by Lourhenz Igloria and Rojean Grace Patumbon/UM Interns
THE FIRST-EVER Philippine ROTC Games 2023 officially kicks off last June 9, 2023, at the University of Southeastern Philippines.
The ROTC Games held its Mindanao Orientation at the USeP gym through the collaboration of the Senate of the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education, the Philippine Sports Committee, and the Department of National Defense.
Dr. Lourdes Generalao, USeP president, said the ROTC Games would be a platform to showcase the incredible talent and prowess of the cadets.
“Today’s orientation provides us with the valuable opportunity to come together, share insights, and strengthen our collective vision of the ROTC program. It is through this collaboration, coordination, and shared experiences that we can further enhance the impact and effectiveness of our ROTC training initiative,” said Dr. Generalao.
The event drew 255 cadets, 32 sports directors, and 23 commandants from Region XI and XII. The event will comprise seven categories: athletics, boxing, arnis, kickboxing, e-sports, basketball, and volleyball.
Sen. Francis N. Tolentino, honorary chairman of the ROTC Games, discussed the development of the proposed revival of the mandatory ROTC in higher education. He said it is now in the plenary since the committee report is already finished. Congress will possibly deliberate on the measure this July.
“Ang pangarap ko po rito ay hindi po ito maging intrams, ang pangarap ko po rito is that we will be producing world-class athletes. Ang pangarap ko po rito is that we will be breaking Philippine record kung hindi magiging sportsfest nalang tayo. We have to prove the ROTC Games will equal, if not surpass, the Palarong Pambansa (My dream is for it not to become like an Intrams; my dream is to produce world-class athletes. My dream for this event is to break the Philippine record. If not, this will just be another sportsfest. We must prove that ROTC Games, will equal, if not surpass, the Palarong Pambansa)”. said Sen. Tolentino
The month-long event will have its regional legs for Mindanao on Aug. 13-19 and the Visayas on Aug. 27.
