THE Philippine Army and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) have entered into an agreement that seeks to bolster the military’s reserve force and the security of the country.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been exerting efforts over the past years to enhance the military’s reserve force for territorial defense amid China’s continuing aggression in the West Philippine Sea, a part of the South China Sea that Manila claims.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) last Tuesday came nine months after the Army provided ULAP with a “strategic briefing” on the country’s current security situation, its reserve force deployment and other programs.
The MOA was signed by Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido and ULAP President Dakila Carlo Cua, the governor of Quirino, at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
“A year ago, we sat down together to explore areas of common interest and possible collaboration,” said Galido during his keynote address.
“Today our discussion continues as we share with you the various initiatives and programs relative to our shared concern in security, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and the reserve force,” he added.
Cua said the signing of the MOA reflects the commitment of the two sides to ensuring the country’s security.
“Security is not just the job of our armed forces. It is a responsibility that we all share as Filipinos, especially those in the local government units,” Cua said.
Formed in 1998, ULAP is the umbrella organization of all local government units and elected local government officials. Its primary members include the League of Provinces of the Philippines, the League of Cities of the Philippines and the League of Municipalities.
In a statement, Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the ULAP, under the agreement, will “promote LGU (local government unit) involvement in strengthening the Philippine Army reserve force by supporting reserve companies and the Army’s ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) programs.”
Local government leaders will also help establish provincial mobilization centers, he said, “to better coordinate humanitarian assistance and disaster response as well as community peace and security efforts.”
Dema-ala added the Army, also under the agreement, will provide “technical expertise and training” for LGUs in establishing provincial mobilization centers, formation of reservist companies, and strengthening local peace and security councils.
He said the Army will also assist ULAP in the formulation of policies that “align national security needs with economic development goals.”
