By Mona Lagbas
February 14, 2025, Cagayan de Oro City_Health, life insurance, scholarships, allowances, and other benefits await reservists as Laang Kawal partylist advocates for upliftment of volunteer-reservists.
Laang Kawal partylist 1st nominee Ret. Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Roberto Almario, in a press conference Friday, expressed dismay over the alleged neglect by the government of the welfare of reservists who have and are risking their lives, livelihood and family relations when war breaks out or calamities occur.
Almario said that as first responders in disasters, reservists are always at the frontlines and have been activated to duty. When the Marawi siege happened, reservists reported for duty, rendering selfless service and supreme sacrifices.
"When we are elected to Congress, we will revisit R.A. 7077 and collaborate with fellow legislators in making sure that appropriate budget and logistical support would be priorolitized for us reservists", added Almario. He said that reservists allot their time and own resources just to be always ready for emergencies and combat duties, even to the extent of losing their regular jobs or livelihood and lose time for their families.
For his part, retired Army Brigadier General Anthony Cacayuran, Laang Kawal Mindanao Campaig Head, said that reservists are often called 'weekend warriors' as they voluntarily train on weekends to equip themselves, especially on desister rescue and preparedness and possible military responses. Cacayuran lamented that although volunteers, reservists deserve comprehensive health and life insurance coverages, scholarships for their dependents, and regular allowances.
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