By Cyrus A. Natividad
Col. Peter C. Bedoña (Ret) PA, CPU ROTC Commandant welcomes visitors to his office.
Former CPU ROTC cadet and now a Retired Philippine Army official, Col. Pedro C. Bedoña accepted the University’s invitation for him to manage the CPU ROTC Unit as Commandant in 2020. He was persuaded upon by his former fellow ROTC Officers who consider him as a transformational leader. Bedoña who is a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Graduate of Central Philippine University (1985) has undergone training in CPU Basic and Advanced ROTC from 1979 to 1983.
Immediately after graduation, he worked with the Philippine Army as Probationary in Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo. He had a short stint in the broadcasting company, IBC, as an Ad agent until he was employed by the Department of Public Works and Highways in 1986. He was called to active duty in 1989 and was certified as Officer in the Reserved Force.
He undertook rigid military training at Fort Ramon Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija in 1991. In 1992 as a 2nd Lieutenant, Bedoña joined the 3rd Infantry Battalion in a depressed Samar area – where military engagement with rebels is a daily operation.
Those experiences he said, made him stronger. “I pray all the time. As a Centralian, I lived the values of trust in God, self-confidence and patience. I developed leadership in me. I changed anything that I think is needed to improve myself,” he said.
The perception that the new commandant is a transformational leader, was shown when he initiated a physical change for the office of the ROTC Unit- to include database information system and orderly set -up of internal training facilities, desks and equipment.
Concrete finishing of the interior walls, new paints and lightings were done in the ROTC office. Fund for the partial renovation accordingly came from his pocket and honoraria, “…as my donation to the CPU ROTC Unit in particular, and to the University in general,” Bedoña said. He added that, “Upon my acceptance of the invitation to be the Commandant of our ROTC Unit, I was compelled to ask permission to renovate the office, thanks to University President Dr. Ted Robles for the support.”
“That moment made me feel totally committed to the service and love for my Alma Mater. Our staff cadets and tactical officers need a deserving place, conducive for office work. I dreamed of a big ROTC facility in the near future. I am very happy to help CPU ROTC Unit,” Bedoña further explained.
The cadet staff have already instituted systems for protocols and disciplines at their newly renovated office. A second renovation for ROTC is scheduled in May for the male/female comfort rooms, transient dormitory and military rifles room.