PH Army Reserve Command multi-sectoral body aims for world-class soldiers

MANILA, Philippines — With relevant and sustainable programs, the Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) of the Philippine Army has made strides in fortifying the civilian-military ties to boost the capability of Filipino soldiers as defenders of peace and stability.

Major General Romulo Manuel Jr., commander of the Philippine Army Reserve Command, highlighted that the journey ahead may present challenges, but with the dedication and synergy showed by the MSAB members, these can be easily overcome and achieve the shared goals.

 “I want to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our public-private partnerships, advancing governance, and enhancing our ATR programs and projects. I encourage each of you to take the ideas and insights shared today back to your respective organizations and sectors. Let’s translate our collective vision into tangible results that benefit our community and contribute to its growth and prosperity.” 

Brian Poe-Llamanzares, newly elected co-chair of the strategic communications committee of the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) of the MSAB alongside 2nd Lieutenant Gianmatteo Fernan Guidicelli, said MSAB has conducted enhanced training programs aimed at having effective and improved reserve force.

Among the basic training units under the ARESCOM are the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and the Basic Citizen’s Military Training (BCMT).

ARESCOM is mandated to develop, organize, mobilize and train reservists into a capable and responsive reserve force as an integral part of the Army’s defense of the state, and in its participation in socio-economic development.

MSAB has also initiated seminars on Gender and Development and on promoting its advocacies using social media.

It has sponsored a series of blood-letting activities participated in by over 10,000 donors.  It has also organized sports activities and a shoot festival in the firing range that was developed in partnership with the Fernando Poe Jr. Foundation.

As part of good governance through accountability and transparency, the MSAB has guided the Army in adopting efficient logistics and financial management of its resources such as vehicles, firearms and other supplies.

“The MSAB recognizes its shared responsibility in strengthening our Army so it can better serve and protect us,” Poe-Llamanzares said.

Poe said the body will continue to play its role as the Army’s partners in promoting good governance and in striving to make the Filipino soldiers world-class.

“Through the years, the Board’s existence has been significant in bridging the gap among the Army, private sector and civil society,” he said.

Philippine Army’s Colonel Ronie Ebarita highlighted the synergy espoused by the MSAB between its members and stakeholders.

“As we all proceed with our collective efforts towards our vision for the Reserve Command, PA, we recognize and uphold that purposive stakeholders engagement and collaboration are both important elements of good governance efforts,” Ebarita said.

“The harmony and synergy as espoused in the RESCOM Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board will be contributory to individual and collective success in ushering the Command towards success and significance,” he added.

The MSAB was created “to promote the continuity and sustainability of the Army Transformation Roadmap, and to encourage shared responsibility through its committees” on governance, resource management, review and assessment, strategic communication, and research and education, the Army said.

READ: Lamentillo takes pride in being an Army reservist

The board includes members from the government, nongovernmental organizations, the media, business, defense, and youth circles.

“We hope to sustain the MSAB programs so we can have Army soldiers who will be sources of our national pride,” Poe-Llamanzares said.