The ROTC Games Visayas from August 14 to 19 in Iloilo City was an overwhelming success, a statement from the office of Sen. Francis N. Tolentino said.
Tolentino said this remarkable event brought together ROTC cadets from different regions of Visayas, aiming to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and instill the realization that the ROTC program transcends mere drills and being under the Sun.
“Rather, it serves as a catalyst igniting love, grit, and patriotism within every Filipino youth fortunate enough to partake in it.
“The Visayan cadets exhibited an undefeatable spirit, not only when circumstances were favorable, but more importantly, when faced with challenges.
“This attitude, akin to what famous author Angela Duckworth refers to as "grit," which distinguishes talented individuals from successful ones.
“In its core, the ROTC program teaches grit by instilling determination, discipline, resilience, and unwavering focus on the path to achieving a goal.
“Various sports events captivated participants and spectators alike, including volleyball, basketball, E-sports, arnis, boxing, and kickboxing.
“The nationwide ROTC Games undoubtedly steers the Filipino youth towards trusting the ROTC program, cultivating a culture of grit, never-give-up mentality, and unyielding patriotism.
“Let the words of the Philippine national anthem – "Lupang Hinirang, Duyan ka ng magiting, Sa manlulupig di ka pasisiil" – not merely be sung but regarded as a sacred promise to our beloved motherland, the Philippines.
The closing ceremony of ROTC Games Visayas was graced by two vocal patriotic senators, Robin Padilla, guest of honor and keynote speaker, and Tolentino, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
Their presence further strengthened the importance and significance of the ROTC Games program not only as a sporting event but also as a place to nurture strong and resilient Filipino youth.