2RCDG, 202nd RRIBn Headquarters to rise in Isabela
Scenes during the groundbreaking ceremony. Photo by Mae Barangan
GAMU, Isabela- The headquarters of the 2nd Regional Community Defense Group, Reserved Command, Philippine Army (2RCDG, ARESCOM) and 202nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (202nd RIRBn) will soon rise in Isabela after the groundbreaking ceremony on the site held on Oct. 7, 2022.
The construction of the administration building with approximately 187 square meters of floor area which costs 5M was solely funded by Hon. Allan U. Ty of LPGMA Party List through the proposal of Col. Wilfredo C Adquilen, Jr., group commander of 2RCDG; and LtCol. Ricmar P. Aquino (Reserve), battalion commander of 202nd RIRBn. It is located along the National Highway in Brgy. Upi, Gamu, Isabela and is within the land area of the 5th Infantry Division Headquarters.
LtCol. Rhea M. Valera of the Finance Service, 5ID said the project will not be realized without the generosity of the donor, Congressman Ty since the Armed Forces of the Philippines only releases funds for repair and maintenance, not for new construction.
“Opportunities like this are a big help to the armed forces,” Valera said.
The capsule laying for the construction of the said building was led by MGen. Fernando V. Felipe, commander of Reserved Command together with BGen. Danilo D. Benavidez, commander of 502nd Infantry Brigade; Col. Virgilio Noora, assistant division commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs of 5ID; Col. Wilfredo C Adquilen, Jr., and LtCol. Ricmar P. Aquino (Reserve). The ceremony was witnessed by the different company commanders of the reserve force.
“The Ready Reserve Battalion is the manpower of the Local Government Unit (LGU) in Disaster Response and cause-oriented activities in the province. I always engage the local chief executives if there’s an opportunity and explain to them that the ready reserve force can help the LGU and its constituents in security-related matters, disaster response, and outreach programs. So, the reserve force and the LGUs should collaborate,” MGen. Felipe said in an exclusive interview.
MGen. Felipe said that the Reserved Officers’ Training Course or ROTC students of colleges and universities in the province could also use the facilities that will be constructed.
Included in the proposed plan were 2-storey barracks, mess halls, classrooms, a grandstand, a parade ground, and a gymnasium.
LtCol. Ricmar P Aquino on the other hand hopes that the new building which is more spacious and accessible will attract more potential reservists to join the force.# MAE BARANGAN
