February 5, 2025 (Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City) — Secretary of National Defense (SND) Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. led the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Board of Directors of the Reserve Officers Legion of the Philippines (ROLP) at the Department of National Defense on January 31, 2025, emphasizing the need to strengthen the country’s reserve force.

After the ceremony, Secretary Teodoro engaged in a dialogue with ROLP officers on key issues, including military recruitment, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and opportunities for reserve officers.

The Defense Chief highlighted the importance of encouraging more individuals to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and addressed recruitment challenges by proposing alternative approaches. These include engaging the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and Girl Scouts of the Philippines in discussions on incorporating ROTC-related courses and training, as well as collaborating with the Department of Education. He urged the ROLP to inspire and encourage the youth to support and join the AFP.

The SND also highlighted efforts to engage young Filipinos in serving the country, including those who may not be inclined toward or eligible for military service.

Secretary Teodoro also reaffirmed the DND’s commitment to a merit-based promotion system for reserve officers, assuring the ROLP that promotions within the Reserve Force would be based solely on competence, with the AFP and its reserve commands eliminating biases in the process.

The ROLP delegation was led by ROLP President and Chairperson Col Nehru G. Yurong, alongside senior officers and members.