The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Cross and Saber Alumni Association Inc. celebrated its 86th founding anniversary last Sept. 28 at the university grandstand and open field.
UST Golden Cross and Saber is the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) alumni association of the university.
The university's ROTC unit was established on Sept. 3, 1936, under the passage of the National Defense Act of 1935.
The group also conducted its 5th Loyalty Parade at the same event.
It started with the arrival of honors for Defense Undersecretary Franco Nemesio M. Gacal at the UST Plaza Mayor.
The cadets then marched to the grandstand and open field where they executed the traditional attention call, entry of troops, command, and honors, and honor to the nation.
The parade was followed by a gala night held at Dr. Robert C. Sy Grand Ballroom in UST's O.P. Building.
Meanwhile, the alumni association's National Commander Rodrigo D. de Mesa, UST Very Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, and Department of National Defense Jose Calingasan Faustino Jr. expressed their support for ROTC including the UST Golden Cross and Saber.
The National Defense Act was signed by late former President Manuel L. Quezon on Dec. 21, 1935.
It mandates the creation of independent military service for Filipinos and penalizes violations of the country's national defense.