UP’s ROTC cadets mobilized for COVID-19 response

The University of the Philippines (UP) Vanguard Inc. has mobilized the university’s Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets and alumni for COVID-19 response efforts.

Cadets have been helping in the feeding program and in the distribution of hygiene kits to students stranded in UP campuses in Diliman, Los Banos, and Baguio, said Guido Delgado, national commander of the UP  Vanguard.

At the Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday, Delgado said the UP Vanguard has also mobilized funds for the acquisition of 500 hazmat suits, 800 isolation suits, and masks for use by frontliners.

He said they mobilized cadets through UP’s Department of Military Science and Tactics and also called upon alumni who are members of the UP Vanguard.

Delgado said they have contact persons in hospitals such as the Philippine Heart Center and the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, as well as in the provinces to facilitate the distribution of their acquired personal protective equipment.

He said the UP Vanguard is heeding the call of President Rodrigo Duterte, who has urged ROTC trainees to help in distributing relief packs to families affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

“I’m calling upon mga ROTC, get in touch with the DSWD doon sa mga siyudad. Just give your accreditation, maybe an ID at makatulong kayo,” the President said in a televised address last week.

The UP Vanguard is a non-stock, non-profit corporation composed of UP graduates who finished the UP ROTC advance course, or those who finished the basic course provided that they are commissioned military officers with the minimum rank of captain, or are sponsored by at least five members in good standing.

It has more than 2,000 members, according to its website.—AOL, GMA News

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