𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐂𝐔 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐂𝐎𝐐𝐂 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐂𝐔 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐂𝐎𝐐𝐂 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫

The Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) Reserve Officers’ Training Corps  Unit (ROTCU) celebrated a triple feat, as it conducted the Joint Graduation Ceremony for the Basic and Advance ROTC Courses, the Closing Ceremony for the Cadet Officer Qualifying Course (COQC) CL 01-2026 “TIBALAN,” and the Turn Over Command Ceremony for the Corps Commander, at the Gilberto O. Teodoro Multi-Purpose Center on 9 May.

With University President Dr. Silverio Ramon DC. Salunson serving as the keynote speaker, the ceremony began with a solemn processional of the TAU ROTCU Cadet Officers, followed by an audio-visual presentation highlighting the arduous training journey of the graduating cadets. 

Sgt Lyle Zhyla Patalod, the ROTC Coordinator, delivered the opening remarks, setting a tone of pride and reflection for the graduates who had completed the rigorous Basic and Advanced ROTC courses. She specifically lauded the intensive COQC, which bore the class name “TIBALAN,” a moniker symbolizing resilience and an indomitable warrior spirit.

A central highlight of the program was the formal presentation and declaration of candidates for graduation. This was followed by the distribution of certificates and the presentation of awards to outstanding cadets who demonstrated exceptional tactical proficiency and academic merit. LTC Willy P. Jazmin, Commandant, assisted in recognizing the achievements of the newly qualified reservists.

The atmosphere reached a pinnacle of solemnity as the graduates stood in unison to take their Oath of Enlistment, officially transitioning from trainees to vital components of the nation's reserve force.

The ceremony also marked a pivotal transition in student leadership. The turnover of command was initiated with the reading of relief and designation orders, signaling the end of one era and the start of another. The outgoing corps commander delivered a poignant valedictory address, reflecting on the challenges overcome during their tenure, before officially relinquishing command.

The symbolic turnover of the unit saber—passed from the outgoing leader to the presiding officer and finally to the successor—signified the peaceful and orderly transfer of authority.

Following this tradition, C/CPT Chester Jazz R. Mercado assumed command, marking the beginning of his tenure as the new TAU ROTCU Corps Commander.

Col. Leonardo A. Soratos, Director of the 302nd (TLC) Community Defense Center, served as the presiding officer and delivered a message emphasizing that leadership is a continuous journey of service to both the university and the nation. Dr. Joven D. Valdez, National Service Training Program (NSTP) Director, then introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Salunson, who challenged the graduates to embody the core values of discipline, honor, and patriotism in their civilian lives.

“Sa ating mga bagong enlisted reservists na nanumpa ngayong araw: huwag ninyong kalilimutan ang inyong sinumpaan. Ang inyong uniporme ay hindi kasuotan ng kapangyarihan kundi ng pananagutan. Isuot ninyo ito nang may dignidad, at higit sa lahat, isabuhay ninyo ang diwa nito,” Dr. Salunson stated.

The ceremony concluded with the exit of the colors. The event reinforced the enduring partnership between TAU and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in molding a generation of reservists ready to defend the country and serve the Filipino people.