UNEP Hosts ROTC Activation Day

Twenty-eight (28) contingents coming from private and public schools from all over the region gathered at the vast UNEP ground on October 1, 2009 and paraded towards the main thoroughfares of Iriga City, all hopeful that they will take the top prize this year.  Eighteen (18) of them came from public schools while the remaining contingents came from private universities.    This, as the whole Rinconada community commemorates the annual holding of the Army ROTC Activation Day now on its 47^th year of existence.

Gracing the significant activity as guest of honor and distinguished speaker is no less than the Commanding Officer of the 901^st (Fighter) BDE 91D of the Philippine Army based at Villa Hermosa, Daraga, Albay - Col. Marlou L. Salazar INF (MNSA) PA.

Sta. Monica Academy from San Roque, Baao, Camarines Sur was declared as this year's over-all champion. Coming close to the edge are the Holy Trinity College from Santiago, Bato and Saint Joseph Academy, Inc. from San Pedro, Buhi, Camarines Sur respectively landing on the 1^st and 2^nd place under Category B.

Under Category A, Eusebia Paz Arroyo Memorial High School from Buluang, Baao, Camarines Sur, grabbed the first place. Eusebia Paz Arroyo Memorial High School was also last year's BEST MARCHING UNIT winner (Category A) during the 46^th Army ROTC Activation Day-CAT Regional competition.

Sharing the second post were San Roque High School from San Roque, Bato and Tapayas High School from Tapayas, Balatan, Camarines Sur while San Vicente HS landed on the third place.

One of the highlights of the event was the awe-inspiring unified performance of the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) and University of Saint Anthony (USANT) band and majorettes. The exhibition was not only a showcase of their skills and expertise but a manifestation of oneness and camaraderie that has been lost for the past decade.

The reconciliation was made possible thru the efforts of Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen and UNEP President Atty.Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda. USANT President Atty Santiago D. Ortega Jr., expressed his appreciation and was elated that the long existing gap between the two top universities finally ended.

Atty. Moraleda raised congratulated the whole UNEP Community and all the participants and stakeholders who made the successful event possible. "We are all bounded by a common objective of bringing out the best in our students, and I guess, this is what this competition is all about.  We would like to instill the legacy of camaraderie and continue to inspire every cadet to be a living proof of how UNEP values unity and harmony in our community."

The ROTC activation day was initiated by the late Governor Felix O. Alfelor Sr. during the early 60's. With more and more schools and universities participating every year, the event is undoubtedly gaining more prominence over the years as it inched its way in promoting the value of discipline and camaraderie among competing units.