ILOILO City — Nakatakdang paglabanan sa larong athletics ang makasaysayang unang gintong medalya bukas sa pagsambulat ng aksiyon sa mga kompetisyon ng Philippine Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games na maningning at makulay na nagbukas Linggo ng hapon sa Iloilo Sports Complex.

Nagpakitang gilas ang mga kalahok mula Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy at iba pang kalahok sa torneo na pinasaya ng isinagawang palabas ng Dinagyang Tribu Pan-Anon, Confetti Drop ng PAF, Sky Diving ng PA at ang halos perpektong Silent Drill ng JBLMU ng Philippine Navy.

Sinimulan ni Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas sa kanyang welcome remarks ang aktibidad bago sumunod ang mensahe nina Governor Arthur Defensor Jr, DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, CHED Chairman J. Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III at panghuli kay PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann.

“Today, we are gathered here in Iloilo for the inaugural ROTC Games Visayas Regional leg. This is indeed a milestone in the history of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, showcasing the dedication, discipline, and teamwork of our future leaders,” sabi ni Bachmann.

“The ROTC Games are not just about competition; they embody the values that the ROTC program instills in our youth and the next generation. The ideals of leadership, camaraderie, and service to the nation are exemplified by these men and women, who have trained diligently to compete at this level,’ dagdag nito.

“As we witness our cadets compete at the highest level of play, we all should realize that this is not just a showing of their physical prowess and mental agility, but also a display of their commitment to the betterment of our society — a commitment that resonates deeply with the principles of the ROTC program.”

Idinagdag pa ni Bachmann na, “The journey to this regional leg is not short of challenges. But with the dedication of not only the cadets/ athletes, but also to the coaches, mentors, and organizers who have worked tirelessly – you have made this event a reality. So I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone in the working committees.”.

“Now, let us all remember that you, our young cadets, are the future leaders of our nation. You will inherit the responsibility of safeguarding our country’s security, upholding its values, and contributing to its progress. The lessons you have learned through ROTC extend far beyond these games, preparing you for the challenges that lie ahead. On behalf of the Philippine Sports

Commission, I congratulate and commend all dedication and effort exerted to make this event a reality,” sabi ni Bachmann na kasama si Commissioner Matthew Fritz Gaston.

Napuno ng hiyawan ang Athletes Oath of Sportsmanship na binitiwan ni Cadet Athlete Nathaniel Balajadia (WVSU) na sinundan ng mataimtim na mensahe ng may brainchild ng torneo na si Senator Francis Tolentino.

Binigyang pagkilala naman ni Western Visayas State University (WSU) President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz sa kanyang Introduction of Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker ang panauhing pandangat at nagbigay ng mensahe at siyang nagsagawa sa Declaration of the Opening of PRG 2023 Visayas na si Senador Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

Ang programa na para sa mga kadete ay magbibigay ng pagkakataon para maging parte ng pambansang koponan na makakasabak sa mga Olympic-level sporting events at international competitions.

Gaganapin ang mga kompetisyon simula ngayong Agosto 13 hanggang 19 sa Iloilo City para sa Visayas, susundan ito sa Agosto 27 hanggang Setyembre 2 sa Zamboanga City na Mindanao leg bago ang Setyembre 27 hanggang 23 sa Cavite para sa Southern Luzon leg.

Isasagawa din ang panghuli na regional qualifying leg sa NCR bago ang pagsasama-saman ng mga tinanghal na kampeon sa National Championships.

Mahigit sa 500 kadete ang kumpirmadong lalahok sa pitong sports na paglalabanan sa Iloilo City na binubuo ng athletics, arnis, basketball, boxing, e-sports, kickboxing at volleyball.
Kabilang din sa paglalabanan sa ROTC Games ang sports na swimming, weightlifting, target shooting, at demonstration sports.