AC Inc. held its first-ever National Service Training Program (NSTP) orientation with the recurring theme for the President’s incumbency: “The Time for Bridging Leadership: The ACians as Change Agents and Faithful Stewards in a Learning Community amidst an Uncertain and Complex World.”
With the orientation came the invitation of the dean of the School of Criminology and concurrent director of the NSTP Jose B. Omingle to students to pursue advanced Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) training as AC Inc established the first ROTC unit in its history.
Nelson M. Agustin, CWTS teacher and director of Alumni Affairs and Placement, underscored the profound impact of this training on individuals in becoming responsible citizens who are able to make ethical choices, lead with integrity and empathy, and protect the sovereignty of our beloved nation.
The College President, Rev. Dr. Micah Ryan B. Ramel, for his part, succinctly described the role of the bridging leadership framework in the long-term solution to conflict and the institutionalization of peace. A reservist himself, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel in the AFPRESCOM Corps of Professors, Rev. Dr. Ramel spoke about the virtue of discipline in overcoming personal struggles and called for the need for collective trust and action in the event of emergencies, disasters, and exigent circumstances.
Furthermore, with the establishment of the ROTC unit on campus, Chaplain Rev. Arvie P. Estabillo, together with the officers of the Philippine Army present, student leaders, and members of the administration, conducted the blessing of spaces designated for the use of the unit which included the offices of the Commandant, the Assistant Commandant, Chief Clerk, Cadet Officers, the armory among others. These were mostly located in the Heritage Administration Building (HAB) which holds a special place in the history of Aldersgate College Inc. as the home of past leaders whose vision this generation of ACians proudly stands upon. With the opening of its doors to the corps commanders of the ROTC and the student councils, Rev. Dr. Ramel firmly believes that these young leaders “connect to the past, harness their legacy of leadership, and look into the future not by their own strength and wisdom, but that of the Great Architect of the Universe.”
