IRIGA CITY --- Citizens Army Training (CAT) contingents from private and public schools and colleges in the Bicol region are all set to show off their best marching units, pretty majorettes, and drum, bugle and lyre corps on Thursday, Oct. 1 along the major streets of this bustling city on the occasion of the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) ROTC Activation - CAT regional competition.
Now on its 47th year, the UNEP ROTC Activation Day traces its origin in 1962 when the university founder, former Camarines Sur Governor Felix o. Alfelor Sr. started the event, which more than four decades after has turned into an outstanding and exemplary traditional display of military discipline and precision by the competing cadets and groups.
Lawyer Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda, UNEP president, expects this year's event to be widely participated. "I am extending my invitation to all schools in the region to join this competition. This exercise will not only enhance the students' skills and discipline but will also promote camaraderie among them."
Divided into Category A (public high schools) and Category B (private high schools), the various CAT contingents will vie for championship in the following: Best Marching Unit; Majorettes; Drum and Bugle Competition;
Drum and Lyre Competition; Platoon Close Drill Boys; Platoon Close Drill Girls; and Platoon Silent Fancy Drill. There will also be special prize for two most disciplined registrants.
With the towering beautiful Mount Asog in the background, the competing marching units and groups will do their military-precision moves to the martial and lively beats of the drum and bugle corps. Beauteous majorettes sporting elegant, sexy and colorful costumes are also expected to wow the crowd and spectators with their graceful and exciting exhibitions.
Trophies, medals and cash prizes await winners of the CAT regional competitions.
Aside from Moraleda, also in the forefront of the UNEP ROTC Activation Day is Col. Jose P. Matias INF (GSC) PA, the school's Citizen Military Training commandant and Dean Ricardo Gamurot, overall chairman of the event.
Last year, more than 20 schools and colleges participated in the much-awaited annual marching contests.