Tarlac State University and the 302nd Community Defense Center of the 3rd Regional Community Defense Group (3RCDG), Reserve Command (RESCOM) of the Philippine Army (PA), held a joint closing ceremony for the basic and advanced cadet officers earlier today (June 15, 2022) at the TSU Gymnasium.
This event is in recognition of the students who have completed the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) course of the National Service Training Program (NSTP).
Thirty-three (33) advanced cadets and 710 basic cadets, dubbed as TSU ROTC Unit “Dangbalasik” Class of 2022, were presented and declared graduates by ROTC Commandant Col. Reynaldo R. Malapad (CAV) GSC PA and 3RCDG Group Commander Col. Roberto R. Sarmiento (INF) GSC PA, respectively.
Moreover, TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco was invited as keynote speaker to the graduates. He spoke of the values, discipline, and commitment gained and instilled through the ROTC program.
“Being a cadet is not just about attending trainings. Being one has a duty that should be accomplished every day; a duty that does not end as you graduate in the ROTC program here in TSU, but a duty that is for our beloved nation and people,” President Velasco said in his message.
He also talked about how the university ROTC unit should be an exemplary implementer who educates and trains students for national defense preparedness and develops them to be law-abiding and socially and economically productive citizens.
“ROTC – sometimes to us Ilocanos is ‘Rumuar (Lumabas), Omunig (Pumasok), Tumaray (Tumakbo), Cumleb (Nagtago).’ But generally, it is also ‘Resourcefulness, Other people-mindedness, Tenacity, and Compassion.’ Let us continue our outstanding and excellent instruction and training of the basic and advanced ROTC always,” he said.
According to Col. Malapad, the graduates will be issued a serial number as reserved members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This will also reflect on their Transcript of Records upon their graduation.
