GUEST COLUMNIST

By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos

 

The UP Vanguard celebrated its 102nd Homecoming Anniversary on May 25, 2024, at the UP campus, marking over a century of service, leadership, and dedication to the principles of duty, honor, and country. The event was highlighted by a parade and review held at the Sunken Garden, featuring the UP ROTC cadets and turnover ceremonies for the incoming and outgoing corps commanders. This symbolic event signifies the succession of leadership, ensuring the continuous infusion of vibrant and relevant leadership in the military tradition. The presiding officer and guest of honor and speaker was AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., emphasizing that in the arena of management, no one is indispensable.

The UP Vanguard Fraternity Inc., an organization composed of advanced ROTC graduates and basic ROTC graduates who have earned a UP academic degree, has a rich history of strengthening its membership. Many of its members have become generals, admirals, captains of industry, judiciary members, and government officials. Notable members include former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, former Supreme Court Justice Fred Ruiz, and four former chiefs of staff: Generals Rigoberto Atienza, Alfredo Santos, Romeo Espino, and Fabian C. Ver. These individuals have played significant roles in shaping the political and military history of the Philippines. Gen. Brawner, a member himself, embodies the principles of duty, honor, country: Duty well performed, honor untarnished, and country above self.

Gen. Brawner's message at the event was both firm and unequivocal. He called on each member of the UP Vanguard to join in the critical endeavor of revitalizing the ROTC program and strengthening the ready reserve force. These initiatives are vital for developing disciplined, capable, and patriotic citizens, as well as for enhancing the nation's resiliency and security. His message is particularly timely and relevant in light of the present and developing conflicts surrounding the West Philippine Sea that threaten the national sovereignty and integrity of the Philippines. The development of a ready reserve force is the most practical and expedient option under the current circumstances, as the acquisition of war materials remains a distant dream. Dependence on defense alliances with major powers only marginalizes the resolve to fight for the country. The reactions of the military and coast guard to the ambitious positioning of the Chinese coast guard, which harasses Filipino fishermen, reflect an insecure posture, devoid of psychological muscle to convey a message to the Chinese that the Philippines is serious about its purpose. The nation cannot remain a whipping boy forever.

The UP ROTC pioneered military training for college students in 1912, setting a model national service program that other colleges and universities followed. UP ROTC cadets, among the best and brightest breed of Filipino youth, benefit from an education founded on leadership, excellence, and service. Despite past controversies and criticisms, the ROTC Program has not outlived its purpose. Gen. Brawner's speech must serve as a strong reminder and rallying point. the ready reserve force is intended to provide the base for the expansion of the AFP in the event of war, invasion, or rebellion, and to assist in relief and rescue during disasters and natural calamities. The country no longer has sufficient officers and enlisted personnel to render military service when warranted by national circumstances, whether in response to a national security threat or emergency.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has repeatedly stated that the Philippines will not yield the West Philippine Sea and will defend it at all costs. This year's theme, "100 years and onward, the legacy continues," highlights the UP Vanguard's consistent role in the country's history. It established the foundation of the reserve force concept, which became the template for other universities and colleges nationwide. As the premier ROTC alumni association in the country, the UP Vanguard stands as a model that rationalizes the importance of the ROTC Program. The theme is a clarion call to continue the momentum of service, leadership, and excellence.

The golden and silver jubilarians belong to the Classes of 1974 and 1999, respectively. Members of both classes have demonstrated worthy accomplishments in their personal and professional lives, embodying the motto of duty, honor, country. This year's awardees include Vanguards Joseph Barrameda (business and education), Marcelino Cadag (medicine), Gilbert Reyes (law), Vicente Reyes (education), and Astrolito del Castillo (business and finance). The UP Oblation award was received by Vanguard Mudjeekeewis Santos, a multi-awarded marine biology and fishery scientist recognized for his work in utilizing genetics, resource assessment, and policy studies to support fisheries management and aquaculture for food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. Vanguard Atty. Romulo Lumauig (deceased) was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a public servant, legislator, and chairman of the Commission on National Integration.

Vanguard General Jose Magno was acknowledged as the oldest living Vanguard at the age of 94. He represents the few Filipinos who have led honorable and productive lives as professionals of the highest order, attending almost all major Vanguard activities.

The homecoming was a clarion call to the nation to return to the basics. It is a message to the political leadership that is loud and clear: Act now or perish. This anniversary serves as a potent reminder of the enduring values of duty, honor, and country, urging all members to continue their legacy of excellence and service for the nation’s future.

(Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos served with distinction as a military professional, 42nd Commanding Gen. Philippine Army, 1st Force Commander, UN Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, former member, UP Board of Regents and Professorial Lecturer II (part-time), UP-Diliman.)