Corporate power: The new reserve force multiplier

When—not if—the “Big One” strikes, Metro Manila and nearby provinces will face unprecedented devastation.

- LT. GEN. JAIME, DE LOS SANTOS, AFP (RET)

Experts warn that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake could collapse thousands of buildings, cripple major lifelines such as power and water systems, and isolate communities for days. In such a catastrophic scenario, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) alone cannot respond to every emergency, rebuild every road, or restore every utility. Only a serious and comprehensive reservist program, reinforced by private corporate initiatives, can serve as the force multiplier that ensures national survival. Through joint engagements in critical areas like power, water resources, and engineering, the reservist corps can mobilize technical expertise and logistical capacity that go far beyond what government agencies can deliver on their own.

In an increasingly volatile world, nations must prepare for scenarios that may once have seemed unthinkable: widespread natural disasters, crippling cyberattacks, and even the looming specter of war. For the Philippines, a country positioned at the heart of the Indo-Pacific and perpetually exposed to both natural and man-made crises, building a credible reserve force is not optional—it is a necessity. Yet, despite the clear lessons from history and the urgency of our circumstances, the reservist program remains undervalued, underfunded, and underutilized.

AFP affiliated reserve units

The Philippines already has a framework for leveraging civilian expertise through the AFP Affiliated Reserve Units (ARUs). Organized within corporations, institutions, and organizations, ARUs are tasked to provide vital services during emergencies—medical response, transportation, communication, water, power, and engineering.

On paper, this is a visionary program that bridges the gap between civilian sectors and military preparedness.