Lt. Col. Jaime Roberto Almario, a dedicated reservist and the first nominee of the Laang Kawal Partylist, is pushing for reforms to better support the 1.2 million reservists in the Philippines.
His advocacy is deeply personal, stemming from both his military and civilian experiences, which highlight the struggles faced by these unsung heroes.
Almario’s dedication to the reserve force became evident during his deployment in the Marawi siege of 2017.
As a reservist, he was called to assist in military operations, particularly in communications, a crucial role in the fight against insurgents.
His time on the frontlines allowed him to witness firsthand the discrepancies in the treatment and resources provided to reservists compared to their regular counterparts.
This experience strengthened his resolve to champion the cause of reservists across the country.
One of Almario’s primary goals is to modernize the current Reservist Act of 1991, which he believes no longer addresses the evolving needs of today’s military reservists.
Additionally, he advocates for better equipment, funding, and support to ensure that reservists are adequately prepared for both national defense and disaster response duties.
Almario’s advocacy extends beyond traditional military roles. He also envisions integrating “cyber warriors” into the reserve force, recognizing the importance of digital defense in today’s world.
The increasing threats in cyberspace require a trained, tech-savvy reserve force to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure.
His civilian expertise in telecommunications also plays a significant role in his mission.
Almario’s company, which supported disaster response operations during Typhoon Ondoy, has provided crucial communication services in times of crisis.
This background has given him valuable insights into how reservists can be better equipped to handle both traditional and modern security challenges.
With his experience on the battlefield and in the private sector, Almario aims to bring about a stronger, more capable reserve force that is prepared for any threat, from traditional military conflicts to the rising tide of cyber warfare.
As Laang Kawal Partylist prepares for the upcoming May 2025 elections, Almario’s vision for a better-equipped and better-supported reserve force is at the heart of his campaign.
