• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army has designated Rep. Mercedes Alvarez as the officer-in-charge of the 605th Ready Reserve Battalion (RRIBn) in Negros Occidental.
Alvarez, who represents Negros Occidental 6th district in the House of Representatives, was installed on Sunday as 605th RRIBn officer-in-charge by Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, during a turnover of command ceremony held at the Panaad Park in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
She replaced Maj. Esther Leah Macatimpag, an Army Reservist.
Alvarez is also a Philippine Army Reservist with a rank of lieutenant colonel. She is no stranger to the military service, as her husband is also a military officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“To our men and women of the battalion, know that you are not alone. Together we will uphold the values of service, courage and integrity,” Alvarez stressed in her speech during the turnover rites, which was witnessed by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, family members, and mayors in the 6th district of Negros Occidental.
The 605th RRIBN is under the supervision of the Philippine Army Reserve Command, led by Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala.
Alvarez indicated her intention of sponsoring a bill in the House of Representatives, aimed at giving privileges to Army Reservists. “I think that is one way of thanking them for their volunteerism,” the solon said.*
