A FIRST year A.B. English Studies student was adjudged champion in the 7th Regional Philippine Army ROTC Speech Contest held at the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City, Aug. 12. 

Cadette Margareth U. Yabes bested seven other contestants from community defense centers in Region I and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The competition revolved on the theme:  “ROTC:  Developing the youth as responsible, competent, and patriotic leaders.”

As champion, Yabes will represent the 1st Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command in the national competition to be held tentatively at the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City, Sept. 21-24.

The competition is held every year to generate a higher level of awareness on the significance of the ROTC program for leadership development and citizenship training.  It also aims to develop appreciation on the value of effective communication as a tool for personality enhancement.

Professors Constante S. Salasac and Arsenio T. Gallego served as Yabes’ coach and co-coach, respectively.