In a significant move to bolster its reserve forces and the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), the Philippine Army (PA) has entered into a partnership with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP). The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed at the Army’s headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on February 18, 2025. The signing ceremony was attended by PA commander Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido and ULAP president and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo ‘Dax’ Enriquez Cua.
Under the terms of the MOU, ULAP is committed to encouraging local government units (LGUs) to play a more active role in supporting the PA’s reserve forces and ROTC programs. This includes backing reserve companies and facilitating the establishment of provincial mobilization centers. These centers will be crucial in coordinating efforts related to humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and maintaining community peace and security.
The Philippine Army, in turn, will offer technical support and training to LGUs to help set up these mobilization centers, form reservist companies, and strengthen local peace and security councils. Additionally, the PA will collaborate with ULAP to develop policies that integrate national security objectives with economic development goals.
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido highlighted the ongoing dialogue between the PA and ULAP, emphasizing their shared interests in security, humanitarian aid, disaster response, and the development of reserve forces. Governor Dakila Carlo Cua echoed this sentiment, underscoring that security is a collective responsibility, particularly for those in local government positions.