By Cyrus A. Natividad

CPU ROTC during their Presentation of Sponsors on December 2019.

The Central Philippine University Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) is no exception to the alternative learning system for the new normal. According to Cdt. Colonel Lemuel Joseph Arota, Corps Commander, CPU ROTC Unit, “The ROTC program which normally conducts drills and parades in review throughout the First and Second Semester has temporarily waived tactical activities for the First Semester.”

1st Lt. Argie G. De Leon, CPU ROTC Unit Asst. Commandant said, “Modules or program of instructions are uploaded through the Canvas Learning Management System.” He added that “The program will be mostly lectures. It will depend on the higher command – from the 3rd Infantry Division under the 604 Community Defense Control, Regional Community Defense Group, Area Reserve Command (ARESCOM).

Around 600 Cadets and Cadettes are enrolled in ROTC for the First Semester 2020-2021. The CPU ROTC Unit is manned by Centralian Reserved Officers and Former Active Combat Personnel of the Philippine Army.

CPU ROTC Unit has received several awards of excellence through the years. From 1959 to 1967, only CPU has received the Commanding General’s Trophy for Best ROTC Unit all over the Philippines. It also received the trophy as Champion for Tactical Inspection for 3 consecutive years. Because of these awards, the Merit Badge is conspicuously pinned on all CPU Cadet and Cadette’s uniforms.

All tactical and theoretical inspections are temporarily suspended at this time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.