By Karren Jay G. Asgar

On July 11, 2026, Cadet Raj Mohan M. Pescasiosa, 2nd Class, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering student under the Central Philippine University College of Engineering, received the Academic Proficiency Award after graduating as the top performer in the Advance ROTC Academic Phase Training (ARAPT) MS 31–32 Class 2026.

The Graduation and Closing Ceremony for the ARAPT MS 31–32 Class was held at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) Dingle Campus and facilitated by the 6th Regional Community Defense Group (6RCDG), Reserve Command, Philippine Army.

The ceremony was led by 6RCDG Group Commander COL Edralin L. Poblete ART (GSC) PA, with Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., CESO VI, President of ISUFST Dingle Campus, serving as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. The event was attended by military officials, Community Defense Center directors, training staff, parents, and graduating cadets.

Pescasiosa ranked first among 900 students who completed the Advance ROTC Academic Phase Training conducted from June 27 to July 11, 2026, earning a general average of 98.17 percent.

The Academic Proficiency Award recognizes trainees who demonstrated outstanding academic performance throughout the training program. As the top graduate, Pescasiosa was recognized alongside other outstanding cadets, including Cadet Sophia Marie B. De Dios of Capiz State University, who ranked second, and Cadet Rowela Mariel R. Morong of the University of San Agustin, who ranked third.

During the ceremony, officials highlighted the importance of discipline, integrity, leadership, and patriotism instilled through the ARAPT program, encouraging the graduates to carry these values as they continue their roles in serving the community and the nation.

Pescasiosa’s achievement reflects the discipline, dedication, and commitment of Centralians in pursuing academic excellence while developing leadership and service-oriented values through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.