Zamboanga City will be the launching site for the first-ever Philippine Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games slated end of August this year.

This, as Zamboanga City won the bid for the holding of the Mindanao leg of the said event that will be organized by the Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Mayor John Dalipe, who confidently submitted the city’s bid to host the event, expressed elation that the city was selected to host yet another national sports competition which will help boost Zamboanga City’s economy and tourism.

The Philippine ROTC Games or PRG “aims to revitalize the ROTC program through the holding of an annual sports competition featuring duly-enrolled ROTC cadets.” Its objectives include to encourage the development of sports programs, promote physical education, foster self-discipline, teamwork, excellence, and to train young athletes for international competitions, as well as to supplement the grassroots program for the youth.

Former City Councilor and PRISAA National Executive Director Elbert ‘Bong’ Atilano said sone 2,500 athletes from various areas in Mindanao will converge in the city for the said event.

Representatives from the PSC led by Anna Ruiz are in the city for an ocular inspection of the facilities to be used and to meet with Mayor Dalipe to discuss other details for the hosting of the event. The PRG will include 7 games – 3×3 basketball (Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex and Pilar College gym; arnis (City Coliseum in Tetuan); athletics (JEMSC); boxing (WMSU covered court); kick boxing (ZPPSU covered court); volleyball women (ZPPSU gym and JEMSC) and E-sports (online) to be played at the WMSU gym. (Sheila Covarrubias) (photo credits: Hermie Ventura/ Kathy Wee Sit)