REACT Philippines ONCE ISLAS GROUP East Coast ZC

under one team was a logical step. Isleta, then Deputy Chief of the newly organized AFP Civil Relations Service, then CRS Chief Brig. Alexander L. Felix gave the green light for the information of an emergency communications team largely composed of civilian volunteers. One of the founding fathers, businessman Manuel “Woodpecker” G. Maglaque, became the first REACT Group Chief on March 21, 1980. REACT-NCR became the first REACT region followed by Regions I, III, VI and VII.

1982 -84: Manuel “ WOODPECKER” Maglaque (Founding President, Three Terms)

On June 23, 1982, REACT Articles of Incorporation was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The first National Convention drew 200 delegates to the Covelandia Resort in Cavite. There, Woodpecker was elected as the first REACT National President. Elected with him were Tomas “Bluebird’’ Joson III, Executive Vice President: Oscar “Bartlett’’ Nieves, VP for Operation; Froilan “Network’’ Villegas, VP Administration; Rodrigo “Invictus’’ Flores, Secretary; Amor “Bingo’’ Tanjuakio, Treasurer; Jesus “Blockbuster’’ David, Auditor; Ruperto “Rockwood’’ Sanpoleo, Advocate; and Eduardo “EM’’ Montenejo, Public Information Officer. Mercy missions, traffic-motorist assistance and disaster relief actions were launched as the National Board fine tuned the Organization’s Constitution and By-Laws and polished the rules and regulations that would guide a REACTor to work.

1985 -86: Tomas “BLUEBIRD” Joson III (2nd ,Two Terms)

The second national convention in 1984 was set in scenic Baguio, the famed City of Pines. And then the national presidency changed hands for the first time. Bluebird captured the top post and would serve for two years starting in January 1985. His stewardship attracted the cream of civic-minded professionals into the fold; Groups began to sprout in Mindanao. On November 28, 1986 the membership stood at 600.

1987: Roy ‘SKYHAWK” N. Tamparong (3rd)

Rapid expansions of Groups in Mindanao marked the presidency of Atty. Roy “Skyhawk” N. Tamparong, Jr. His term was marked by a strong accent on rationalization; the first ever REACT regional forum was held on September 16, 1987 in Mindanao. Dinagyang, one of the pioneer groups in the Visayas, brought the sixth National Convention to Iloilo City in November 1987. It was significant in that there were more delegates from the Visayas and Mindanao than from Luzon.



1988: Johnny “COMMANDO” Ting (4th)

By 1988, REACT began to flex its corporate muscle. The campaign for membership took an intensified form and public and media recognition of REACT civic activities began to take shape. As Fourth 4th National President (1987-1988), (1988-89) Johnny ”Commando” K. Ting correctly read, “the need to create an administrative system that would cope with the needs of a growing organization is necessary” and proceeded to set up a national secretariat. A tie between re-electionist Commando and Noel “Latigo” Tan triggered a crisis in November 1988. It was resolved later with the proclamation of National EVP-elect Jonathan “Blue Diamond” Rivera as fifth National President.



1989-1991: Jonathan “BLUE DIAMOND” Rivera (5th, Three Terms)

Blue Diamond first served as National President in 1989 and would serve for two more years. While the REACT Constitution and By-Laws allows only one reelection for its national president, Blue Diamond’s term was extended by the proverbial unseen force majeure. An aborted military coup d’état stagedin 1989 cancelled the national election scheduled in Cebu City maintaining the status quo on REACT leadership. He was given another mandate during the convention in 1990 held in Baguio City. REACT was the first organization to hold a convention in the City of Pines after a devastating earthquake of July 1990 left the place and nearby areas in shambles. It can be recalled that REACT operatives were among those who provided instant communication when earthquake struck since other communications were disabled by the incident. Since then, the membership rose from 1,800 in 1998 to 3,000 by September 21, 1991. Mussah Group was formed in the Sulu Archipelago and Region 8 was activated with the chartering of Interlink in Tacloban City on August 25. As the Regions began to assume bigger roles, the National Board defined more clearly the distinctive areas of competence of REACT: the promotion of public safety, disaster-preparedness and community service. Training programs for both operatives and operators were institutionalized to give them opportunity to develop new skills and competencies, while a more participative structure for national decision-making was built with the regular holding of regional consultations and area conferences. Among the major decisions that came out of these consultations for was the unanimous adoption of the amendments to the REACT Constitution and By-Laws, one of which was the election of National Board officers from among the regional representatives. The pursuit for civic excellence drove Groups to launch projects beyond emergency communications assistance. Focus shifted from merely developing fellowship and teamwork to translating such esprit de corps and team play into active empathy for community development and well-being. Among the projects adopted nationally were: Gamot Bayan, launched in 1989; Sumvac (for Summer Vacation), extending communications and public safety assistance to Lenten commuters and motorists; livelihood training programs; linkages with local and foreign entities in the provision of socio-economic facilities to poor communities; SOLAS or Safety Of Life At Sea; reforestation; and environmental protection and conversation conservation. The year 1991 was significant for REACT. Its projects were now of national magnitude and impact. That same year, Blue Diamond and then ABS-CBN News & Public affairs Senior Vice President Rodolfo T. Reyes signed a memorandum of agreement in Davao City for ABS-CBN as the primary radio-TV network and REACT as the primary civic radio group for the national Halalan’ 92 project. REACT’s vast communications network and virtually every member, extension and alpha were thrown into the task of monitoring and tabulating the results of the country’s first synchronized election in May. It bore REACT’s commitment to non- partisanship political activity.



