BACOLOD. – How is life at a military boot camp?
Iloilo Science and Technology University Army cadets and Western Visayas State University-Lambunao Air Force cadets gave a glimpse of that experience as they topped the initial raiders’ competition of the Philippine ROTC Games at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University campus here Wednesday.
Capped by the fifth and last truck pushing event, the ISAT-U Army campaigners groaned and grunted their way to the top in a cumulative time of 39.40 minutes in the meet supported by the Department of National Defense and Commission on Higher Education.
The WSVU-Lambunao Air Force standard-bearers were even stronger in pushing the 14-seater KM450 military transport and cargo truck over the 50-meter course and took top honors in the five-event contest with a total time of 37.32 minutes.
“Masayang-masaya kami at nanalo dahil sa team work and discipline ng team namin,” said ISAT-U team leader Jeremy Jan Threz Jouilon of the squad’s success that included members Ariel Pama, Alex Eumag Jr, Andrea Panaguiton, Aumar Floyd Quilarto, Francis Quioyo, Jay Mar Casipe, Joan Bayas and RB Jhon Parma.
His joy and excitement was shared by WVSU-Lambunao team leader Jemmy Legario, who said: “Talagang masaya po. Ang panalo pong ito nagawa namin dahil sa kooperasyon ng lahat.” The other team members were Mary Love Dongor, John Kenneth Guilaran, Anabella Faith Caro, Romnick Pregua, Rogen Caspillo, Christian Dorey Casten, John Salvaloza and Karl Adrian Subaldo.
“Some events don’t require strength but rely more on cooperation, coordination and teamwork among members,” noted Maj. Roberto Bolosan of the AFP Special Services who oversaw the inaugural obstacle race.
“The other events also give the cadet athletes the chance to get a glimpse of what it is really like to be in a regular boot camp for recruits and soldiers,” added Bulosan of the contest that also included the physical fitness challenge, one rope bridge, team run and tire flip events.
