ZAMBOANGA CITY — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte attended the opening of the Philippines Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games here Sunday.

Duterte thanked Senator Francis Tolentino and the team behind the Philippines ROTC Games 2023, saying it demonstrates the indomitable spirit of Filipinos.

“This shows your commitment to participate in nation-building,” she said.

“Thank you for showing that there is hope — na may pag-asa at maaasahan tayo sa ating mga kabataan,” she added.

She also congratulated the 10 competing teams.

The Games was a brainchild of Sen. Tolentino. It was launched last December through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by representatives of the Department of National Defense (DND), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)

Last week, it had its successful inaugural tournament in Iloilo City.

The Mindanao leg will run from August 27 until September 2. OVP MEDIA