Steadfast and Ready

Major Jose Sixto "Dingdong" Dantes III, Philippine Navy, Marines, Reserve, reflects on volunteerism, signing up as a reservist, and building a culture of preparedness.

"Nag-survey kami ng isandaang tao and the top six answers are on the board. Kung alam mong may parating na bagyo, ano ang una mong gagawin sa bahay? Ayusin ang bubong or do repairs—35. Bibili sa grocery or store food—20. Mag-charge ng gadgets—13 percent. Ipasok ang sinampay—9 percent. Makinig sa radyo—7. Mag-volunteer—5."

This was part of a script I came across a while ago, while preparing for another day of hosting the game show “Family Feud.”

The question stood out because it had to do with my personal advocacy and more interestingly, because of its results: Only five out of a hundred people listed volunteering as their first instinct. 

I don't think this is necessarily an indication of a weakening spirit of service. Rather, it is a reflection of priorities in moments of crisis. People tend to look inward—fortifying their homes, protecting their families, and safeguarding what’s theirs. That’s human nature, and it’s understandable. But this raises an important question: In a nation with a proud history of bayanihan, how do we remind ourselves to extend our readiness beyond our own gates? 

Preparedness is essential, yes, but the insight often missed is that we are most prepared when we look out for each other; a community that prepares together will always be stronger than individual pockets of readiness. And so the greater task at hand is in ensuring that when disaster strikes, no one stands alone.

This is a revelation that finds its embodiment in our reservist force. The Philippines has a standing active-duty military of around 150,000 personnel. In contrast, there are about 1.2 million reservists as of 2023. 

We have geopolitical realities to contend with, along with more frequent, more intense typhoons that even the United States' NASA already recognizes as scientific truth. Research from PAGASA has found that "more tropical cyclones are entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility than anywhere else in the world." Without question, our security and survival depend on more than the strength of our armed forces. 

Reservists formidably scaffold our national defense and our ability to respond to crises; beyond merely reinforcing our military strength, however, reservists project a culture that is essential to nation-building: A culture that values service over self, where discipline, sacrifice, and readiness are woven into the fabric of everyday life.

For me, becoming a reservist could be considered logical, even expected. I come from a military family, and though I never met my grandfather – he passed on a year before I was born – his character as an officer became the stuff of family legend. He was the "OG" Sixto who defended Bataan during the Second World War, survived the Death March and imprisonment in Capas, reached the rank of Colonel, and was posthumously awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal Award for his service. 

THE OG SIXTO AND HIS GRANDSON DINGDONG. COURTESY: DINGDONG DANTES

He was active in the Philippine Army for 30 years, and stories of his time there shaped my understanding of honor, duty, and sacrifice. My uncles, who also wore their uniforms with pride and dignity, reinforced these values. 

Joining the reserves, however, was not simply an extension of family tradition; it was more than following in anyone’s footsteps. It was a response to a personal call, a need to connect with something larger than myself. My career as an actor allowed me to build a platform, but service in the reserves gave me purpose beyond the screen. It grounded me in the knowledge that I could contribute to the security and welfare of my country in a direct and meaningful way.

Being a reservist also allowed me to reflect more deeply on the concept of preparedness. In times of crisis, the ability to remain calm and collected emanates from disciplined training, a resilient mindset, and the confidence of knowing exactly what to do next. Whether it's a storm, an earthquake, or even open conflict, the essentials are in place: emergency kits are accessible, the next steps are clear, and our mission is defined. Grit and determination will carry us through in due time. We strive to avoid these situations, but we must acknowledge that they may arise with little or no warning.

With the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, we must pray and work for peace, but also prepare ourselves in case our prayers may go unanswered. As my colleagues and superiors in the AFP might say, "These are our seas, our rights and our future, kaya dapat lang na alamin nating ang dapat alamin, ipaglaban ang dapat ipaglaban, at suportahan ang dapat suportahan." This readiness, after all, is what concretizes the AFP motto of "Protecting the people, securing the state." As a reservist and a public figure, I see it as my duty to reinforce preparedness as a responsibility that is confined not only to those in uniform, but one that is shared by every citizen.