1992 – Anthony ‘HUNTER” Dequiña (6th)

Atty. Anthony “Hunter” Dequiña, who won as congressman in that election, assumed as the sixth National President in January 1992. The membership by then rose to nearly 4,000 in 104 Groups. Significant National Board decisions during the period centered on guidelines in the formation on new Groups, creation of a Mortuary Aid Fund and a foundation, and the granting of broader powers to the Regional Boards. Three years of patient planning and exhaustive negotiations for the legitimization of REACT’s radio network finally led to the promulgation in August 1993 by the National Telecommunications Commission of the rules and regulations governing the installation, operation and maintenance of radio equipment and facilities of civic radio groups such as REACT.



1993 – Jose “ XEROX” Facultad (7th)

The campaign to legitimize REACT operations went into high gear in 1993 under Jose “Xerox” V. Facultad as seventh National President. The National Board also adopted a policy of transparency under which every Region, Group and member would know what the National Board was doing and why. Shifting energies toward national development was the pervasive area conference theme in 1993. The Organization forged working ties with the Commission on Elections for the ARMM election in western Mindanao, and with the Department of Health for the Polio Plus campaign. A memorandum of agreement was also signed with the Philippine Air Force. Re-districting some Regions in Mindanao dominated discussions in 1993, gathering momentum in Regional and Group conferences and fora and finally erupting into a heated debate at the National Convention in Cagayan de Oro City. When the shouting was all over, the general membership turned its back and thumbed down the proposal. Member contributions to the Special Project Fund reached the million-peso mark on June 23 of that year even as final touches were made on the REACT National Mortuary Aid Fund (RENMAF). New groups emerged. Negros Oriental and the island province of Romblon savored their first taste of REACT service with formation of Dumaguete (later changed to Sidlakan) Group and Marble Group. The national leadership also prodded the Regions to form new groups in large territories such as Pangasinan, Panay and Negros Occidental.



1994 – Edgar “BACCARAT” Valdez (8th)

Two National Board Officers from Mindanao vied for the presidency in the 1994 national convention – Atty. Edgar “Baccarat” L. Valdez, (Region 12) National Senior Vice- President for Operations, and Perfecto “Firewalker” Yebes, the National Executive Vice President (Region 9 Baccarat won. Baccarat’s thrust was to bring about a leadership most responsive to the needs, aspirations and problems of the members. A vital step in this direction was the creation of programs that would directly benefit the community, the Organization and the general membership. One plan was for the Groups to plant gmelina trees that could be harvested and sold for huge profits after three to five years. A service facility was also opened to interested and qualified members for the processing of their fi****ms licenses and permits-to-carry. A licensing campaign as also launched for all radio equipment and basis bases nationwide in preparation for January 1996 when all civic radio organization would only be allowed to use commercial radio equipment and facilities. Mortuary aid checks were officially issued for the first time January 1, 1994. For the second straight year, REACT was the PolioPlus communication arm but it was only in this year 1994 when the organization earned its fair and much-deserved share of media and public recognition for the effort. It was the only local civic radio group among seven worldwide organizations awarded at the Heroes’ Hall in Malacañang. REACT was still is the only non-governmental organization sitting as a member of the national panel of judges in the as annual Clean & Green Presidential Award. A memo of agreement signed between the National President and DENR Secretary Angel C. Alcala once again tapped the communications network of the organization in monitoring the nationwide tree planting project of DENR on June 10, 1994. Two new groups were formed. The Golden Cowrygroup in far-off Guiuan, Guihulngan, Eastern Samar and the Mactan Group in Lapulapu City, bringing the total number of chartered groups to 130. The Sandugo Group based in San Jose Occidental Mindoro, was chartered on June 5,1994 Bulusan, another group created in the fertile Bicol Region, was organized in Sorsogon as the seventh Group in the region and the 132nd REACT Group nationwide.



