Unit History
The 1st Regional Community Defense Group traces back its origin from the 5th Home Defense of 5th Infantry Brigade (Seperate), Philippine Army on 31 July 1973. The unit was located at General Servillano S Aquino, San Miguel, Tarlac with nine (9) provinces under its jurisdiction, namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan and Zambales.
Initially, there were seven (7) Home Defense Center which were the primary implementing arms of the 5th Home Defense Unit. These are the following: 127th Home Dfense Center located at Vigan, Ilocos Sur, 124th Home Defense Center at Carlatan, San Fernando, La Union, 108th Home Defense Center at Balanga, Bataan and 137th Home Defense Center at Castellejos, Zambales.
On 01 September 1977, the 5th Home Defense Unit was absorbed by the defunct Army Reserve Command, Philippine Army from the 5th Infantry Brigade (Seperate), Philippine Army. The 5th HDU was re designated 3rd HDU on 04 July 1979 and relocated from Camp Aquino, Tarlac to Camp Lt Tito B Abat, Manaoag, Pangasinan in 1980. The 3rd HDU was further redesignated 3rd Regional Home Defense Unit on 01 May 1982 and was later on renamed 1st Regional Community Defense Unit and subsequently placed under 5th Infantry Division on 16 May 1986. On 16 September 1988, the unit was reassigned to 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
Effective 01 July 1992, the 1st Regional Community Defense Unit was absorbed by the reactivated Reserve Command, Philippine Army. Lately, this unit was again renamed 1st Regional Comunity Defense Group (1RCDG) effective 18 February 1984 embracing four (4) provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan. Initially, there were 5 Community Defense Center under 1RCDG. These are 101 (ILN) CDC, 102 (ILS) CDC, 103 (LUN) CDC, 104 (PGN-W) and 105 (PGN-E). However on 08 July 1998, the 106 (BNT) CDC located at Burnham Park Baguio City, 107 (ABR) CDC located at CAmp Juan Villamor, Bangued Abra and 108 (MP) CDC located at Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province were merge to this group frm the defunct 14 CAR RCDG.
A capable and responsible mobilizeable Citizen Armed Force as a component of the total army in pursuit of its constitutionally mandated expanded mission.
tu To develop, organize train, equip and administer a highly competent mobilizeable reserve force as an integral component of the total army and in the defense of the region and to participate in socio-economic development effort.
