Under the afternoon heat and the weight of crisp uniforms, 362 cadets stood in formation as they marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another at the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) graduation rites of Cebu Normal University on Monday.
For many of them, the ceremony was more than a recognition of completed military training. It was the culmination of years shaped by uncertainty, resilience, and rebuilding.
The graduating class included 344 basic cadets — 288 from the Main Campus, 44 from the Balamban Campus, and 12 from the Medellin Campus — alongside 18 advanced cadets from the Main Campus.
But behind the numbers were stories of perseverance forged during a period when the ROTC program itself struggled to find its footing.
Cadet Colonel Benna Cajandab, commander of the CNU Corps, recalled how the unit endured challenges, including the sudden transition to online learning, which led to restrictions on military training setups.
“Pinilit natin maging buo at magpakatatag sa kabila ng mga hamon,” Cajandab said as she addressed fellow cadets.
Rather than viewing the obstacles as setbacks, she said the pioneering officers learned to transform them into opportunities for growth.
“We have to see the challenges as opportunities rather than difficulties,” she said, reflecting on how the corps was gradually built over three years with the support of the Cebu Technological University-Main ROTC Unit.
For Cajandab and the officers who helped establish the unit, the graduation represented proof that the corps had survived and strengthened despite difficult beginnings.
Among those inspired by the journey was Cadet Shanyl Delostrico, the top-ranking cadet of ROTC Batch 2025-2026, who challenged graduates to carry the values of discipline and service beyond the university grounds.
“Ang araw na ito ay hindi dulo ng ating pagiging kadete, kundi ang simula ng ating tunay na misyon sa labas ng unibersidad,” Delostrico said.
She urged her fellow cadets not to let the “apoy ng disiplina” they worked hard to build fade away, reminding them that they must become “buhay na haligi,” the living pillars who remain steadfast and honest despite life’s challenges.
“Dalhin natin ang dangal ng CNU kahit saan man tayo magpunta,” she added.
University President Laurence Garcia, in his speech, echoed the same message of purpose and responsibility, praising students for taking on commitments beyond academics.
“I salute you for choosing to take on responsibility beyond the ordinary demands of student life,” Garcia said.
He reminded cadets that every uniform carried stories of sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment to something greater than oneself.
“This ROTC ceremony is not just a recognition of successful completion of military training,” Dr. Garcia said, adding “but also a true gift to the values of service, courage, patriotism, and leadership that the ROTC program continues to instill in future builders of our nation.”
The president also challenged graduates to live with intention, urging them to “choose discipline over complacency, choose service over selfishness, choose truth over convenience, and choose purpose over distraction.”
“The nation is not just formed by people who merely complain about problems. It is transformed by people who are willing to become part of the solution,” he said.
CNU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Daisy Palompon emphasized discipline, patriotism, and servant leadership during her welcome remarks.
She commended the graduating cadets for voluntarily embracing the challenges of ROTC training, noting that their dedication reflects a strong sense of patriotism and commitment to national service.
“The discipline and values you gained from ROTC continue to guide you in your future endeavors and inspire you to become instruments of peace, service, and nation-building,” Dr. Palompon said.
The Vice President also urged the graduates to uphold the ideals of excellence, integrity, and selfless service as future leaders and responsible citizens.
Moreover, Colonel Jennifer Claros, director of the 701st Community Defense Center and the 7th Regional Community Defense Group, emphasized that the ROTC program was designed not only to train cadets physically but also to shape them into responsible citizens and public servants.
“This training is designed to equip you with knowledge, wisdom, and skills to help you become the best students and public servants,” Col. Claros said.
She commended the cadets for continuing their training despite hardships and changing circumstances.
“You have all worked hard for this achievement,” she added.
For his part, Philippine Army reservist and acting commandant Major John Rey Saavedra reminded the graduates that leadership begins with humility and service.
“Kamo mahimong model sa katilingban ug leadership,” Saavedra told the cadets, encouraging them to apply what they learned in ROTC for the betterment of their communities.
“To the cadets, be good followers — that’s the first step to becoming good leaders,” he said.
As the ceremony concluded, witnessed by ROTC officers, faculty members, parents, and military officials, the cadets marched out carrying medals, certificates, and years of hard-earned lessons.
