14/05/2026
๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฑ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐: ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐
On Monday, 11 May 2026, the CNU ROTC "Pillars" Unit successfully held its first-ever Joint Graduation Ceremony, serving as a powerful testament to the resilience of the Filipino student-soldier. Bask under the steady gaze of the blazing afternoon sun and the weight of tradition, 350 cadets stood as a singular wall of crimson and gold, marking their transition from trainees to the country's newest reservists.
For this batch, the journey was defined by more than just drills and ceremonies. It was a rigorous path of rebuildingโtransforming the uncertainties of a shifting academic landscape into a foundation of unwavering character.
The unit showcased its wide-reaching impact, commissioning a diverse class of leadersโ344 Basic Cadets, a unified front comprising 288 from the Main Campus, 44 from the Balamban Campus, and 12 from the Medellin Campus. Additionally, 6 1CL Advanced Cadet-Officers whom are the tactical core from the Main Campus, comes ready to take on the mantle of leadership, while 12 2CL Advanced Cadet-Officers received special awards.
C/Col Benna L Cajandab 1CL, Corps Commander, reflected on the unit's evolution from the restrictions of the past years to the triumph of the present. "We chose to see hurdles as horizons," she noted, emphasizing that the strength of the corps was forged in the collective refusal to break formation.
Echoing this sentiment, Batch 2025-2026 rank 1 awardee, Cdt. Shanyl Delostrico 3CL, delivered a stirring challenge: to remain โbuhay na haligiโโliving pillars of truth and service. "Our mission does not end when we take off this uniform; it begins the moment we step back into our communities as leaders," Cdt. Delostrico remarked.
In her opening address, Dr. Daisy R. Palompon, CNU Vice President for Academic Affairs, championed the core values of patriotism and servant leadership. She praised the graduates for their voluntary commitment to the rigors of the ROTC program, viewing their perseverance as a testament to their love for the country. Dr. Palompon highlighted that the principles instilled during trainingโintegrity, excellence, and a spirit of serviceโserve as a roadmap for the cadets to become catalysts for national unity and peace.
In his message, University President Dr. Laurence L. Garcia lauded the graduates for choosing the "path of most resistance," praising their commitment to duties that extend far beyond the classroom. He reminded the cadets that the nation is not built by those who observe, but by those who act with intention and integrity.
The ceremony, was attended by COL JENNIFER T CLAROS FS (GSC) PA, MAJ JOHN REY O SAAVEDRA PA (RES), Cpl Eric James V Hindrana (Inf) PA, and Cpl Amelita M Gilhang (Inf) PA from the 701st (Cebu) Community Defense Center, 7th Regional Community Defense Group. The CNU ROTC Unit Training Directorates, Pvt Rhea Mae E Encontro PA (Res), Pvt Gabriel Niรฑo Barabat PA (Res), and Pvt Ethyl Vayce A Rodrigo PA (Res) were present as well.
Reinforcing the programโs holistic approach, COL JENNIFER T CLAROS FS (GSC) PA, Director of the 701st Community Defense Center noted that the training extends beyond physical endurance. She emphasized that the curriculum is strategically designed to cultivate wisdom and civic responsibility, preparing cadets to excel as both dedicated students and exemplary public servants. Despite the shifting obstacles they faced, she commended the class for their steadfastness in reaching this milestone.
Adding a perspective on the philosophy of command, MAJ JOHN REY O SAAVEDRA PA (RES), acting commandant and Army reservist, spoke on the necessity of humility. He reminded the graduates that effective leadership is rooted in being a "model of society," urging them to apply their training toward community improvement. His parting advice centered on the fundamental military truth: that the journey to becoming a great leader begins with the discipline of being a dedicated follower.
On the other hand, the CNU ROTC "Pillars" Unit, would like to extend its warmest gratitude to the Cebu Normal University - Chorale for sharing their God-given talents; and Cebu Technological University - Main Campus ROTC Unit, for extending their assistance and guidance from CNU ROTC Batch 2023-2024, Batch 2024-2025, and Batch 2025-2026. Your assistance and guidance are very much appreciated and treasured.
The ceremony reached its peak as the cadetsโsurrounded by mentors, military leaders, and proud familiesโmarched off the field. They exited not just with medals and certificates, but as the universityโs newest embodiments of grit and civic duty.
Congratulations to the Graduates of the CNU ROTC Unit, Batch 2025-2026!
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