The law otherwise known as the “Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act” recognizes this shared responsibility. It provides a framework for civilians to contribute to national security and disaster response, empowering them to serve in times of need.

This law is not just about filling gaps left by active-duty personnel; it’s about fostering a culture of readiness. And this year, we mark the 45th National Reservists Week, when we spend some time honoring our reservist force and elevating the discourse around those that ensure that, should a crisis arise, the nation has the human resources to respond swiftly and effectively. 

And we can do more. One proposal that would significantly strengthen this culture of preparedness is Project Handaan. It's an initiative that's been in my head for a while, with a simple idea behind it: Every barangay in the Philippines should have at least one trained reservist capable of leading the local community in times of crisis. This “One Reservist per Barangay” concept would embed preparedness at the grassroots level, ensuring that when disaster strikes, there is someone within the community ready to act, coordinate, and guide others. 

Project Handaan could provide an actual framework for resilience, and a network of trained individuals who are empowered to protect and support their neighbors. On top of this, having reservists play a prominent role in the barangay also embeds a philosophy of service within our communities. They can act as centers of gravity for leadership and unity – one that can step out of the usual frames of electoral politics and the bureaucracy. 

This is important because service, ultimately, goes beyond numbers and metrics and mandates. It’s about commitment; it's about an individual saying, "Tara, game ako. Tutulong ako. I'll work and take risks for you, kahit walang bayad o kapalit, for the simple reason na kapwa kita Pilipino." When you enlist as a reservist, you don’t just sign a piece of paper. You make a decision to dedicate part of your life to something larger than yourself, with rewards that are neither monetary or material. 

True, being a reservist has some perks – training, access to the AFP network and facilities, the honor of wearing the uniform, maybe even the opportunity to travel for cultural exchange – but its true value is in the sense of purpose that comes with knowing you are prepared to protect and serve your community when the time comes. This is a philosophy that transcends the uniform and shapes how we live. It is about being the person others can rely on when it matters most.

This is how we see our role, and I offer a snappy salute to my fellow reservists who, outside the confines of their careers, have found ways to serve the country. To the men and women on the frontlines, reservists in name or in spirit– silent warriors who defend the freedoms we enjoy and stand guard while the rest of us sleep– thank you for all that you do. Everyday, and especially throughout this year's celebration of National Reservists Week, we honor your sacrifice, knowing that it is your quiet strength that holds the line.

The younger generation, in particular, must understand: Nation-building is not an abstract concept or a task left solely to politicians, and volunteerism should not be a value that we call on only during times of necessity. It should be the default, and I believe the youth are in the best position to breathe life into this idea. 

I disagree with the usual assertions that the youth are apathetic, that they'd all rather take selfies than break a sweat serving others. I've seen, in my years as a National Youth Commissioner and during times of recent crises, how the youth can harness the tools at their disposal, focus their energies, and come together for the common good. If they can be relied upon when disaster strikes, imagine if they take it upon themselves to be the "prepared one" in their families and communities, even in times of normalcy.

As I've said many times before, there are many ways to serve. I myself have trodden various paths in this regard– by being the best actor, the best host, the best endorser, and the best citizen I can be; by using any platform I might be able to build through success in these fields to inform people, to forge a culture based on the values I hold dear, and to help build the nation we deserve. I've come to understand that my contributions are not confined to a single role or position, but are expressed in every facet of my life. Becoming a reservist is my way of formalizing that commitment, of putting action behind my words.

This is an option available to every Filipino– so long as they're between 18 and 64 years old, have graduated high school, and have passed the necessary tests and acquired the necessary clearances. It’s a quiet, steadfast form of service; one that requires no political power, no fame, no special influence, only dedication and the willingness to put others before oneself. It may not come with accolades or attention, but it grants us something far more valuable: The knowledge that you are part of something greater, and the certainty that it's not the titles or positions we hold that define our service—it’s the spirit in which we answer the call. And it is through this spirit that our nation will endure, no matter what storms may come.