May 30, 2024 – the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) held a joint graduation ceremony for the Cadet Officers Qualifying Course (COQC) Class 2024, Basic ROTC Class 2024, and Advance ROTC Class 2024. The ceremony, attended by 293 graduates composed of 3 Advance ROTC cadets, 40 COQC Cadet Officers, and 250 Basic Cadets.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Ms. Norma T. Barbasa, ASCOT NSTP Director. Following this, Cpl Marc Joel F. Tamayo (QMS) PA, Assistant Admin NCO presented the graduating students. The formal declaration of graduates was made by 2LT Carlito Valdez AGS PA (RES) Bn S1 of 307th RRIBn. ASCOT President Renato G. Reyes then took the stage to award certificates and honors to the graduates.

The ceremony continued with the turnover of the newly enlisted reservists, led by Mr. Joeben A. Fontanos, ROTC Coordinator and accepted by 2LT Mark Jerson Rios PA (RES) Training Officer at ASCOT. The Oath of Allegiance was administered by SSg Felix Sanchez, Sergeant Major of the 307th RRIBn, followed by the reading of orders by SSg Miller Calonge SC PA (Res), ROTC Instructor.

A significant moment of the ceremony was the signing of the Relinquishment Order by the outgoing Corps Commander C/LTC Leoneriss S. Ariola 1CL, followed by the assumption of command by the incoming Corps Commander, C/CPT Mark Roland M. Valino 2CL. The symbolic turnover of the Unit Saber was conducted by 2LT Carlito Valdez AGS PA (RES) Bn S1 of 307th RRIBn, marking the official transfer of leadership.

In his speech, the newly installed Corps Commander, C/CPT Valino, expressed his gratitude and commitment to leading with the values instilled in him by the ROTC program. His remarks were followed by an introduction of the keynote speaker by 2LT Rios.

ASCOT President Renato G. Reyes, serving as the keynote speaker, delivered an inspiring message. In his address, President Reyes emphasized the importance of the values learned during ROTC training. “Let us carry these values—Bayanihan, Malasakit, Katapangan, Pagmamahal sa Bayan, and Pagsusumikap—Let them guide our actions, shape our character, and inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves” President Reyes said. He highlighted how these values are deeply rooted in Filipino culture and are crucial for the graduates as they embark on their future endeavors.

The ceremony concluded with the giving of a memento to ASCOT President Renato Reyes by 2LT Valdez and the singing of the Awit Kawal at Pilipinas Kong Mahal. The event was a celebration of the cadets’ hard work, dedication, and the timeless values that will guide them as future leaders of the nation.