From compliance to commitment: CatSU ROTC grads told to lead in real life, not just in formation
NSTP“You are not the end product of ROTC—you are the starting point of something bigger.” Catanduanes State University (CatSU) OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. struck both challenge and clarity as he addressed 346 graduates of the Basic ROTC program during the ROTC Graduation and Turnover of Command Ceremony held May 26, with 30 first class cadets and 20 end class cadets completing their final leg of training. With MAJ Renato T. Gianan (INF) PA as the guest of honor, the ceremony marked not just a turnover of saber and command but also of civic duty—one that Barba stressed must live beyond the parade ground. “Let’s get real. Maraming sumali sa ROTC hindi agad dahil sa tapang,” he said. “Minsan, dahil required. Minsan, dahil barkada. O minsan… kasi hindi kasya sa schedule ang NSTP Literacy Training.” But Barba said what began as compliance has now become a symbol of commitment. “You started with a requirement, and now you're graduating with a responsibility,” he declared. The event, held at the university auditorium, also witnessed the symbolic Saber Turnover and Ceremonial Entry of New Reservists, traditions that signify continuity and readiness to serve. Barba reminded the cadets that real life offers no formations, and no drills—just moments that test one's values when no one is watching. “In life, there’s no ‘ready front, march!’ before you enter a job. Walang ‘at ease’ kapag nasasaktan. But the mindset? You’ve built it here,” he said. He framed ROTC as one of the few programs in the country that doesn’t just train young people to salute—but to serve. “ROTC ang isa sa kakaunti kung saan tinuturuan hindi lang sumunod, kundi manindigan. Hindi lang mag-martsa, kundi magmahal sa bayan.” With nearly 14 million Filipinos aged 15 to 24, Barba posed a challenge: how many are trained to lead, to obey when it’s inconvenient, and to step up under pressure? “The saber isn’t passed because someone is strong. It’s passed because someone is willing.” He called on cadets to carry their training beyond ROTC—into homes, workplaces, and communities. “Serve harder. Lead humbler. You are a seed of the next leadership generation. Sana hindi kayo tumubo sa lupa ng yabang o takot, kundi sa lupa ng paglilingkod.”
