The Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division held its first Ready Reserve Unit Commanders and Staffs Summit 2026 on 31 January 2026 at the headquarters of the 1st Regional Community Defense Group in Camp Lt. Tito Abat, Manaoag, Pangasinan.

The 7th Infantry Division said the summit marked a milestone aimed at enhancing the capabilities, coordination, and operational readiness of the Army’s Reserve Force.

The activity was organized by the Office of the Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs of the 7th Infantry Division, led by Col. George M. Bergonia, MNSA, PA.

Commanders and staff officers of Ready Reserve Units under the 1st and 3rd Regional Community Defense Groups of the Reserve Command, Philippine Army attended the summit, which focused on strengthening leadership synergy, improving command-and-staff coordination, and aligning reserve units with the Army’s strategic priorities.

Discussions covered the integration of reserve units with regular forces, challenges faced by reserve officers, and guidance on training, force development, and operational planning.

Strategic sessions and workshops were led by subject-matter experts from Headquarters, Philippine Army, and the Northern Luzon Command.

Among the highlights was a Reserve Force Development update delivered by Maj. Dave Dancel of OG9, Philippine Army, who presented initiatives to enhance unit organization, training standards, and reservist integration with regular units.

Briefings from Northern Luzon Command focused on mobilization frameworks and operational readiness in Northern Luzon, with presentations by Maj. Emmanuel Reyes and Maj. Warren Lamberto.

To reinforce operational alignment, Maj. Marc Louie Parado, chief of the Force Integration Section of OG3, 7th Infantry Division, presented the division’s campaign plan and facilitated interactive workshops. Ready Reserve Units also shared their respective plans and recommendations to help improve overall effectiveness.

During the closing program, Col. Manuel Libao (Res), PA, commander of the 1601st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade, cited the summit’s contribution to strengthening leadership, coordination, and unit readiness.

The summit was attended by Maj. Gen. Ronald Jess Alcudia, commander of the Reserve Command, Philippine Army, who served as guest of honor and speaker. He highlighted ongoing improvements in policy, training, force structuring, and mobilization to ensure that the Reserve Force remains fully integrated and operationally capable.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, PA, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, commended participants for their active engagement, noting that a well-prepared Ready Reserve Force is essential in protecting communities and supporting national defense objectives.

The Philippine Army said the activity underscores its continuing efforts to build a resilient and capable Reserve Force ready to serve whenever called upon.