MANILA, Philippines - The military has 24 new reserve officers who are expected to help strengthen its peace and development efforts.
The reserve military officers, who compose the 47th batch of Masters in National Security Administration (MNSA), took their oath yesterday morning in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista led the donning of ranks and the commissioning ceremony for the reservists.
The event was also attended by AFP vice chief Lt. General Alan Luga, deputy chief of staff Lt. General Gregorio Macapagal, deputy chief of staff for personnel Rear Admiral Philip Cacayan, and deputy chief of staff for reservist and retiree affairs Maj. General Marlou Salazar.
Of the newly commissioned officers, 13 belong to the Army, 10 to the Navy and one to the Air Force. They now hold the rank of lieutenant colonel.
The MNSA graduates are Roy Correo, Maria Cristina Exmundo, Nereo Raymundo Joaquin, Luzviminda Lanuza, Perlita Lim, Rogelio Marzan, Mae Dolorita Manicit, Marioario Montejo, Maria Purificacion Sison, Cherry Tamang, Benjy Roberto Ferreras, Abraham Bayan, and Elba Cruz of the Army;
Maria Fe Cabullo, Ethel Cuyco, Ma. Vilma Diez, Ma. Leni Lebrilla, Reynaldo Maclang, Nicollete Kristine Nonna Dizon, Billy Pascua, Janette Padua, Antonio Carlos Fernando, and Marilou Rue of the Navy, and Wilhelmina Arao of the Air Force.
The MNSA is a yearlong program offered by the National Defense College of the Philippines. The course seeks to provide students with a holistic view of national security.
Among the well-known MNSA graduates are former President Fidel Ramos and Vice President Jejomar Binay.