Fr. Bayal, NROTC officers conferred new ranks
Date Posted: March 2, 2020 at 08:00 AM

Military personnel from Adamson U and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) paraded at the SV Building Facade as the University witnessed the donning of ranks on Fr. Andrew Bayal, CM, and the presentation of new cadets and sponsors of the 246th Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) this morning.
Fr. Bayal was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR), and was put in-charge of the newly-established 722nd Marine Reserve Company, the first Marine reserve unit in the country.
LCDR. Reimon Retaga, Commander of the 246th NROTC of Adamson U, Col. Roberto Emmanuel Feliciano, Commander of the 7th Marine Brigade Reserve, and Brigadier General (BGen.) Ariel Caculitan, Commander of the Naval Reserve Command, and the event’s guest of honor and speaker led the donning of rank ceremonies.
Now LCDR. Bayal, the University’s Vice President for Student Affairs, and Director of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) had nothing but words of optimism, gratitude, and humility as he takes on his new position.
“This rank is a reminder to serve amid all challenges. Huwag kayong mawawala, I need your support. Tao lang ako, nagkakamali,” he said. “Thank you to all, God will bless you a hundred fold.”
Fr. Bayal also revealed that the feat almost coincided with the 17th anniversary of his presbyteral ordination.
“I am a soldier of Christ, of God, and I am also a soldier of our country. I am living what the saying Pro Deo et Patria,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, CM, University President, advised his priestly brother that his position in the military would influence his post in the University through the integration of discipline in making Adamsonians responsible citizens of the country.
Meanwhile, new Cadet corps and sponsors who will lead the University’s NROTC command were also presented to the newly-installed Commander and the attending Philippine Navy Officers.
BGen. Caculitan, in his keynote speech, reiterated the importance of ROTC, especially with matters concerning national defense.
“Wala namang tao o bansa na gustong magkaroon ng away o giyera pero isang katotohanan sa mundong ginagalawan natin, palaging may giyera at palaging may mga biktima – mga bata, kababaihan, matatanda – mga sibilyan,” he said.
Mentioning memories he heard from the stories of veterans from the war against the Japanese, he reflected on the possibilities if they were trained under the ROTC.
“From stories of the veterans, they were defenseless against the atrocities, if they were trained, they could have fought for our country,” he said. “When this country comes under attack, everyone rises to defend her. ‘Di mo lang ipinagtatanggol ang sarili mo, kun’di ang kasarinlan, ang iyong mga mahal sa buhay at ang ating bansa... We must assure that we have a stable and secure country.”
The AFP General further discussed the benefits that ROTC may provide to those who participate in such training.
“Sa military, ibang antas ang disiplina – “Obey first before you complain” – tinuturuan gumawa ng tama kahit walang nakakakita; tinuturuang maging matiyaga,” he stated. “Whatever career you pursue, you’ll be successful because you have that character.”