1995 – Angel ‘GYPSY” Veloso (9th)

Angel “Gypsy” E. Veloso Jr. of Alert Group ascended to the presidency in January 1995. Despite a deficit early on, the National Board saw to it that nationally mandated programs and projects were implemented. The three areas conferences went on the as scheduled in the cities of Angeles, Dumaguete and General Santos. A reprise of Halalan 1992 was launched under a Memorandum of Agreement with ABS-CBN, which extended P700, 000.00 to REACT as mobilization support fund. As in 1992, the activity showcased the communications capability of REACT. A truly independent Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was constituted for the first time with Atty. Vispero “Sangkay” Mayor, Interlink Group Advocate representing the Visayas, as Chair; Past National President Jose “Xerox” V. Facultad as Senior Member representing Luzon; and Immediate Past National President Atty. Valdez as representing in Mindanao. The commission presided over the new voting system of electing of National Board Officers at the 1995 National Convention. In 1995 the number of chartered Groups reached 145 Nationwide, a combined strength of 4,812 members. Only ten provinces were without REACT Group; Batanes, Kalinga-Apayao, Aurora, Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, Catanduanes, Guimaras, Biliran, Siquijor and Camiguin

For the first time on January 1, 1994, Farm 77, the only sea borne civic radio group in the country composed of 77 members with a land base in Dawis Island in Bohol was organized in the same year. Seven New Groups emerged in 1995: Noah based in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur; Centerpoint, based in Cauayan, Isabela, Kagueban in Puerto Princesa City; Mt. Palpalan in Pagadian City; Quinine in Lantapan, Bukidnon, Humayanon in Tago, Surigao Del Sur; and Agongin Polloc Port, Maguindanao.



1996 – Juanito “SHRINER” Chio (10th)

A record-breaking landslide victory in Olongapo City in 1995 catapulted Juanito “Shriner” T. Chio of Pineapple Group to the presidency. in 1995. It was also in that City where Caraga gained full recognition as a REACT Region. Fifteen Groups, including the newly organized Buyawanon Group based in Placer, Surigao Del Norte, comprised the new Region. Greenleaves Group was organized in Ipil, Zamboanga Del Sur less than a year after REACTor Plaridel “Blueprint” Marcelo was waylaid and slain in cold blood by armed terrorists on his way home after assisting firemen put out the fire that razed Ipil to the ground in courage. its birth symbolizing the will of REACT to pursue its mission to serve even in the face of death. The National Executive Committee began work in January1996, an innovation designed to trim down the rising cost of all national Board members having to meet every month. It was also in 1996 when the national Board stood on the threshold of an achieving two important goals: generating funds that could ease up member assessment and full legitimization of its radio operations. The national mood in 1996 was one of no-nonsense work and personal sacrifice for the sake of the Organization. The National Board Officers were asked to work harder, particularly for Regions not represented in the National Executive Committee and to seriously consult with their Groups on a regular basis. Shriner was seen as an unforgiving taskmaster and this was understandable.. Something drastic and decisive had to be done. Very early in the year, REACT signed a working agreement with the PNP Traffic Management Command as traffic enforcer on a national scale. REACT-NCR took that credit for the spadework in getting the pact signed Oplan: Alis Disease, a three-year Department of health project for which REACT had been the official communications arm, was extended into 1996 under a new project code: “Knock Out Polio’’ Richard“Shining Star” D. Valdes, NSVP for Operations, was at the forefront in the two major undertakings. It was REACT-NCR’s year. And Shining Star’s. Both worked assiduously to fully activate the Regions and succeeded well beyond expectations. In the same period another: full support to the PAL International marathon at the PICC grounds, hourly traffic updates and immediate response to the Ozone Disco tragedy which claimed more than 150 lives in March. To the last man, the National Board commended REACT-NCR for these accomplishments during its third regular meeting in Ormoc City. Discussions with the NTC on the legalization problem continued unabated and options were explored within the amateur and commercial spectra even as efforts at seeking new sources of revenue for the Organization and its Groups were intensified. It was only a matter of time. Meanwhile, the date of the 1996 National Convention was moved back to October to coincide with the school semestral break and be with their families. Puerto Princesa was a fascinating tourist destination most of the delegates found too good to miss. Partnership with media paid off. For the first time, the REACT convention was well announced through leading newspapers on the first day of the event. ’ supplement. Shriner’s presidency was punctuated by another feather to its cap with the preference for REACT to provide communications back-up for the delegates during the APEC convention in November 1996. Again, REACT-NCR was at the helm of this achievement.



1997 – Richard ‘”SHINING STAR” Valdes (11th)

