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BS Philosophy student receives the AFP ROTC Male Cadet of the Year title

by Kassandra Buenafe, OfCom | Jan 16 2024

Among the 15 Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) representatives from all over the country, third-year BS Philosophy student, Cadet Colonel Alsadjaik Y Sabdul First Class, was declared by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as the 2023 AFP Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Male Cadet of the Year.

This feat was a surprise according to Sabdul because he initially applied for the cash incentive allowance for the Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) Scholarship. His qualification for the scholarship opened the doors for him to be eligible to apply for Cadet of the Year. The 10th RCDG chose him to be the representative for the selection.

The adjudging was carefully done by deliberating their performances in three aspects— interview, training, and recommendation. In one of his interviews with the Generals, he highlighted the importance of one’s knowledge of World Geopolitics. 

Sabdul also underwent Advanced ROTC Academic Phase Training in July 2023 where he both did physical and academic preparations.

Sabdul is the son of a late soldier and he acknowledges that his father’s character is relevant in forging the person that he is right now. When asked about the importance of ROTC in our status quo, Sabdul believes that it is necessary for readiness in unpredicted chaos. 

During an interview, Sabdul said that he wants to continue serving the country at a young age while pursuing the path he wants to take with a Philosophy degree. According to Sabdul, studying philosophy has greatly helped him in his perspective and attitude toward ROTC.

“Being a Philosophy student, it’s not just about questioning the system but also understanding why the system happens and why it’s continuing” he said. He further added that while the principle of the military is to comply and serve, being a cadet with a background in philosophy influences one to be more critical. 

He hopes that being the Cadet of the Year will shift some perspectives on the military and will paint the picture that someone embodying the IITian values can be part of this field as well. He wants to work in the academe when he graduates. 

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