Philippine ROTC Games 2023 NCR Qualifying Match Formally Begins
Manila City – The Philippine ROTC Games (PRG) 2023 National Capital Region (NCR) Leg officially kicked off through an opening ceremony on October 8, 2023, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila City. It aimed to nurture the next generation of leaders and promote unity, cultural exchange, and healthy competition among ROTC units in the NCR.
The ceremony started with a parade of ROTC Units from the different NCR Schools together with the Miss ROTC 2023 National Capital Region (NCR) winners, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Olympic medalist athletes headed the torch lighting.
Honorable Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr, Secretary of National Defense as the Guest of Honor, represented by Senior Undersecretary Irineo C. Espino, expressed the DND's unwavering support for the ROTC program, recognizing its vital role in molding character and instilling discipline in the youth. He also highlighted the importance of leadership, integrity, and nationalism as core values that the ROTC instills in its participants.
Senator Francis N Tolentino, the proponent of the PRG 2023, also graced the event along with Dr. Prospero De Vera, Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and top General Officers of the AFP. The Senator commended the CHED, PSC, and the AFP, particularly the Reserve Command, Philippine Army headed by its Commander and Co-Chairperson of the event, MGen Romulo A Manuel Jr PA for the success of the event through detailed preparations of the NCRRCDG.