It was also in that city that saw the fulfillment of Shining Star’s dream to lead. Despite being a newcomer in the National Board, he ran and won the presidency unopposed. The victory meant work and more work even before the National Board sat down for its first regular meeting in January 1997. For the new president, the party was over only days after he won. Faced with a steady decline in membership and a growing deficit, Shining Star stressed the need for the members to go back to the basics and re-learn everything that has made REACT what it is today. He proceeded to explore possible ties with private individuals and institutions and media, seeking their support for REACT’s plans and programs. He next called next on the National Board to correct misconceptions about the true role of REACT in the face of modern communications technology such as the cellular phones. Then he called for a massive re-orientation effort to teach the fundamentals of member discipline, ethics and protocol. Shining Star sensed felt the urgency of restoring the sense of honor and pride among the members and for them to draw strength from past achievements and experiences. It was time to look back and to turn inward. Shining Star hinged his administration on the B.R.A.I.N.S. principles that is; Building membership, Re-orientation of members, Awareness campaign, Integrating equipment and resources, Networking with various agencies and Sourcing of revenues other than members contributions. The leadership of Shining Star brought the Organization to new heights with relentless media exposure and vigorous membership campaign. More than a dozen new groups were chartered and more government and private agencies took recognition of the invaluable services of the Organization. Memoranda of Agreement were signed between these agencies and REACT members found their hands full of tasks in extending the assistance required. The apex perhaps of such recognition is the appointment of the Organization to sit as regular members of the Task Force of Traffic Improvement, Monitoring and Management (TRAFIMM) created by Pres. Fidel V. Ramos to find solution to the worsening traffic situation of Metro Manila and its environments. He also introduced a bold and unprecedented policy of adopting a singular uniform for the whole membership. The vest in fire red with the word REACT emblazoned at the back dominated the scene of the National Convention in Baguio City in November 1997. Seeing sea of members in one fiery color symbolized an organization united in their dreams. Shining Star was justified in instituting the directive. At this convention, Enedina “Enzyme” G. Cacabelos, the National Executive President, succeeded Shining Star. January 1998 – June 2000: Enedina “ENZYME” Cacabelos (12th, Two Terms, 21/2 years)

Unprecedented in the history of REACT, Enzyme was the first woman Member to be elected as National President. Ripe for the presidency, Enzyme held various national positions prior to her ascendancy to national leadership. She was the rallying figure of Region XII and the heart and soul of Midland Group. For years, she steered her Group and Region to prominence as evidenced by the numerous awards conferred to them every year. Region XII is the first Region to covet the Hall of Fame award for having been declared outstanding for 6 consecutive years. Enzyme pursued the campaign on public awareness and improved the cooperation with various agencies. Other than standing Committees, she appointed individual chairman for each partner agency for a speedier disposition and coordination. As a true doting mother, she looked for the welfare of her REACT family through TRUST: “Towards React Unity, Solidarity and Teamwork”. Immediately upon assumption, she worked to reactivate the dying Groups and visited all groups. from the “Blue Book,” by the color of its cover saw its second reprint Enzyme took time to assign a committee to review the Blue Book and she saw to it that major refinements to suit the needs of the Organization were properly incorporated. Updates of the Organization’s history and achievements were tediously chronicled. In this edition, the REACT Corporate Statements were spelled out to reflect the Mission and Vision of the Organization. Austerity was at the center of Enzyme’s presidency. She put emphasis on the function of National Executive Committee as a consultative group that gathered regularly every month to plan and recommend national policies to the National Board that met only every quarter. This enabled the Organization to save supposed monthly travel expenditures of the Members of the National Board. Enzymes help flagging groups hounded by various handicaps to come back on their knees. While Blue Diamond’s presidency of 3 years was brought by abnormal circumstance, Enzyme was the first National President who was re-elected. She ran for re-election during her national convention in Zamboanga unopposed and meant to continue to serve for another year. However, the REACT year was reverted to fiscal year instead of calendar year thus extending her term for another 6 months totaling her presidency to 2-1/2 years. It was in Enzyme’s term that the Bangkoro Group in Pangutaran, Jolo was chartered and in that year, perhaps one of REACT’s distinguished achievements was the timely alert of Manggis Group of the malaria outbreak in Laminusa Island in Sulu sometime in March of 1998. Through its network, the incident was relayed immediately to the Disaster Management Unit of the DOH. With the expeditious information, the DOH was able to send relief and medicines immediately averting a more calamitous situation. The organization was also cited for their assistance during tragic Cebu Pacific plane crash in Cagayan de Oro City in the early part of the year and to a wayward PAL plane that plowed to a residential area in Bacolod City. Alarmed by the annually increasing rental rates of its Headquarters’ space at the V.V Soliven Building, Enzyme, envisioned a plan for REACT to have its own building. She created and headed the National Headquarters Committee tasked to find ways and means to accumulate enough fund to finance the purchase of lot and construction of the building. The Committee opened a special fund account and Enzyme put up the initial seed money and the amount snowballed slowly but with promising results. Recognizing the valuable contribution of Junior REACTors, Enzyme encouraged the creation of more Junior REACT groups. But perhaps, Enzyme can be remembered also as Crossover President since she was the incumbent when the year 2000 (Y2K) took over the first millennium. REACT served as back-up communication for Pilipinas Shell as part of the oil firm’s Y2K computer glitch preparation. July 2000 – June 2001: Gregorio “EXOR Pacifico (13th)

