UNEP Leads 48th Army ROTC Activation Day

Iriga City -- The University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) thru the Department of Military Science and Tactics spearheaded the gathering of the best marching bands all over the region for the annual Army ROTC Activation Day held October 1 at the UNEP Parade ground here.

Now on its 48^th year of existence, the competition showcased not just the finest marching bands, but also the best delegation of lyre and bugle corps and majorettes coming from premiere schools and universities in the Bicol Region.  At stake for this year's competition is the crown to be awarded to the Most Disciplined Unit, the Best Marching Unit and the Best Contingent in Platoon Close Drill  and Platoon Silent  Drill.

Col. Romeo B. Ayson, INF (GSC) PA, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 901^st Brigade (Fight 'Em), 9^th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Villa Hermosa, Daraga, Albay was this year's distinguished guest of honor.

Competing contingents under Category A includes; Nonito Paz Arroyo High School (Baao, CSur), Tambo National HS (Buhi,CS), Bato NHS, Masoli HS (Bato, CS), Tapayas HS (Balatan, CS), Milaor NHS, Rodriguez NHS (Pili), San Roque HS (Bato, CS), San Jose Pili NHS, Eusebia Paz Arroyo Memorial NHS (Baao CS), Palsong HS ( Bula CS), San Vicente HS (Buhi CS), Salvacion HS (Bato, CS), Zeferino Arroyo HS (Iriga City), Malawag HS (Nabua, CS), Union NHS (Calabanga HS)  and Rinconada National Technical Vocational School from Sto. Domingo Iriga City.

Ten (10) contending schools and universities will also vie for the crown on Category B:   Ocampo Academy (Bato, CS), La Consolacion College (Daet, Camarines Norte), Buhi Lyceum, Buhi St. Joseph's Academy Inc., St. Jude Agro-Industrial College (Nabua, CS) , St. John Institute (Bato, CS), Holy Trinity College (Bato, CS), Balatan Institute, La Consolacion College (Iriga City) and Sta. Monica Academy from Baao, Camarines Sur.

Partido Colleges and the University of Saint Anthony will also participate in the said event as guest school participants.

One of the highlights of the competition was the presentation of UNEP's winning piece presented during the Voyadores Festival held September 15 at the Metropolitan Cathedral Grounds.  UNEP contingent seized the top plum and was unanimously declared as Champion during the said Voyadores Competition.

UNEP's delegation was also cited for Best in Costume, Best in Music, Best in Streetdance and Best in Pilgrim Dance.

Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda, UNEP President thanked all the contingents for coming over in spite of the bad weather.  "This is indeed a display of their unwavering commitment to be a part of this decade-long military event that we are annually doing in commemoration of the legacy left by my grandfather, former Camarines Sur Governor Felix O. Alfelor Sr.

UNEP ROTC Activation Day was the brainchild of the former governor to instill discipline and camaraderie among competing cadets.