Senator Robinhood Padilla has spearheaded the Basic Citizen Military Course Class 10-2024 within the Philippine Senate. This initiative, undertaken voluntarily by Senate officials and employees, not only aims to instill discipline for the defense of the nation but also to equip them with the skills necessary to effectively respond to disasters.
The first batch of approximately 50 trainees out of the 161 enlistees took their oath on April 3, 2024 in the Senate before Senator Padilla and Major General Joseph Ferrous S Cusion of the Naval Reserve Command.
The initial weeks following the oath-taking ceremony were dedicated to laying the groundwork with fundamental military theories and concepts. Under the guidance of dedicated trainers from the Philippine Navy, they embarked on a regimen that included exercises and jogging sessions within the Senate premises, clad in white shirts and black shorts. Subsequent visits to key military installations like the Philippine Navy camp in Sangley and the Philippine Marine Corps headquarters in Fort Bonifacio provided them with invaluable firsthand exposure to military operations and protocols.
One memorable aspect of the training was their encounter with the Philippine Navy Seals, renowned for their exceptional strength and endurance. This left a lasting impression, especially on my daughter, who serves on Senator Padilla’s staff. She was not only impressed by their physique but also by their rigorous training regimen, which include periods without sleep lasting up to five days.
As the training progressed, new challenges emerged. To expand their skill sets, they underwent swimming lessons at the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters and participated in CPR training conducted by the Philippine Heart Association.
This week, the trainees will embark on a two-day immersion at the Philippine Navy’s Naval Operating Base, located within the former Hanjin shipyard in Subic Bay Freeport, Zambales. This expansive facility serves as home to a fleet of Navy ships, including frigates, patrol ships, and landing docks. Set against the backdrop of the disputed West Philippine Sea, this visit promises invaluable exposure for the trainees, especially as it coincides with the commencement of the 39th Balikatan Exercises, scheduled to begin today, April 22, and will continue until May 10. These exercises will bring together over 16,000 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Military.
The 39th Balikatan Exercises, a collaborative effort under the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty, will also involve the Australian Defense Force and the French Navy, the latter participating for the first time. Furthermore, 14 nations will take part in the AFP-hosted international observer program, underscoring the importance of multinational cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.
