Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University’s National Service Training Program (NSTP) successfully held the commencement exercises for its Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) trainees and the joint closing ceremony for the Basic Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), Cadet Officers’ Qualifying Course, and Military Science 42 at the University Convention Center on May 16, 2026.
Among the attendees were university officials, NSTP coordinators, and military personnel, members of the Administrative Council, and parents who gathered to recognize the achievements of the trainees.
The event was divided into two gatherings: the CWTS commencement exercises were held in the morning, while the joint closing ceremony for the ROTC cadets took place in the afternoon.
CWTS Commencement Exercises
The NSTP Office conferred a total of 2,983 CWTS completers/graduates who were incorporated into the CMU School-Based National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) Unit as new NSRC reservists under the Office of Disaster Risk Reduction Management.
The NSTP Director, Prof. Heherson B. Guinto, commended the CWTS trainees for fulfilling their duties not only as students but also as young citizens answering the nation’s call. “We hope that what you have learned and experienced here does not end with your certificate. May the spirit of national service, volunteerism, and civic responsibility you have cultivated continue with you wherever life takes you,” Prof. Guinto said in his welcome remarks.
Serving as the guest speaker, Hon. Atty. Jose Joel P. Doromal, Municipal Mayor of Maramag, represented by Ms. Gloriette Jane M. Noynay, Executive Assistant, emphasized that the NSTP-CWTS Program was never designed simply to comply with the law or fulfill a curriculum requirement; rather, it seeks to cultivate in every young Filipino the spirit of volunteerism, compassion, discipline, preparedness, and love of country.
“May you, the CWTS graduates, continue to embody the values of resilience, discipline, volunteerism, and genuine concern for others that this program has instilled in you,” Ms. Noynay asserted.
Moreover, the NSTP-CWTS graduates received certificates of completion, while student leaders, Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC) Special Awardees, and Annual NSTP Performance Evaluation (ANPE) Awardees were also recognized.
ROTC Joint Closing Ceremony
A total of 880 ROTC Basic Cadets took their oath as newly incorporated reservists into the Philippine Army Reserve Force, while 15 First Class ROTC Cadet Officers graduated from Advanced Military Science 42.
In her message, Ms. Noynay highlighted that ROTC is not only about marching, commands, or military exercises, but also about developing character and instilling values that society urgently needs today, such as sacrifice, responsibility, teamwork, patriotism, resilience, and love of country.
“May you, the ROTC cadets, become leaders who inspire trust, not fear; leaders who unite, not divide; and leaders who remain grounded in service no matter how high they rise in life,” Ms. Noynay added.
Moreover, Col. Bernard T. Ragus FS (GSC) PA, the Group Commander of 10RCDG, RCPA, who served as the keynote speaker, pointed out that the ROTC program has served as one of the platforms where young Filipinos are taught the importance of nation-building, civic duty, disaster response, leadership, and responsible citizenship beyond military concepts.
“To the graduates, your uniform may one day be removed, but the values you learned must remain permanently woven into your character,” Col. Ragus said.
Meanwhile, University President Rolito G. Eballe congratulated the graduates and encouraged the CWTS graduates to continue the culture of service through the creation of a college-based reserve force composed of CWTS graduates who remain connected to the ideals of nation-building, disaster preparedness, environmental stewardship, public safety, and community development.
In addition, Dr. Eballe also acknowledged the ROTC cadets’ commitment to service. “We at Central Mindanao University are truly proud of you. Every formation, every sleepless preparation, every correction, every hardship, and every lesson you experienced helped shape you into stronger and more dependable future leaders,” Dr. Eballe remarked. [Mary Jane D. Bravo with information from the Office of National Service Training Program]
