The Armed Forces has tapped the Metro Manila Development Authority as its first National Army Reserve Engineering Brigade which can be deputized in time of emergencies like disasters or in the event of war.
The AFP’s Philippine Army, with the approval of President Rodrigo Duterte, granted the title to MMDA after thoroughly and carefully reviewing the documents and qualifications to the military organization.
MMDA general manager and acting chairman Thomas Orbos said that with the title, the agency would maximize its resources and personnel to assist in times of disasters and calamities.
“It is an honor to be named and get this title. We owe it to the public that we serve to get immediate response especially in emergency cases,” Orbos said.
The agency expressed its intent to become an affiliated reserve unit and after presenting its Charter, proposed organization and the qualification of the agency’s personnel, the office of the Army’s Reserve and Veterans Affairs recommended to approve MMDA’s bid.
As an Engineering Combat Brigade, the MMDA leadership has selected personnel who are willing to serve and who has the qualification to perform the functions in the unit.
The personnel, especially those recommended to become officers, were selected from those who are performing related or similar functions or duties in MMDA that can be applied in the Brigade.
For officers, they must be at least a college graduate to be commissioned. Those who are to be recommended to compose the Brigade will undergo Military Orientation Training inclusive of field exercises.
Those who complete the required training will either be commissioned as officers or enlisted as non-commissioned members of the Army Reserve.
The MMDA is currently filling up the positions in the Brigade. Those who will fill up the positions are still either undergoing training or completing the documents required.