The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) had its Turnover Parade last April 27, 2019 – an event symbolizing the turnover of command over the Corps of Cadets, by the graduating first class cadet officers to the second class cadet officers.
The turnover of the Corps Commander to the next, for bystanders perhaps, seemed like a mere physical interaction from both cadet officers. However to the Corps, it symbolizes more than just physical valor — it is the mental, emotional, and spiritual courage and will of the newly designated Corps Commander to take on the responsibilities of leading the Corps.
The event started with the arrival of honors by the Honor Guard Company under the command of CMaj Jester Jay DV Buluran 2Cl to the Guest of Honor and Speaker, BGen Rolando R Rodil AFP, the Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command (AFPRESCOM).
A video presentation highlighting the important events of the Corps Year 2018-2019 was shown to the GOHAS and other VIPs present in the event. For the cadets, the video presentation was a moment to reminisce and rejoice about the victories they had during the corps year, whether big or small.
The Rayadillo unit also presented their silent drill demonstration, a combination of calculated drill movements and formation sequences. It was then followed by the last parade and review of the cadets of this corps year.
Incorporated within the parade and review is the pinnacle of the event: the turnover of command, symbolized by the hand over of the Diliman Sword, a symbol of the leadership of the Corps, and the culmination of a month long process which aims to transfer leadership from one Corps Commander to another. It is an intensive process of deliberation of candidates by a panel selected from the outgoing first class men, the tactical group, and the department, all of whom ensure that the future of the Corps is passed on into good hands.
CLtC Bing Bong S Salinas 1Cl, being the Corps Commander of the Corps Year 2018-2019, started by proclaiming, “Ako si Lakan Bing Bong S Salinas, ay bumibitiw sa aking tungkulin bilang pinuno ng pangkatin ng mga kadete ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Diliman!” (I, Cadet Colonel Bing Bong Salinas, hereby relieve my post as the Corps Commander of the Corps of Cadets of the University of the Philippines Diliman).
The intensity of this part is followed by the acknowledgement of the incoming Corps Commander, CMaj Joseph Carlo Guiao 2Cl. He committed, “Ako ay handang mag alay ng dugo, pawis, at luha, upang gampanan ang tungkuling ito!” (I am prepared to offer my blood, sweat, and tears, in the fulfilment of this duty!”).
In the turnover of command, the graduating first class men had their final pass-in-review as cadet officers of the UP Corps of Cadets. It was followed by the speech given by BGen Rodil wherein he cited the most important lessons he learned in the Corps summarized by these 7 points: (1) Don’t be afraid to take risks when you face your obstacles in life. Remember that life is just one big confidence course; (2) Align and focus on your goals – goals for your career, your family and for the country. (3) Stay on track, follow your compass in life even if sometimes you may need to go around an obstacle in your direction; (4) When faced with challenges, make a way, find a way, there is always a better way; (5) Know how to plan. Planning is anticipating even in uncertainty; (6) Practice excellence daily, make it a habit. You won’t regret it later in your career and (7) When the opportunity arises, do not be afraid to take the lead. It’s in our DNA in the UP and in the UPROTC.
The program ended with a pass-in-review, led now by the newly designated cadet officers of the Corps Year 2019-2020.
by PFC Alyssa Mae L Limlengco (Res) PA
