TAGBILARAN CITY , Philippines – A memorandum of agreement was signed by the Bohol provincial government and the AFP’s Reservists Command for a joint implementation of emergency response program in the province.
The MOA signing was made part of the Regional Reservist Convention held at the Bohol Cultural Center here as part of the culmination activities of the 33rd National Reservist Week recently.
Governor Edgar Chatto signed the MOA for the provincial government that implements the TaRSIER 117 (Telephone and Radio System Integrated Emergency Response), as Bohol’s quick response unit, while AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa signed for the military with ARESCOM commander, Brig. Gen. Alex Albano, and Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II as witnesses.
Under the MOA, the Reservist Group adopts TaRSIER 117, and will establish Affiliated Reserve Units assuming the obligations and responsibilities of the Reserve Corps in Bohol.
Brigadier Gen. Gerardo Layug, commanding general of the 8th Infantry (Stormtrooper) Division, came all the way from Luzon to meet with Chatto, Damalerio and top military officials in the province.
TaRSIER 117, launched on March 25 last year, has been the operation center of the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council with other local and national agencies engaged in risk reduction and disaster management services, police and fire assistance, search and rescue, public service programs, and even weather forecast monitoring.
During the convention, the Office of the Civil Defense-Region 7 conducted a lecture/briefing on the Risk Reduction Management, while Maj. Robert Macandili of the Philippine Army presented an update on the RRA policies and programs. Officials of the Central Command explained the role of reservists in the Internal Peace and Security Plan-Bayanihan.
Dellosa also officiated the donning of ranks on the reservists that included his elder brother, Engr. James Dellosa.
Chatto, in his speech, thanked the reservists for their contribution in implementing peace and order and public safety in the province. The reservists have also contributed in responding to calamities and in preparing for climate change, the governor said.
“Our strength defines also the kind of peace, the kind of security. Peace and order are very important ingredients of progress. Bohol, as a province, holds the pride that our farmers are safe in their farmlands. We need the reservists to make sure these services are delivered to the people,” Chatto said.
He noted that the Reserved Forces of the AFP, are enlisted forces and will be called to active duty by their respective battalions whenever their services are needed for internal security, peace and order, or public safety.
“It is very inspiring to know that these Reserved Forces have been known to serve as a motivating factor in generating keen interest among young people to join the Reservist Groups,” added the governor.