By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Over 3,000 delegates are expected to join the Philippine Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games 2024 Visayas Regional Qualifying Leg hosted by the city of Bacolod slated from May 26 to June 1.
Senator Francis Tolentino, honorary chairperson of the Games’ Executive Organizing Committee witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the city government headed by Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Reserve Command headed by Major General Elpidio Talja at the Mayor’s Office in Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) yesterday, in the presence of Dr. Norberto Mangulabnan, president of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU), and Dr. Raul Alvarez, head of Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-6.
Tolentino, in a press briefing, after the MOA signing, said that the goal of the ROTC games is to showcase not just the sportsmanship or athletic skills of the youth, but to highlight the ROTC as not just a strict military training for new cadets, but as a pathway to patriotism.
Tolentino said they would want to have national athletes from the ROTC. “This is the only (as far as I know) sports competition involving college students,” he added.
Themed at “Husay ng ROTC, Husay ng Kabataan,” participants will compete in 14 various sports, including arnis, boxing, chess, taekwondo, volleyball, basketball, target shooting, swimming, and Ms. ROTC 2024.
Tolentino said that Bacolod is a city where the heartbeat of culture and rhythm of sports converge. “We simplify it through the ROTC games – to showcase not just brains but beauty as well,” he added.
Tolentino said the entire technical team of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will be here, including the international referees.
Tolentino thanked the city government headed by Benitez and the people of Bacolod for hosting the sports competition.
For his part, Benitez said that the city is pleased and happy to host the ROTC games. “We look forward to such a momentous occasion here. This will be a good significance moving forward in terms of sports activities and tourism,” he added.
Meanwhile, Talja assured that despite the hot weather, athletes will be protected, as some sports will be conducted inside the malls and different school campuses and universities. “The sports commission will take charge and will adjust accordingly,” he added.
Talja also thanked the local government and is looking forward to a very successful ROTC games.