Gregorio “Exor” Pacifico of NCR-East took over after Enzyme. He was elected during the National Convention at Iloilo City in 2000 unopposed and served the Organization until June 2001. Exor maintained the simplicity program of Enzyme and continued the quarterly meeting of the National Board and visited groups at much frugal means to save funds for more important activities of REACT. The Y2K partnership of Pilipinas Shell and REACT was carried on for the rest of the year when both firms tied up for motorists’ assistance during the Lenten season widely known as SUMVAC. Exor’s year was Halalan year. Again, ABS-CBN tapped the resources of REACT for the national election monitoring and speedy real time results. For this effort, the giant communication network pledged a donation of P1.5 million for REACT operations, however; only half of the promised had been fulfilled. On this year, REACT was also recipient of Presidential Award for its contributions to the Clean and Green and Health programs of the government. REACT performance during the term of Exor was recapped during the convention in Cebu City where Angelo T. Reyes, a staunch supporter of REACT was the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Reyes was then the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This time, Alexander “Apricot” Siladan was the unanimous choices to lead REACT. July 2001 –June 2002: Alexander “APRICOT” Siladan †(14th)

Like Enzyme, Apricot was also the nucleus of his group, Salinas based in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. He held various group, regional and national positions and among the most active national officers preceding his presidency. Mayon Volcano erupted on July 26, 2001 affecting a wide area surrounding the volcano. Apricot solicited donations for basic goods and sent relief assistance to evacuees the following month. Recognizing the capability of REACT in preparedness, the OCD-NRCC under MGen Melchor P. Rosales AFP (Ret) signed and Agreement of cooperation with REACT. The administration of Apricot saw continuing partnership of REACT with the DOH, Clean and Green Program of DILG and the annual Alay Lalad. REACT was active in the Door-to-Door Anti-Polio campaign, national immunization, anti-rabies operations. During this period, the use of cellular phones has made a dent on REACT membership growth. July 2002 – June 2003: Antonio “SANDPIPER” Campos (15th)

Durian Group played host to the Convention of Apricot where Antonio “Sandpiper” Campos was elected. Faced with the serious problem of dying groups due to the advent of modern and convenient mobile phones, Sandpiper worked to re-activate the inactive Groups. Team Building seminars were conducted during Area Conferences. Every possible mean were considered including the encouragement of hard-up groups to act as middlemen for institutions that required generic medicines entitling them to rebates and generate funds with Apricot providing the supplies. On September 2002, Sandpiper organized relief operations for Filipino refugees from Sabah at the affected areas of Sulu, Bongao and Tawi-Tawi. The Clean and Green, Alay-Lakad, Pasig River marathon and other regular partnerships were maintained and the fire alarm licensing assistance was vigorously pursued. Meanwhile, the increasing monthly rental at V.V. Soliven building continues to drain the Organizations finances. The National Headquarters Committee kept on finding additional funds. July 2003 – June 2004: Joel Noel “JOC” Cabrega (16th)

A younger blood in the person of Joel Noel, “JOC” Cabrega of Pansol Group, Region IV, became the 16th president of REACT during the annual convention at Waterfront Hotel, Lahug Cebu City. JOC continued to revitalize dying groups and the partnership with various agencies. He re-activated the regional bases in Region 1 & 3 with the cooperation of the CRS-AFP of the Northern Luzon Command. His presidency saw the partnership of REACT with other non-governmental agencies such as the CTI Engineering for the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement project and the PNRC-NHQ SID First Aide and Basic Life Support training. The Organization was also tapped by the DOWN Syndrome Association for its annual body walks in providing traffic control assistance. Perhaps finding the headache of coping with monthly rental to much to handle, JOC made way for the approval of the decision to purchase a 20 footer container van converted to a field office using the National Headquarters fund. This generous move however, triggered another serious crisis in REACT leadership the following months that followed. The National Headquarters Committee, which ENZYME continued to chair, claimed that the relocation has no committee approval. REACT family nonetheless, settled at their own home at the AFP-CRS compound. The leadership crisis became apparent during the elections of national officers at the annual convention of REACT at Cagayan de Oro City in April 2004. JOC pushed for the election of Josue “El Bacawan” Lee of Chavacano Group of Zamboanga City to succeed him. However, Enzyme filed her candidacy to contest El Bacawan. This led to hotly contested elections aggravated by the fact that no original members of the REACT COMELEC was present to preside in the process. Shriner, being a past national president and leader of the Host group was appointed as the COMELEC chair and supervised the affair. The election was so close in Enzyme’s favor. But the crisis lingered. JOC did not endorse the result and instead questioned the conduct of elections. The leadership crisis however earned positive side to the problem. To avert further polarization, REACT Past National Presidents gathered in historic Club Filipino, San Juan and met with all concerned parties. With the founding president Woodpecker presiding, the PNPs heard all parties to resolve the issue and Enzyme once again was back to lead the frontline. July 2004 – June 2006: Enedina “ENZYME “ Cacabelos (17th, Two Terms)

Enzyme continued the activities that she started and served not only for one year but was prevailed upon to continue her term for another year until June 2006. Within this period, the realization to own a National Headquarters was her passionate objective. With the generous assistance from Hon Edgar “Baccarat” Valdez who became the party-list Representative for Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC), REACT was able to construct the building right at the CRS compound in Camp Aguinaldo. The solicitation for the necessary fund proved easier than getting the approval of AFP leadership to grant the necessary permits for the construction. Thanks to the assistance of Hon. Angelo T. Reyes, then secretary of National Defense and who was already a Lifetime Member of REACT, the go signal to proceed was eventually given. However, it was through the efforts of Shining Star that the intercession of Sec. Reyes was made possible. The National Headquarters was eventually constructed. It was inaugurated in November 12, 2005 with Sec. Reyes and Cong. Valdez as the Guests of Honor. Enzyme’s dream was finally realized. July 2006 –June 2008 – Michael “SCOUT MIKE” Malacca (18th, Two Terms)

