CPU Cross Swords Fraternity celebrates its Golden Anniversary
Brig. General Jerry Jalandoni (2nd from right)
shakes hands with City Councilor Erwin Plagata
during the Golden Anniversary celebration of CPU
ROTC's Cross Swords Fraternity last Saturday.
A.CHRIS FERNANDEZ photo
The Cross Swords Fraternity of Central Philippine University celebrated its 50th or Golden Anniversary last Saturday, September 1. The fraternity was founded in 1957 with the late Alexander Confesor as one of its founding members.
Membership to the fraternity is exclusive to cadet officers (both basic and advance) who take up the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Central Philippine University. From their ranks many became career military and police officers who distinguished themselves in the battlefield, while others who preferred civilian life equally excelled in their chosen fields.
The celebration which was timed with the 102nd observance of CPU's founding was highlighted by a Testimonial Luncheon in honor of the fraternity's third General in the person of Brig. General Jerry Jalandoni of the Philippine Army, who is now the Chief, AFP Bids and Awards of the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The two other Cross Swords members who became generals ahead of him are Major Gen. Cicero Castellano of the Air Force and Major Gen. Ignacio Illenberger of the Philippine Marines. Gen. Jalandoni is a member of ROTC Advance Class 1974 and was Vice Fraternity Commander during his time.
The fraternity made history for CPU ROTC when it earned the coveted Unit Merit Badge after having been adjudged as the "Best Army ROTC Unit" in the whole Philippines in 1983. The award was presented by the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM).
An officer of the Cross Swords Fraternity lamented that as of 2004, ROTC is no longer offered as a course in CPU, thus creating a dearth in the ranks of able-minded military officers in the near future.
He said, the move to revive the ROTC in CPU is always alive among Cross Swords alumni worldwide.
"Yet the revival of ROTC has remained elusive for four years now since influential sectors in the CPU community are rabidly opposed to the plan," the official said.
At least 400 students each year express their desire to avail of CPU's excellent military training but their plea seem to fall on deaf ears.