Visayas leg BACOLOD – Given a glimpse of actual boot camp, Iloilo Science and Technology University Army cadets and Western Visayas State University-Lambunao Air Force cadets topped the initial raiders’ competition of the Philippine ROTC Games at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University campus here Wednesday.
Capped by the fifth and last truck pushing event, the ISAT-U Army campaigners groaned and grunted their way to the top of their ranks in a cumulative time of 39.40 minutes of the meet supported by the Department of National Defense and Commission on Higher Education.
The WVSU-Lambunao Air Force standard-bearers were even stronger in pushing the 14-seater KM450 military transport and cargo truck over the 50-meter course and took top honors in the five-event contest with an aggregate time of 37.32 minutes of the sportsfest also backed by the Philippine Sports Commission.
“Masayang-masaya kami at nanalo dahil sa teamwork and discipline ng team namin,” said ISAT-U team leader Jeremy Jan Threz Jouilon of the squad’s success that included members Ariel Pama, Alex Eumag Jr, Andrea Panaguiton, Aumar Floyd Quilarto, Francis Quioyo, Jay Mar Casipe, Joan Bayas and RB Jhon Parma.
His joy and excitement was shared by WVSU-Lambunao team leader Jemmy Legario in the meet also backed by the Bacolod City government led by Mayor Albee Benitez.
“Talagang masaya po panalo pong ito nagawa namin dahil sa kooperasyon ng lahat,” said Legario, who also credited team members Mary Love Dongor, John Kenneth Guilaran, Anabella Faith Caro, Romnick Pregua, Rogen Caspillo, Christian Dorey Casten, John Salvaloza and Karl Adrian Subaldo.
“Some events don’t require strength but rely more on cooperation, coordination and teamwork among members,” noted Maj. Roberto Bolosan of the AFP Special Services who oversaw the inaugural obstacle race.
“The other events also give the cadet athletes the chance to get a glimpse of what it is really like to be in a regular boot camp for recruits and soldiers,” added Bulosan of the contest that also includes the physical fitness challenge, one rope bridge, team run and tire flip events.
Having his day in the sun at Panaad Park and Sports Complex was Air Force cadet Rome Jhed dela Cruz Ojeno of the University of San Jose-Recoletos in posting a golden treble in adding the men’s century dash and 4×400-meter relay on top of the men’s long jump title he earlier won.
A bronze medalist in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa held in Davao, Ojeno cleared the 6.32 meters for the long jump gold, was the fastest man in the century dash in his unit in 10.9 seconds and was a member of the victorious relay squad also composed of Romeo Constancio, David Paul Balagat, and John Lloyd Cahilig (3:40.10) Ojeno’s teammate, Marla Jean Bacaro, clocked 13.5 seconds as the UNO-R made a sweep of the 100-meter race in the competition backed by the Bacolod City government led by Mayor Albee Benitez.
Carlo Hilado Memorial State University-Alijis also struck with a golden double in the 100-meter sprint as Army bets Ryan Panique Jr. (11.8) and Princess Joy Gildore (13.7) wound up on top of their respective divisions.
The host school also reason to rejoice after Army cadette Bea Mae Tilde heaved 6.21 meters in ruling the women’s shot put.
Over at the SM Mall Bacolod City, cadettes Kyla Omega dela Torre of Capiz State University, Bago Central Colleges’ Jacklyn Emilia Tornea and Iloilo State University Fisheries and Technology’s Roperly Mae Bagnero were tops in women’s anyo in the Army, Air Force and Navy, respectively.
