BATAC Ilocos Norte — The Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines (ARRAPI) recently inducted 400 new reservists in a ceremony here, significantly bolstering the province's local defense and disaster response capabilities.

Lt. Col. Michael L. Romero, commander of the 2nd Air Force Wing Reserve and ARRAPI chairman, led the mass oath-taking. The event was attended by provincial officials and families of the new reservists.

“We are building a modern Reserve Force — one that is local, responsive, and led by people who know the heart of their communities,” Romero said.

Romero thanked Brig. Gen. Danilo Dupiag, acting Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs (AFP OJ9), for convening the event, and Lt. Col. Mel Agpaoa, Army Reservist Brigade Commander of Ilocos Norte, for hosting.

He also acknowledged Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Marcos, a Philippine Air Force reservist, for attending the ceremony.

According to PAF 2nd ARCEN Col. Mark Yambing and AFRC Commander Maj. Gen. Pablo Rustria, Marcos is expected to be officially designated as Search and Rescue Squadron Commander and Advanced Command Post (ACP) leader for Laoag under the 2nd Air Force Wing Reserve.

With the addition of these 400 Ilocano reservists, ARRAPI's national membership now exceeds 5,000, comprising reservists and administrators from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.

Key ARRAPI leaders and commanders present at the ceremony included Cmdr. Peter Negrido (Navy Reserve), Lt. Col. Vladimir Mata (Brigade Commander, Ilocos Norte Marine Reserve), Lt. Col. Gel Bonggat (Battalion Commander, Ilocos Norte Marines Reserve) and Lt. Col. Mel Agpaoa (Army Reservist Brigade Commander, Ilocos Norte).

“This is not just a ceremony, it is a statement that Ilocos Norte is ready,” Agpaoa said.

Negrido stressed the importance of search and rescue in disaster-prone areas, stating, “Search and rescue is essential in every disaster-prone province.”

“This ceremony shows that patriotism begins in our local communities,” Mata added.

Bonggat, on the other hand, said that they are ready to serve the country and Ilocos Norte.

Dupiag commended Ilocos Norte's mobilization effort as a model for the rest of the country.

“Ilocos Norte has raised the bar. This is how we prepare our people for service — through unity, leadership, and discipline,” he said.