Scout Mike of Space Group became the 18th REACT national president during the elections held at Waterfront Hotel, Mactan, Cebu. He was to serve for another term when he was re-elected during the national convention held in Roxas City, the Area of Responsibility of the Halaran Group. During his administration, REACT was a major supporter and participant to the Green Philippine Highway campaign at Salusalo at Ugnayan para sa Kalikasan conceptualized and initiated by the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. Scout Mike tied up with the Private Sector Disaster Management Network (PSDMN) and the Red Cross 143 project, supported the Malacanang to Mayon Mission for volcano mudflow victims. His administration revived to activity the groups of Tunnel, Magiting, Morion, Paliparan, Kagueban, Mayon and Hamorawon. A new group in Cebu City was also formed responding to the name of REACT Metro Cebu. In keeping with the fast communication and paperless technology, Scout Mike conceptualized the idea of providing groups chiefs with kit in CD form. Due to financial difficulties of the Organization, Scout Mike instituted hard austerity measures including control on travelling expenses, availed and resorted to the most economical means of transport but these sincere efforts were not of much help to boast the coffers of REACT.



2009-2009 – Avelina “BUNAPLY” C. Agra (19th)

Inheriting a financially handicapped Organization, Bunaply, the pride of Lamon Bay group from Quezon province, did not feel dejected when she took what Scout Mike had turned over. She was elected unopposed during the convention at Raven Resort, Abucay, Bataan. Armed with strong determination and commitment to bring back the Organization to its glory, she formed a management group from veteran REACT members that assisted her planned and implemented the programs to encourage new membership and revive old groups. She put great emphasis on timely collection of dues from groups which was achieved during her group visitations. Her relentless group visits paid off and more inactive groups were stimulated to reinstate. Among these groups were Taktak, Sandugo, Greenleaves, Pineapple, Industrial, Pantaron and Miners. Since the country is visited with at least twenty typhoons a year, emergency assistance is already a part of REACT regular service. In fact, the Organization was formed primarily for this purpose. The national leadership of Bunaply waste no time and provided assistance to the victims of the Cagayan de Oro flash flood and Frank Typhoon in Panay Island through the groups responsible in those areas. Bunaply envisioned to improve the REACT communication capability and linkage. Among the plans was a repeater system that would ultimately link all groups. She started by installing a system at Taktak base situated in a high ground of Antipolo City intended to touch base with the system of Combat Group and neighboring regions. The other communication enhancement she initiated was the construction of a REACT website and a network where members can easily interact. This is a plan long dreamed by the Organization.



2009-2010 – Robert “DYNAMITE” Sua (20th)

The administration of Dynamite brought a promise of new dimension and the members look forward to vigorous efforts to bring back the Organization to its new heights. Conceptualized during the term of Bunaply, Dynamite who is from NCR-North, seriously continued and refined the construction of REACT Website. However, the repeater system did not function well the way it was wanted. The system was shelved for future consideration and Dynamite concentrated on the improvements of the REACT website. REACT Forum was created and this new communication tool paved the way for a more participative interaction among groups. Dynamite also adopted the use of management group which religiously met every Tuesday. This move helped Dynamite improve his collaboration with various groups and attend to their concerns in due time. With the help of his management team which included his key national officers, Dynamite brought again REACT a renewed notch of recognition among various government agencies were REACT had previous cooperation. During his term, the memoranda of agreement with NDCC, ABS-CBN were renewed. ABS-CBN once again utilized the capability of REACT network on information gathering during the national elections in May 2010. Palit-Ilaw, a SWITCH to CFL energy saving project initiated by the Department of Energy was a dominant special project of REACT during this year. As a member of the SWITCH Movement, other civic organizations such as ROTARY tied up with REACT for the distribution of free CFL for equivalent numbers of incandescent bulbs.

2009 year was also a disaster year. The infamous “Ondoy” Typhoon brought havoc to Metro Manila with its volume of rains that inundated the metropolis. During this calamity situation, two-way radios proved again its importance when almost all cellular sites broke down and made inoperable. REACT provided the necessary assistance especially in speedy communication. Dynamite also entered into an agreement with the Soroptomist group for communication assistance. An important award, coined the Maharlika Award was included among the yearly recognition. This recognizes members who served the Organization for thirty (30) continuous year of service. The spirited move of Dynamite leadership resulted to reactivation of groups including Canao, Logger, Batingaw, Bulusan, Mactan, Masareal, Hamorawon, Kaamulan, Echo, Capitol, Gibong and Sambulawan. But perhaps, Dynamite administration is well remembered as the IT year for REACT since it was during this year that groups interaction through internet progressed dramatically.



