ILOILO CITY (PIA6) -- The opening of the Visayas leg of the Philippine ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) Games on Sunday, August 13, 2023, has echoed essence of patriotism among students, which will translate into their own efforts in contributing to the safety and security of the nation.
Senator Francis Tolentino, who led the launch of the program, underscored the vital role of ROTC Games, not just in developing the skills of the student-athletes, but also in awakening their sense of patriotism.
“Please know well that what we are doing right now is not just a celebration of sports, but a celebration of patriotism. The love of country is not optional. What you have done preparing for these games should not be considered as an optional requirement of your course. It is not even mandatory, it is voluntary. But it blossomed out of your love for [your] country,” Tolentino said during the opening of the celebration at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz, Iloilo City.
The senator stressed that preparing for the event was not an easy task to do as it took them “almost a year of hard work and brainstorming” together with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, represented by Malasakit at Bayanihan Foundation party-list’s Rep. Anthony Rolando Golez, on the other hand, expressed his support to the ROTC Games as he will push for the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games to provide a platform to aspiring national athletes as well as for the upgrade of the athletes’ incentives and additional budget for the Philippines Sports Commission, among others.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., and City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas represented by Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna also highlighted the importance of ROTC and sports in developing the character, leadership skills, and sense of service of the students, which is beneficial for the development of the country.
“Your welfare is very important to us. You are our partners in the business of taking care of this country. As part of our youth sector, we would like to tell you that you are the future of this country, this province, but here in the Visayas, we don’t only need you in the future, we want, need you now to help us in taking care of this country,” Defensor said.
Meanwhile, the kickoff celebration was marked by the appearance of the A-29B Super Tucano Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force and the dropping of confetti by the S-70i Blackhawk Helicopter, which thrilled the 1,049 participants from various private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) from Regions 6, 7, and 8.
The program hosted by the West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City was also graced by Sen. Francis Tolentino, DND Assistant Secretary Henry Robinson Jr., PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, Iloilo Province Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Cong. Anthony Rolando Golez, Jr., and WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz.
The ROTC Games will run until August 19, where cadets will be competing in seven sporting events namely Basketball, Volleyball, Boxing, Athletics, Arnis, Kickboxing, and E-Sports. Aside from the sports event, 17 candidates enlisted in the Army, Navy, and Air Force also battled for the coveted crown of the Miss ROTC Visayas at the ISAT-U Gym on August 12, 2023.
With the theme "Tibay at Galing Pagyamanin, Suportahan Palarong ROTC Natin", the ROTC Games aims to develop the skills and discipline of the students; to strengthen the grassroot sports program; and entice more students to enroll in the ROTC program. (AAL/JNH/PIA6 Iloilo)
