve Force during the closing ceremony of the “Dangal-Bagsik” Class 02-2026 on October 25 at the Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex in Payanan, San Gregorio, Luna.

Maj. Gen. Gulliver L. Señires, commander of the 5th Infantry (Star) Division of the Philippine Army, served as guest of honor and speaker at the ceremony.

The 45-day training was conducted by the 14th Regional Community Defense Group (14RCDG) under the Army Reserve Command to equip civilian volunteers with basic military knowledge, discipline, leadership, and essential skills for reserve force missions.

Señires congratulated the graduates, reminding them that completing the training marked the beginning of their continuing responsibility to serve the country.

“Carry with you the spirit of Honor, Patriotism, and Duty. In the values of the 5th Infantry Division—Malasakit, Disiplina, at Galing—find a guide for serving with care, discipline, and excellence,” Señires said.

During the ceremony, the graduates received their certificates, while outstanding trainees were recognized for their academic performance and physical fitness achievements. Their oath-taking was administered by Col. Melano E. Somera, assistant division commander for Reserve Force Development of the 5th Infantry Division.

The 98th Infantry (Masinag) Battalion and partner agencies were also recognized for their contributions to the successful conduct of the training.

Meanwhile, Apayao Provincial Police Office director PCol. Reguel B. Santamaria, who attended the ceremony with Luna Municipal Police Station deputy chief of police PLT Ronald S. Balag, received a Certificate of Appreciation for his contribution to the training program.

The newly trained reservists are expected to reinforce the Army’s reserve capabilities across the Cordillera, particularly in disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and community development initiatives.

The activity also underscored the 5th Infantry Division’s continuing efforts to strengthen cooperation among regular Army personnel, reservists, local government units, and civilian stakeholders in promoting peace, security, and community resilience across Northern Luzon.