22/05/2026
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Closing Ceremony for the Advance and Basic ROTC Cadets of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – South La Union Campus was successfully conducted on 10 May 2026 at Jose D. Aspiras Hall. The ceremony signified the successful completion of military training and the formal integration of the cadets into the Reserve Force of the Philippine Army.
The program commenced with the entrance of colors, followed by the invocation and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. SGT JOVELYN ALPON PA (RES) delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of discipline, honor, and service to the nation.
The presentation and declaration of graduates were led by LTC NARCHITO S ARPILLEDA PA (RES) and Prof. JOJI ANN M FAMA, formally recognizing the cadets who satisfactorily completed the prescribed ROTC training requirements. The awarding of Certificates of Completion and special distinctions for Academic Proficiency, Leadership, and Loyalty was subsequently administered by COL REY DAVID A TAQUEBAN INF (GSC) PA, LTC NARCHITO S ARPILLEDA PA (RES), and Prof. JOJI ANN M FAMA, in recognition of the cadets’ exemplary performance, dedication, and military bearing.
The reading of orders was rendered by SSG JERICHO C ESTACIO (MI) PA, followed by the administration of the Reservist Oath of Allegiance by COL REY DAVID A TAQUEBAN INF (GSC) PA. Through the oath-taking ceremony, the graduates solemnly affirmed their loyalty to the Republic of the Philippines and their readiness to serve as members of the Reserve Force in support of national security and defense operations.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the formal turnover of command, led by C/COL JOHN NIKO D BULOSAN 1CL, who relinquished command to C/MAJ CHRISTINE MAE I BALLESTEROS 2CL. The turnover symbolized the continuity of command responsibility, leadership, and accountability within the ROTC Corps.
In her inspirational message, Prof. JOJI ANN M FAMA challenged the cadets to uphold the core values of discipline, integrity, patriotism, and selfless service as future reservists and leaders of the nation. In his keynote address, COL REY DAVID A TAQUEBAN INF (GSC) PA, underscored the vital role of reservists as force multipliers in nation-building, disaster response, and territorial defense, while emphasizing unwavering patriotism and fidelity to duty.
