CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A total of 241 Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Eastern Visayas took part in the culmination of the National ROTC Month 2023 on March 25, 2023 at 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division Headquarters.
The Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Reserve Affairs, Usec. Franco Nemesio Gacal, graced the formal closing ceremony of the National ROTC Month celebration together with 8th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Camilo Z Ligayo, 8ID Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, Colonel Erwin Rommel Lamzon, and Commandant of the different Reserve Forces in the region.
During the culmination activity, the ROTC Cadets showcased their developed skills through the Exhibition of Military Drills and Ceremonies, Capability Demonstrations, and other Military Exercises.
A 3rd-year Criminology student, Cadet 1st Class Gerard Ezekiel Lubos, Philippine Army ROTC Cadet shared that joining ROTC is one of the best decisions he made since he aspires to pursue a career in the army.
Cadet 1st Class Lubos has a call to other youths and students to join the Reserve Force of the country instead of joining left-leaning groups.
“Sana mahikayat din kayo na maging ROTC Cadet katulad ko, dahil balang-araw tayo ang magiging gabay at magsisiguro ang kaligtasan ng bansa lalong-lalo na sa panahon ng digmaan. At higit sa lahat hindi tayo malinlang ng mga teroristang CPP-NPA,” Cadet 1st Class Lubos stressed.
Aside from the cadets, the ROTC Commandants and National Service Training Program (NSTP) Coordinators in region 8 also participated in the said celebration.
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps plays a vital role in nation-building, especially in the leadership development of youths. Military skills are harnessed and it includes career training. The most significant role of ROTC is the inculcation of the values and essence of patriotism among the youth.(PR)
