IT was like a mini Paris Olympics this past weekend at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) as they celebrated International Youth Day.
Led by the National Youth Commission (NYC), cadets from the PNPA, PMA, Philippine Marine Merchant Academy, Philippine Navy, ROTC cadets, and Sangguniang Kabataan officials from various parts of the country joined the event, which kicked off with a silent drill presentation by the PNPA cadets.
The cadets demonstrated their discipline, evident in their posture, uniforms, and routines.
Ronald Cardema, chairman of the National Youth Commission, intentionally brought ROTC cadets and SK officials to the PNPA.
“We urge the youth of the nation to stand as leaders. Encourage our young people to be disciplined. Train, defend the country, especially in disaster preparedness, and resist NPA recruitment among the youth,” according to Usec. Ronald Cardema, Chairman, National Youth Commission.
In addition to military training, the delegates also participated in friendship games.
They also showcased their skills in tug-of-war.
Since Undersecretary Cardema took office, NYC’s programs have been pro-PNP and AFP, especially in raising awareness among the youth that joining the ROTC is not wrong.
Vice President Sara Duterte is one of those advocating for the return of mandatory ROTC in schools.
Meanwhile, the delegates also tried basic gun firing.
The Keepers Club International also actively participated in the activities.
The Keepers Club is one of NYC’s partners in youth programs.
They were trained by Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, the founder of the Keepers Club, which has long been offering free music lessons in schools.
“We are here today to support International Youth Day. We stand with the Filipino people, especially the students and cadets, who truly bring honor to our country, the Philippines,” Maricar Flores, Keepers Club Int’l Cavite said.
The Keepers Club also held a question and answer session with Undersecretary Cardema.
The NYC assured that their partnership with the Keepers Club would continue regardless of who becomes the Chairman.
“We always say that the youth is the hope of the nation, but if these youth lack discipline, lack love for the country, lack training, or even basic orientation in nation-building, how can they be relied upon by the nation, let alone by their own families, right? So, we bring them closer to government troops because we know they are disciplined, they are the ones defending our country, fighting against the NPA,” Cardema added.
