By Jason de Asis
BALER, Aurora – The 307th Community Defense Center (CDC) of the Philippine Army, part of the 3rd Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) under the Reserve Command (RESCOM), welcomed its new Director, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Mandala Class of 2006.
Tasked with overseeing and managing the Reservist and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets in Aurora province, Major Ron Michael M. Soriao assumes command.
Colonel Vicente Edgardo C. de Ocampo, Group Commander of the 3rd RCDG, RESCOM based in Northern Luzon Command, Camp Aquino Tarlac, presided over the Change of Command ceremony on Sunday, March 3 at the capitol grounds in Barangay Suklayin.
Outgoing director Colonel Judith B. Loayon passed on his responsibilities to Major Soriao, a native of Barangay Buhangin in Baler, Aurora. Colonel Loayon will continue his role as Executive Officer of 3RCDG, RESCOM, while also assuming the position of CDC Director of the 301st CDC in Camp Tiňio, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. Expressing gratitude to the personnel of the 307th CDC, the 307th Aurora Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn), ROTC cadets, local government units (LGUs), and stakeholders for their support during his tenure, Colonel Loayon urged continued support for Major Soriao in his new role.
Major Soriao, in his address, expressed deep honor and commitment to fulfilling his duties with dedication and diligence. He pledged to continue the programs initiated by Colonel Loayon and to support the current thrust and programs of the 3rd RCDG, focusing on the development of the RRIBn and ROTC Cadets. Soriao outlined plans for implementing additional training programs mirroring those of the personnel of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army, as part of territorial defense. He emphasized the importance of a “Balik Active Program” for reservists, ongoing On-the-Job Training (OJT) initiatives, and small-scale exercises integrating reservists with the 91st IB.
The Director announced plans for a mobilization exercise on defense drill in the province to observe the action of reservists from their respective houses to mobilization points, reintegrating with the 91st IB, and moving to designated defensive positions.
Soriao also assured that the ROTC program would extend beyond the completion of basic training, serving as a source of new members for the 307th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion and future officers for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
He also pledged to facilitate job opportunities for ROTC cadets and graduates in coordination with LGUs and private companies.
In conclusion, Soriao emphasized the group commander’s mandate to exercise effective commandership through strict observance and adherence to policies, as well as judicious utilization of resources, maximizing the minimum and making the most of what they have.
The ceremony was attended by more or less 200 ROTC cadets, reservists, and stakeholders.
