1503rd Community Defense Center,15th RCDG,Reserve Command, Philippine Army

Surigao del Norte Citizen Army Builders Extend Office in Siargao

Dapa, Surigao del Norte - The 1503rd (SDN) Community Defense Center (1503CDC) of the 15th Regional Community Defense Group (15RCDG), RESCOM, PA had established an extension office in Dapa, Siargao Island. This initiative was warmly welcomed by Hon. Elizabeth T. Matugas, the Municipal Mayor of the said town who personally manifested her support to the Reserve Force development in Siargao island.

The extension office was established in order to enhance the recruitment and administration of the Reserve Force in Siargao. Also, to provide better management, and administration of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program in the said area.

"The build-up of the Reserve Force here in Siargao Island is undeniably significant for disaster response in so far as concerned. As our country is located in the Pacific Rim of Fire, the risks in the disasters especially a typhoon are inevitable. Moreso that Siargao Island is geographically situated in a typhoon prone location. And there is a need to prepare how we can respond in times of emergencies like the devastation of Super Typhoon 'Oddette' in December 2021," Col Cadano Jr said during the dialogue.

1503CDC Receives Cheque Worth of Pp200,000 as Donation from HMC

Mainit, Surigao del Norte - The 1503rd (Surigao del Norte) Community Defense Center (1503CDC) of the 15th Regional Community Defense Group (15RCDG), Reserve Command (RESCOM), Philippine Army had received a cheque worth of Pp200,000 from the Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) on November 24, 2023 at its headquarters in Magpayang, Mainit, Surigao del Norte. The cheque was handed over by Antonio B. Resuera Jr, the Manager for Community Relations of HMC to Colonel Calixto D. Cadano Jr, the Director with the presence of his personnel.

The said donation will be used in the enhancement of 1503CDC facilities such as personnel barracks and admin building. If we recall, the existing building used as headquarters of 1503CDC was an abandoned Breeding Center of Surigao del Norte Agriculture's Office which was severely damaged by Super Typhoon Oddette on December 2021.

"As you have seen, our barracks used to be the birthing and lactating room for the hogs of the Department of Agriculture but we repaired it for our personnel. And we are very grateful for your kindness and generosity. Your support will significantly contribute to the fulfillment of Reserve Force Development here in the province of Surigao del Norte," Col Cadano Jr said.

Ok You For Your Generosity HMC

PHILIPPINE ARMY GRANTS CASH INCENTIVES TO THE ADVANCED ROTC CADETS OF SNSU - MAINIT

Mainit, Surigao del Norte - The Philippine Army granted a cash incentive program to the Advance Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Cadet Officers of Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) Mainit - Campus for the first semester of the academic year 2022-2023. The cash incentive is given every semester to the deserving Advance ROTC Cadet and Caddette Officers who have excellent grades with a minimum of 88 percent and above in their academic subjects.

The cash incentive program aims to inspire the Advance ROTC Cadet and Caddette Officers to strive more on their academic subjects as the source of a strong foundation for any professional career. It also encourages the Basic ROTC Cadets and Caddettes to join the Advance ROTC Program and gain popular support for ROTC advocacy among the students.

SNSU - Mainit Campus is very fortunate for out of only Eight (8) grantees in the whole CARAGA Region, Seven of them were the pride of the said school, namely: Cadet Second Class Earl Ives Eveury Balubar; Cadet Second Class Jalen Rose Mariano; Cadet Second Class Jessica Paler; Cadet Second Class Mereflor Dahilan; Cadet Second Class Kim Marjorie Mula Torion; Cadet Second Class Regie Bongato; and Cadet Second Class Rose Mae Bugtay. All of them will receive PhP12,000 as part of the Philippine Army's cash incentive program.

1503CDC Strengthens the Reserve Force Development in Surigao del Norte

The 1503rd Community Defense Center (1503CDC), 15RCDG, RESCOM, PA concluded the Citizen Soldiers Orientation Training (CSOT) Class 1–2023 on July 22, 2023, at TESDA - SNCAT Mini Gymnassium, Magpayang, Mainit, Surigao Del Norte. Brigadier General George L. Banzon PA, the Brigade Commander of the 901st Brigade, 9ID, PA, graced the closing ceremony as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

A total of 62 volunteer participants from the different municipalities of Surigao del Norte successfully
passed the training and qualified as reservists of the Philippine Army who will join the ranks of the 1503rd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (1503RRIBn). The CSOT Class is composed of Elected Officials, Local Government agency Heads, Government Employees, and professionals from different fields.

The training has been initiated in line with the mandate of the Reserve Command, Philippine Army, to build a more responsive, relevant, and reliable Reserve Force in the defense of the state during war and other emergencies. It also aims to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills in basic soldiery, nation building, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and socio-economic development programs.

"The knowledge and skills you've gained in this training are essential to basic soldiery. As part of the Army, you are one of the agents in bringing unification as the catalysts of the government's peace and development programs, normalisation in the insurgencies affected communities, internal security operations to defeat terrorism to attain total victory, and sustaining the gains while shifting into a territorially credible defense posture for the defense of our national territory and integrity, and to develop our youth into more responsive and productive leaders of our country," BGen Banzon said.