2010-2011- Eugene ‘HIGHWAYMAN” Firaza (21th)

Highwayman is the 21th national president and active member of Palm Oil Group in Mindanao. He was elected without opposition during the national convention in Cebu City. He served as the National Executive Vice President during the term of Dynamite. Encouraged by the success of the management team employed by Bunaply and Dynamite, he continued this move and maintained most of the former management team. Regular Tuesday meetings were held by the ManTeam and Highwayman was apprised of its weekly activities if he is not present during the meeting. Through strategic plan proposed by the ManTeam, the conduct of Area Conferences was held successfully on schedule and with significant attendance. His term reaped the fruits of labor initiated by Bunaply and refined by Dynamite specifically in the construction of REACT website that brought forth the realization of REACT Forum. Groups were maintained and collection of dues had improved. Groups of Trebuns and SeaKing in Mindanao were revitalized. Highwayman designed a formula of one plus one as prescription to an effective membership development where every member was encouraged to bring in one member. The dying antenna tower at REACT headquarters was given a new lease of life and was restored to its new capability improving the communication system of the national office. He also introduced the ID Perks Discount system wherein members with business establishments are enjoined to provide discounts to REACT ID bearing members. A golf friendship tournament, a fund raising effort which had been planned by past leaderships saw realization during the term of Highwayman. This became the 1st REACT President’s Friendship Tournament and expected to be pursued on future administrations. As a businessman, Highwayman recognized the importance of proper and up-to-date papers and records. Hence, when the suggestion to straighten the records at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Highwayman and his management team made representation with SEC officials to update of the Organizations records at minimum cost. It was in the administration of Highwayman that the amendments and printing of the 11th edition of REACT handbook was realized. REACT ONCE ISLAS GROUP:
A GROUP CHARTERED IN THE EAST COAST OF ZAMBOANGA CITY. GOALS & OBJECTIVES:

1. To instill among its members a high value or responsibility sense of dedication and deep concern for the welfare of fellowmen;

2. To help develop civilian-military rapport as an opportunity for better understanding and cooperation in community development;

3. To foster and strengthen camaraderie, friendship and unity among its members in particular and the public in general;

4. To assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines and law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of government in the preservation of peace and order;

5. To imbue the spirit of discipline among its members, particularly in the observance of and compliance with the laws and regulations of the land; and

6. To coordinate and cooperate with government and non-governmental organizations in the planning and implementation of community development projects. REACT PHILIPPINES 10 CODES:

10-0 Caution

10-1 Unable to Copy, Change Location

10-2 Signals Good, Loud and Clear

10-3 Slowly, Slow Down

10-4 Acknowledge, Roger, Positive

10-5 Relay, Notify, Advice

10-6 Busy, Standby, Unless Urgent

10-7 Out of Service, Give location and telephone number

10-8 In Service, Monitoring, Ongoing

10-9 Repeat

10-10 Over and Out

10-11 Query, Inquire

10-12 Standby

10-13 Weather and Road Conditions

10-14 Pick up take, Get

10-15 Feedback, Reply

10-16 Problem, Trouble

10-17 Request

10-18 Record/Log/Check-in



10-19 Return to

10-20 Location, Area

10-21 Call by- telephone, landline

10-22 Disregard, Cancel, Avoid

10-23 Arrived at Scene

10-24 Follow up, Make, Report

10-25 Report, meet in Person

10-26 Victim, Suspect

10-27 Driver’s License

10-28 Vehicles Plate Number

10-29 Check, Record, Verify

10-30 Water Supply

10-31 Approval, Result

10-32 Man with Gun

10-33 Emergency, Urgent

10-34 Riot, Crime in Progress

10-35 Crime (red) Alert

10-36 Correct time

10-37 Food, Fuel

10-38 Local Police

10-39 Urgent: use Light and Siren

10-40 Silent tour Duty

10-41 Operative

10-42 Ending tour of duty, Roving, disengage

10-43 Information, Now, Status

10-44 Regards

10-45 Car, Mobile, Vehicle

10-46 Assist Motorist

10-47 Emergency power supply, Crew

10-48 Road needs repair, Excavations

10-49 Traffic Situation

10-50 Accident (state complete details)

10-51 Wrecker needed

10-52 Ambulance needed

10-53 Heavy Traffic, Road Blocked

10-54 Investigator needed

10-55 Electric power

10-56 Intoxicated person

10-57 Hit-and-Run

10-58 Direct road traffic

10-60 Hospital

10-61 Medical- dental Team, Doctor

10-62 Medicine

10-63 Assignment completed

10-64 Message

10-65 Assignment

10-66 Need, Necessary

10-67 Male

10-68 Dispatch, Deliver, Give

10-69 Message received

10-70 Fire Alarm

10-71 Nature of fire (Size, Type, Contents of building)

