FIVE TIMES STRAIGHT. For the fifth consecutive time (since 2002), the Philippine Air Force awards Xavier University PAF-ROTC as the "Department of Air Science and Tactics Unit of the Year."
Words by Stephen J Pedroza
Photos by Rico Magallona
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force, presents this Plaque of Recognition to Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan Department of Air Science and Tactics for having been adjudged as the ‘PAF-ROTC Department of Air Science and Tactics of the Year AY 2016,’” the citation reads.
This year marks the fifth time in a row the Air Force has recognized XU’s PAF-ROTC, officially known as the 801st Department of Air Science and Tactics (DAST) group, as “PAF Ready Reserve DAST Unit of the Year.”
Eighth Air Reserve Center commanding officer Lt Col Gaudencio M Lauron III PAF (GSC), XU PAF-ROTC commandant Cpt Jaclaine Lennor R Barra PAF, and assistant commandant 2Lt Joel E Lagaya PAF, along with XU PAF-ROTC cadets presented the plaque to XU president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ on Tuesday, July 19.
“Congratulations! We are very pleased and happy that we got this award for five times straight,” greeted Yap.
The XU president considers this recognition as a joint victory between XU and the 8th Air Reserve Center of the Philippine Air Force.
The award, signed by AFP Lt Gen Edgar R Fallorina, was given on June 27 at the Col Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. Newly-installed President Rodrigo R Duterte, on July 5, led the recognition of outstanding PAF personnel and units on the occasion of the service branch’s 69th anniversary, held at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.
“My challenge now to XU PAF-ROTC is to improve their existing programs, to exceed their efforts,” said XU PAF-ROTC commandant Barra.
“I advise them to maintain their discipline, the highest standard of discipline. They should not be blinded by the awards they are getting,” she added.
Through their collective efforts, XU PAF-ROTC conducted several programs in their partner communities, such as in the relocations sites in Lumbia and Sitio Calaanan where they held a feeding project and distributed school supplies to children.
Aside from their rigorous physical training every week, the cadets of Xavier have also joined in various leadership and formation seminars and workshops, including honing their interpersonal and financial management skills.
XU has a total population of ROTC cadets and officers that is composed of more than 500 students, according to Barra. However, it would be a challenge to recruit more cadets this year and the next due to the implementation of the senior high school program wherein there will be no college freshmen enrollees for two school years.
COURTESY CALL. PAF officers and XU PAF-ROTC cadets meet with XU president Fr Roberto C Yap SJ on July 19.
Awards and recognitions are not new to XU PAF-ROTC.
In February 2015, the XU PAF-ROTC emerged as the champion in the tactical inspection of schools under the 8th Air Reserve Center covering Surigao, Butuan, and Dinagat Islands.
With his remarkable accomplishments and active community involvement, AFP named XU’s Cadet Lt Col Jan Rogie G Macandili as the “Male ROTC Cadet of 2014.” Former President Benigno C Aquino III bestowed the award to Macandili during the 79th founding anniversary celebration of the AFP at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. He is currently participating in an intensive exchange training with the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom.
(READ: ROTC Cadet of the Year: ‘Do your best even in small things’)
In September 2014, the Office of the Chief of Staff of the AFP also awarded Xavier as the country’s “Top ROTC Unit of the Year” during their 35th National Reservist Week Celebration at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. XU received the same award from the AFP in 2013.
For Barra, beyond their accolades, it remains an imperative for the XU cadets to develop the passion for serving the country and the Filipino people with honor.
“I would like to advise them to instill a great sense of patriotism,” said Barra. “We need to show the university and the country that we have won these awards, not just because of our community programs but also, and more importantly, because of our discipline and attitude. Let’s show that with XU PAF-ROTC, there is a difference in our upbringing.” ∎
SERVICE AND HONOR. PAF officers and XU PAF-ROTC cadets strike a pose in front of the University Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary together with their fifth plaque of recognition as the "PAF-ROTC Department of Air Science and Tactics of the Year."