MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — More than 600 Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets from colleges and universities across Northern Mindanao graduated from the Advance ROTC Academic Phase Training (ARAPT) on Thursday, June 25, strengthening the region’s pool of trained reservists and future leaders.

The graduates completed ARAPT 31–32 and ARAPT 41–42 Batch 2-2026 under the 10th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) of the Philippine Army Reserve Command.

Army officials said the training equips cadets with leadership skills, discipline, civic responsibility, and disaster-response readiness — qualities needed during emergencies and community service operations.

The graduation ceremony featured a military parade and the first-ever Silent Drill Exhibition during an RSCT-ARAPT graduation, showcasing the cadets’ precision, teamwork, and discipline through synchronized movements without verbal commands.

Guest of Honor Col. Ryan Charles G. Callanta, commander of the 1st Mindanao Army Training Group, urged the graduates to uphold integrity, patriotism, and selfless service as future reservists and community leaders.

Lt. Col. Wilmar Jun Daraog, ARAPT training director, said the program aims to produce disciplined and resilient leaders capable of serving both the nation and local communities.

“They will carry with them the lessons of integrity and service,” Daraog said.

Local government officials, partner schools, and private sector representatives attended the ceremony to recognize the graduates’ achievement.

Speaking for the graduates, ARAPT Class 41–42 President 1st Class Cadet Bea Balcueva of Tagoloan Community College thanked the training staff for helping cadets overcome the physical and mental demands of the program.

Despite hardships and sacrifices, Balcueva said the cadets remained committed to finishing the course with honor.

“Bisan lisod ang panahon, kita ra gihapon paboran puhon,” she said, expressing hope that their sacrifices would eventually pay off.


She also encouraged fellow graduates to apply the values they learned and become responsible leaders in their future assignments.


“Unta atong ma-apply ang tanan natong natun-an sa atong training ug mahimong maayong ehemplo sa atong mga future subordinates,” Balcueva said.