Army reservists help in the evacuation of at least 3,000 families trapped in their homes when the Taal Volcano erupted in January 2020. The families took shelter in the evacuation camps arranged by government offices. (Photo from PFC Lian Llanes/PIA-NCR file)

When calamities strike or conflict arises, the government, specially the military, can tap reservists as a backup force in humanitarian and disaster response. 

Former congressman and past director-general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Charito B. Plaza is a reservist.

Plaza is a brigadier-general in the air force reserve force. She is the wing commander of the 1st Air Force Reserve Wing (AFWR). She also co-authored the legislative measure that became Republic Act 7077 or the Citizen Armed Forces Law.

She explains, these citizen-soldiers form a crucial 80 percent of military manpower as mandated by the Constitution and the Reservist’s Law. Their selfless service demonstrates the essence of shared duty for national defense and resiliency. 

Plaza is among the Founding Reservists and Wing Commander of the entire Mindanao 3rd Air Force Wing Reserve and later, the 7th Air Force Wing Reserve where she was actively involved in disasters, calamities, and emergency responses.

“First, let us organize, train, and fully equip the LGUs, national government agencies, and private companies to become effective responders during disasters, calamities, emergencies, and in nation-building. Second, let us help in fostering peace and prosperity not only [in] Metro Manila, but the entire country,” she said.

The official also mentioned the importance of the Reservist Program citing that “under the Reservist Law RA 7077, the Armed Forces and its Affiliated Reserve Units of various government agencies and private utilities can be called by the President of the Republic of the Philippines who is the Commander-in-Chief in times of disasters, calamities, emergencies, and war to achieve and maintain peace, order, security and stability in times of distress." 

Whether soldiers in uniform or civilians with specialized skills, reservists stand ready to augment the regular Armed Forces in diverse missions. They preserve peace and order when disasters disrupt communities. They safeguard lives and property when storms batter the islands. They uphold security when violence and extremism threaten society. 

As of June 2023, the AFP has 150,000 active-duty personnel and about 1.2 million reservists. 

In times of need, reservists embrace the calling because they understand service as an obligation of citizenship. 

Their technical expertise and local roots make them force multipliers, expanding response capacity while bridging communities with government aid. 

Whether coordinating relief distribution after a typhoon, assisting evacuation during volcanic eruptions, or supporting conflict reduction in hotspots, reservists act with speed, empathy and sacrifice.

This expansive participation reflects democratic ideals. Filipinos from all walks of life can contribute to the common good through active public service. 

Doctors heal the wounded alongside military medics. Engineers repair infrastructure alongside construction battalions. Business leaders provide logistics and volunteers. Youth assist and learn.

And women like General Plaza herself champion inclusion and empowerment within traditionally male-centric security services. 

When women lead in uniforms, when mothers serve alongside daughters, they inspire the nation and open doors to a new generation.