The 4th Regional Community Defense Group (4RCDG) is the administrative unit responsible for managing reservists and supporting ROTC programs in the CALABARZON region (Region IV-A) under the Reserve Command, Philippine Army. Origins and Early History:
The unit began on 07 February 1970, as the 2nd Home Defense Affairs Unit, headquartered at Camp Vicente Lim, Laguna. In September 1970, it transferr
ed to Camp Capinpin, Rizal, and was re-designated as the 2nd Home Defense Unit under the 2nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army. When the Army Reserve Command was established on 01 September 1977, the unit came under its supervision, covering Regions 4, 5, and NCR. In 1979, it became the 13th Home Defense Unit, later renamed the 13th Regional Home Defense Unit (RHDU) after the country was divided into 13 regions. The 13th RHDU was placed under the 2nd Infantry Division and renamed the 4th Regional Community Defense Unit (4RCDU). Pursuant to General Order Number 208, Headquarters 4th RCDU moved to Camp Riego de Dios, Cavite, on 30 November 1986. On 01 July 1992, the unit was absorbed by the Reserve Command and officially became the 4th Regional Community Defense Group. Pursuant to General Order Number 309, Headquarters Philippine Army, dated 9 June 2003, the headquarters was transferred to its present location at Camp Eldridge, Los Baรฑos, Laguna, under the operational control of the 2nd Infantry Division. Later, on 28 December 2015, Camp Eldridge was renamed Camp General Macario Sakay, in honor of the Filipino revolutionary hero who fought against Spanish and American colonial rule. This was pursuant to General Order Number 30, General Headquarters, Armed Forces of the Philippines, dated 11 January 2016, as approved by the Secretary of National Defense. On 14 July 2024, the 17th RCDG was activated to manage the MIMAROPA region, leaving 4RCDG responsible solely for CALABARZON Region. It's mission is to develop, organize, train, and administer reservists of the CALABARZON region into a capable, responsive, and mobilizable reserve force as an integral component of the state, and to participate in socio-economic development efforts. It's vision is a premier army unit committed to provide quality mobilizable citizen armed force as a component of the total army in the pursuit of constitutionally mandated goals and objectives. Unit Moniker:
The official name of the 4th Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command, Philippine Army is "Tagapangasiwa ng Laang Kawal sa Timog Katagalugan." The seal represents the 4th Regional Community Defense Group and each element on it holds symbolic significance. Katipunero represents the members of the Katipunan, a secret society fighting Spanish colonization. It symbolizes Filipino courage, sacrifice, and determination in defending the nation despite great odds. Rifle symbolizes the weapon used by Katipuneros during the revolution, representing the power of freedom and the fight to protect liberty. The shield stands for protection. The unit is presently the five stars represent the five provinces of CALABARZON region namely Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon. the five stars symbolize hope and guidance. Currently, the 4RCDG oversees CALABARZON, which is composed of five provinces: Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal. The region comprises a total of 120 municipalities, 22 cities, and over 4,000 barangays. It covers 16,873 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 17.5 million.
