MAJOR General Ramon Zagala, commander of the Reserve Command of the Philippine Army, visited the 6th Regional Community Defense Group (6RCDG) on June 27, 2025, and conducted a series of engagements in Capiz and Iloilo to strengthen reserve force readiness.
Zagala also led a change of command ceremony and delivered strategic leadership guidance.
“Our reservists are vital to national defense and disaster response,” he said during his message to the officers, enlisted personnel, and reservists of the 603rd and 604th Community Defense Centers.
“Together, let us continue building a command that is relevant, ready, and respected -- one that not only answers the call of duty but lives by it every day,” he added.
Zagala’s visit began with full honors at Camp Sen. Antonio Belo, the headquarters of the 603rd Community Defense Center under the 6RCDG in Capiz, led by Major Sydney Pedrajas, where he inspected facilities and equipment to assess readiness.
He then proceeded to Iloilo to pay a courtesy call on Brigadier General Nhel Richard Patricio, commander of the 301st Infantry “Bayanihan” Brigade, at Camp General Adriano D. Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo.
A highlight of his visit was presiding over the Change of Command Ceremony of the 6RCDG, where Colonel Jonathan Gayas officially relinquished his post to Colonel Delfin Consolacion Jr., who assumed command in an acting capacity.
Gayas expressed gratitude to stakeholders and cited accomplishments such as the activation of Philippine Army Affiliated Reserve Units, support to counterterrorism efforts, and successful disaster response operations.
In his speech during the turnover, Zagala stressed the importance of leadership values, transition, discipline, and transparency. He urged reservists to remain as role models in their communities and embody the core values of integrity and public service.
Zagala also led a virtual briefing session with the Headquarters of the
Reserve Command, using the platform to lay out his leadership guidance, address operational gaps, and communicate strategic objectives for the Group’s new leadership.
Concluding his visit, Zagala met with personnel of the 604th Community Defense Center in Magsaysay Village, La Paz District, Iloilo City, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Matutina. There, he had a meaningful dialogue with the 604th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion, commending their dedication and encouraging them to continue upholding the legacy of the Filipino citizen-soldier.
The visit served both as a morale booster and a reminder of the crucial role played by the reserve force in national security and civic duty. (Leo Solinap)