The Philippine Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games 2024—Mindanao Regional Qualifying Leg officially kicks off in Zamboanga City on Sunday afternoon, June 23, 2024.
During this event, Davao Region secures approximately 30 medals, of which 17 are gold, 5 are silver, and 8 are bronze.
“The ROTC Games are an integral sports event that bridges the military and academia. It essentially intertwined military training, sports development, and nation-building elements that honed the young athletes in all facets. More importantly, it promotes not only sportsmanship but also patriotism, which every Filipino should live by,” Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said.
Moreover, this year’s edition will run from June 23 to June 29, exhibiting various sports disciplines such as swimming, arnis, athletics, boxing, e-sports, kickboxing, sepak takraw, taekwondo, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, target shooting, chess, and raiders competitions, which will be participated in by ROTC cadets from all over Mindanao.
Furthermore, the ROTC’s Game Honorary Chairman, Senator Francis Tolentino, together with other dignitaries from the Department of National Defense (DND), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), graced the opening ceremony held at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial (JFEM) Sports Complex in Zamboanga City.
Hon. John Dalipe, the mayor of Zamboanga City, Dr. Carla Ochotorena, the president of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), and other guests were also present.
Meanwhile, Ms. ROTC 2024-Mindanao Leg was held a day prior to the official kickoff of the qualifying leg at the Dr. Juanito Bruno Gymnasium, WMSU, wherein Ms. Julian Terace Claudette Faustino, from the Universidad de Zamboanga (University of Zamboanga), bagged the coveted crown.