By Leonel Abasola
In Manila, Senator Robin Padilla stressed the importance of training Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reservists to prioritize life-saving skills, considering the potential for unexpected disasters and conflicts worldwide. Padilla made these remarks during the Basic Citizen Military Course (BCMC) held in the Senate, where actor Enrico Raphael “Rocco” Nacino served as the inspirational speaker. He highlighted the necessity for a Nurse Corps, stating that in times of calamities or unforeseen disturbances, individuals equipped with the necessary skills can effectively respond to emergencies.
Meron kaya tayong ganyan karaming anti-missile, anti-aircraft at anti-drone? [Pero] kung lahat matuto tayo ng emergency services, yan na lang muna kasi wala tayong maipagmamalaki sa weapon (Do we have capabilities against missiles, aircraft and drones? We don’t have yet, so we need to learn emergency services for now),” he added.
In his inspirational talk, Nacino, a 2nd Lieutenant in the Nurse Corps of the AFP Reserve Command’s Civil Military Affair Brigade, emphasized the importance of helping fellow Filipinos.
Nacino said he started his BCMC training in 2016 to prepare for his role in the adaptation of the Korean series “Descendants of the Sun.”
Padilla said he hopes a bill for a mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) will gain ground in the Senate, saying the measure is much needed now.
“Sana ma-encourage ang kapatid kong senador na ipasa ang mandatory ROTC. Sana maintindihan. Alam kong naintindihan nila. Alam kong nakukuha niya point namin (I hope our fellow senators will be encouraged to pass the bill on the mandatory ROTC. I know they understand our point),” he said. (PNA)