10-72 Illegal Assembly, Demonstration, Rally

10-73 Additional fire truck

10-74 Negative

10-75 Permission to contact directly (on radio)

10-76 Proceeding, En Route

10-77 ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)

10-78 Need Assistance

10-79 Notify Coroner, Dead Person

10-80 Kidnapping, Hostaging

10-81 Stolen vehicle

10-82 Reservation, Spare

10-83 Found vehicle

10-84 ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)

10-85 Will be late

10-86 Missing person

10-87 Female

10-88 Present telephone number of

10-89 Found Person

10-90 Bank Alarm, Robbery

10-91 Unnecessary use of radio

10-92 Anti- narcotics (drugs) case

10-93 Address

10-94 Drag racing

10-95 Operations

10-96 Jammer, Visitor

10-97 Check, Test Signal

10-98 Advice, Call Sign and Call Name

10-99 Home, Base

10-100 Office

10-101 Statement of Accounts

10-102 Collector, Treasurer

10-103 Money, Cash, Check

10-104 QSY, Change Frequency

10-105 Mechanic, Repairman

10-106 Modulation going on

10-107 Antennas

10-108 Radio License

10-109 Uniform or Attire

10-110 Equipment

10-111 Portable Radio

10-112 Base/Mobile Radio

10-113 Boosters

10-114 Power Supply

10-115 Battery

10-116 Repeater, Phone patch

10-117 Computers

10-118 Rotators

10-119 Coax cables

10-120 Gunshot, Stab Wound

10-121 Heart Attacks

10-122 CVA (stroke)

10-123 Fracture, Orthopedic Emergency

10-124 OB Emergency, Delivery, Caesarean, Bleeding

10-125 Hypertensive Emergencies

10-126 In-patients

10-127 Out-patients

10-128 Operators

10-129 Son, Daughter

10-130 Secretary

10-131 Mobile, Extension, Relative, Employee

10-132 Driver

10-133 DYL, Wife

10-134 National Officer

10-135 Region/Group Officer

10-136 NTC

10-137 NBI Clearance

10-138 Police Clearance

10-139 Necessary papers

10-140 REACT ID

10-141 REACT Philippines, REACT base

10-142 Priest

10-143 Church

10-144 Husband

10-145 Battery Drain

10-146 Thank you, Thanks

10-147 OK, Fine

10-148 Sorry, Apology

10-149 Danger

10-150 Splatter, Interference

10-151 Net, Roll Call

10-152 Holiday, No Work

10-153 Frequency

10-154 Bring

10-155 Allow

10-156 Sick, indispose

10-157 Follow

10-158 Start

10-159 Pictures, Photo Session

10-160 On board

10-161 Participate, Join

10-162 On leave

10-163 Long distance

10-164 Resign

10-165 Anniversary, Birthday

10-166 City/Town Proper, Downtown

10-167 Helicopter, Airplane

10-168 Serious condition

10-169 National Convention

10-170 Regional Forum

10-171 Area Conference

10-172 General Membership Meeting

10-173 Board Meeting

10-174 Committee Meeting

10-175 Annual Dues

10-176 Amateur Group

10-177 Non-reactors

10-178 Applicant, Prospective Member

10-179 Banner

10-180 Fund-raising project

10-181 Honorary Member

10-182 Associate Member

10-183 Sustaining Member

10-184 Mayor’s Office

10-185 Government Official

10-186 Military Personnel

10-187 Civilian

10-188 Firemen, Fire Department

10-189 Local Power Company

10-190 Highway Patrol

10-191 PASAFP

10-192 Price, Amount

10-193 Bath, Comfort Room

10-194 Fax

10-195 Cellular

10-196 Modem

10-197 Pager

10-198 Internet

10-199 Foreigner, Alien

10-200 Pinned down, Unable to help, Helpless


REACT HYMN:

“WE ARE REACT”
(This official REACT Hymn was adopted in 1988. The lyrics were written by Joseph White Light Olfindo with the tune based on an adoption by Space group which won the “Give the Hymn a Tune” contest during the 7th National Convention in Davao City on November 26, 1988)



FROM VARIOUS REGION WE COME
WITH THE SAME HORIZON WE COME

WE REACT WITH URGENCY
TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY
TO HELP OUR FELLOWMEN. AS MUCH AS WE CAN
WE EXTEND A HELPING HAND

WE AVOID CONFUSION
WITH CONSTANT COMMUNICATION
WE ARE REACT, WE CAN. WE GIVE OUR ALL
TO BIG AND SMALL

READY TO RESPOND
TO ACT AND TO COMMAND



WE ARE REACT, WE ARE REACT! WHEREVER WE MAY GO
THROUGH LAND, AIR OR SEA

WE ARE A FAMILY
WE ARE REACT. WE GIVE OUR ALL
TO BIG AND SMALL

READY TO RESPOND
TO ACT AND TO COMMAND

WE ARE REACT, WE ARE REACT! WHENEVER WE MAY BE
THROUGH LAND, AIR OR SEA

WE ARE A FAMILY
WE ARE REACT!