Dingdong Dantes Explains Why Being A Reservist Is Close To His Heart
In celebration of National Reservist Month, Dingdong Dantes pens a piece about his decision to become part of the military reservist in the country
Amidst the tension in the West Philippine Sea, there has been a growing list of Filipinos enlisting in the military as a reservist, celebrities included.
One of the faces of the reservist program in the country is no less than actor, father, and host Dingdong Dantes. In his Op-Ed for GMA News, the Family Feud host wrote about the decision to enlist as a reservist and how his grandfather’s influence played a role.
The decision to become a reservist
A reservist himself, Dantes reveals the vital role people like him play especially in the spirit of volunteerism and nation-building.
“Reservists formidably scaffold our national defense and our ability to respond to crises; beyond merely reinforcing our military strength, however, reservists project a culture that is essential to nation-building: A culture that values service over self, where discipline, sacrifice, and readiness are woven into the fabric of everyday life,” he wrote.
He then proceeded on how his grandfather paved the way for him to enlist.
“Becoming a reservist could be considered logical, even expected. I come from a military family, and though I never met my grandfather – he passed on a year before I was born – his character as an officer became the stuff of family legend. He was the “OG” Sixto who defended Bataan during the Second World War, survived the Death March and imprisonment in Capas, reached the rank of Colonel, and was posthumously awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal Award for his service,” he shared.
The stories of his grandfather, he wrote not only inspired him but his family. Many of his uncles were part of the military.
“My uncles, who also wore their uniforms with pride and dignity, reinforced these values.”
The actor continued that more than the family tradition, it was the call of service that led him to sign up and use the platform to help more people.
” My career as an actor allowed me to build a platform, but service in the reserves gave me purpose beyond the screen. It grounded me in the knowledge that I could contribute to the security and welfare of my country in a direct and meaningful way.”
Being a reservist he said allowed him to response and be prepared in times of crisis as well as the duty of a Filipino citizen.
Fostering a “culture of preparedness”
Dantes explained the importance of the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act, which he wrote “provides a framework for civilians to contribute to national security and disaster response, empowering them to serve in times of need.”
He cited a program called Project Handaan, wherein he said would be a big help in having reservist in every barangay ready to help.
“It’s an initiative that’s been in my head for a while, with a simple idea behind it: Every barangay in the Philippines should have at least one trained reservist capable of leading the local community in times of crisis. This “One Reservist per Barangay” concept would embed preparedness at the grassroots level, ensuring that when disaster strikes, there is someone within the community ready to act, coordinate, and guide others. “
Project Handaan he added not only could actually provide a framework but also becomes beyond a mandate and be a commitment.
Involving the youth
Dantes also mentioned the importance of today’s youth being involved in building the country.The former National Youth Commissioner-at-Large wrote: ” Nation-building is not an abstract concept or a task left solely to politicians, and volunteerism should not be a value that we call on only during times of necessity. It should be the default, and I believe the youth are in the best position to breathe life into this idea.”
Disagreeing that the youth does not care, Dantes said he has seen with his own eyes how the youth can rise in times of crisis.
“If they can be relied upon when disaster strikes, imagine if they take it upon themselves to be the ‘prepared one’ in their families and communities, even in times of normalcy.”
His words also send a message of encouragement to those who want to serve something bigger than themselves.
“The knowledge that you are part of something greater, and the certainty that it’s not the titles or positions we hold that define our service—it’s the spirit in which we answer the call. And it is through this spirit that our nation will endure, no matter what storms may come.”
More about parents being a reservist
Filipino Celebrity Parents Who Enlisted As Reservists
Nadia Montenegro Proves You Can Be Of Service to Country at 52
Geneva Cruz Receives Laang Kawal Special Recognition Award
