PH Navy to bolster regional security with new mobilization center

San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo (left) and Lt. Col. Hilario De Vera Jr., commander of Naval Reserve Center-Western Visayas, exchange tokens during their meeting at the San Carlos City Hall in Negros Occidental on Thursday (Feb. 29, 2024). (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental-San Carlos City Government)

The Philippine Navy’s Naval Reserve Command-Navy Reserve Center Western Visayas (NRCen-WV) has announced a strategic partnership with the local government of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental to establish a new mobilization center.

Mayor Renato Gustilo and Lt. Col. Hilario De Vera Jr., commander of NRCen-WV, recently engaged in talks regarding the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will underscore this joint effort.

Mayor Gustilo, expressing his full support, said, “As agreements are being finalized, I assure our unwavering support and cooperation in the center’s establishment and operation. We express our readiness to collaborate with the Philippine Navy in this endeavor.”

The signing of this memorandum marks a significant collaboration between the local government and military forces, aiming to enhance the city’s role in national defense.

The mobilization center, which will be situated in San Carlos City, is poised to become a key asset in the regional defense infrastructure.

The city’s selection for the center is a testament to its strategic importance in Northern Negros, lying in proximity to the Naval Forces Central headquarters in Cebu province.

This geographical advantage was a crucial factor in the city’s selection, as highlighted by Lt. Col. De Vera, who noted, “San Carlos City for its strategic defense location in Western Visayas.”

The establishment of the mobilization center is not the only objective on the Navy’s agenda.

Plans for recruiting new members for the Naval Reserve Force in San Carlos City are also underway, demonstrating a forward-looking approach to building the nation’s defense capabilities.

Mayor Gustilo, Vice Mayor Christopher Paul Carmona, and San Carlos Development Board Executive Director Jose Miguel Valmayor, who were present at the meeting, all echoed the sentiment of pride and honor in playing a significant role in bolstering the Philippines’ regional defense capabilities.

Gustilo extended his gratitude to the NRCen-WV team for their proactive approach, stating, “I extend my sincerest appreciation to Lt. Col. Hilario De Vera Jr. and the NRCen-WV team for their proactive engagement and vision for strengthening our defense capabilities.”