The students of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) National Service Training Program-Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NSTP-ROTC) unit held its graduation ceremony last Saturday, May 18th, at the Camp Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz.
The students previously elected to hold their culmination at the camp after having completed their Basic ROTC course, and were graciously treated to a day-long series of activities by the 3rd Infantry Division.
These activities included a tour of the camp, an experience at the obstacle course, being interviewed on live radio, familiarization-firing using M16 assault rifles, and a boodle fight during lunch, among others.
The graduation ceremony, held in the afternoon, capped the day’s event. Asst. Division Commander Col. Lennon G. Babilonia served as the guest of honor and motivational speaker for the graduates.
Also present were the training staff of the UPV ROTC led by the unit Commandant Lt. Col. Ryan S. Matutina; UPV alumnus and reserve officer Lt. Col. Erwin E. Ilaya, who led the students in taking the Reservist Oath; and Lt. Col. Luisita G. Clavecillas II of the 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion who, among other things, facilitated the transportation of the students aboard a military KM500 truck from Miagao and back.
This activity of the UPV students at the camp was a first of its kind and colorfully marked the return of the UPV ROTC’s participation in the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UPV ROTC students previously undertook their RAATI last May 11th in an event attended by UPV NSTP Director Prof. Nathaniel G. Samson, and UPV Chancellor Clement C. Camposano. The unit was examined by the 2024 RAATI Team under the chairmanship of Col. Raul S. Vigo.
The unit’s small size of 42 students, disqualified them from participating in several events (comprising thirty points) which required at least 350 participants. This meant that the highest score the unit could aim for was only seventy, to which the students nevertheless scored an impressive 61.51. (With sources from UPV NSTP-ROTC)
