Samar Colleges, Inc. (SC) formally concluded its National Service Training Program–Reserve Officers Training Corps (NSTP-ROTC) for the Academic Year 2024–2025, recognizing 464 student-completers during a closing ceremony held on May 28, 2025, at the SC Quadrangle.

Of the 464 completers, 443 were Basic ROTC Cadets while 21 were Advanced ROTC Cadets. This year’s ceremony was held under the theme, “Army 2040: World-Class, Multi-Mission Ready, Cross-Domain Capable.”

The event was graced by key officials and military personnel including Col. Arlino L. Sendaydiego GSC (MI) PA, Chief of Staff of the 8th Infantry Division, who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Other notable attendees included Sgt. Nova C. Ballentos PA (RES), 2LT Jerry S. Mabag PA (RES), Assistant Commandant; Col. Raymundo C. Picut Jr. GSC (INF) PA, Commandant; Mr. Roque D. Villarin, NSTP Coordinator; LTC Jojit M. Casino PA (RES), Battalion Commander of the 803rd RRIBn; and Cadet Sheilla Aluyog 2CL.

The ceremony opened with welcome remarks from 2LT Mabag, who also formally presented the completers. This was followed by the official declaration of participants for closing by Col. Picut Jr.

Certificates and awards were distributed to outstanding cadets and completers, led by Col. Sendaydiego, alongside Mr. Villarin and Col. Picut Jr. In his message, Mr. Villarin commended the cadets’ perseverance and encouraged them to continue embodying leadership and civic responsibility beyond their training.

Col. Sendaydiego delivered an inspirational address, emphasizing the importance of discipline, service, and leadership among today’s youth. He challenged the completers to become agents of peace and nation-building in their communities.

The ceremonial turnover of new reservists and their official oath-taking was facilitated by Col. Picut Jr. and administered by LTC Casino, formally marking their readiness to serve as future leaders and defenders of the nation.

The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) is a component of the NSTP that aims to prepare students for service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, instilling values of patriotism, leadership, discipline, and national defense.

Through NSTP-ROTC, SC continues to fulfill its mission of developing responsible citizens equipped with the skills and values needed to lead, serve, and contribute to a safer, more secure, and peaceful Philippines.