𝐈𝐍𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐀 | 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞

𝐈𝐍𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐀 | 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞

Another milestone was once again achieved by the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) as 2nd Lieutenant Leomar Simon Sugui, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) and a former Corps Commander of TAU Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) from TAU, who is now serving as an active officer of the Philippine Army and Platoon Leader of Charlie Company, 42nd Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division, made a remarkable demonstration of leadership and service in a critical military operation that led to a recovery of ammunitions on 16-17 December 2025 in Barangay Exciban, Labo, Camarines Norte.

2nd Lt. Sugui completed his degree at TAU in 2013, during which he also completed the basic and advanced ROTC courses in AY 2009-2010 and was designated Corps Commander. With his dedication and perseverance, Sugui entered the military service through Republic Act 7077 also known as the “Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act” mandating military training such as ROTC for college students to build a reservist pool.

Through this program, he gained foundational skills in leadership, discipline, and teamwork, which later proved crucial during a high-impact military operation in Camarines Norte, where he led his platoon in the successful recovery of illegal weapons, ammunition, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). 

In collaboration with other Philippine agencies and units, Sugui and his team made a successful two-day operation, preventing any harm while providing protection to the community without any reports of casualties.

“Struggles are part of life but they don't define us. It is how we respond to them that matters. With resilience, determination, and a strong support system, we can turn our struggles into victories,” 2nd Lt. Sugui noted.

He also emphasized that he will continue his dedication to public service with the help of Almighty God and hopes to make a positive impact on the community. “Ang inspirasyon ko para magsikap ay ang Panginoon at ang aking pamilya. Patuloy kong pagsusumikapan ang pagkamit sa aking pangarap para makatulong sa aking kapwa Pilipino and to bring positive change to the community,” he remarked.

He also expressed his gratitude to TAU ROTC for equipping him with the skills that honed his strategic thinking and sense of civic duty.

“TAU ROTC training equipped with skills that helped me today as a soldier, maging sa personal at professional na buhay.” “Ito ay isang mahalagang parte ng edukasyon dahil nagbibigay ng leadership skills, nagtuturo ng disiplina at responsibilidad, nagbibigay ng opportunity na mag serve sa ating bansa, at nagpapatibay ng physical at mental fitness. Ang ROTC ay nakakatulong din sa mga estudyante na mag develop ng mga soft skills na hinahanap ng mga employers, tulad ng teamwork, communication at problem solving,” he also added.

2nd Lt. Sugui’s journey from a TAU ROTC cadet to an active officer demonstrates how foundational training can translate into real-world leadership. The skills he learned during his time at TAU ROTC became crucial when he led his platoon in Camarines Norte, allowing him to make quick, informed decisions under pressure. 

“Para sa mga current students at ROTC cadets ng TAU, palagi kayong magdasal sa Diyos at magtiwala sa Kanyang mga plano, tulad ng nakasaad sa Jeremias 29:11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope in a future.’ Manatili kayong matatag at disiplinado dahil ang inyong training ay maghahanda sa inyo sa mga hamon ng buhay. Gamitin ninyo ang mga skills na natutunan ninyo sa ROTC dahil makakatulong ito sa inyo sa anumang larangan na inyong pipiliin. Huwag ninyong kalimutan ang maglingkod sa bansa at sa inyong komunidad dahil ang inyong serbisyo ay makatutulong sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan at matuto kayong lumaban para sa tama, ngunit huwag ninyong kalimutan ang inyong mga pangarap, sapagkat ang ROTC ay isang daan upang makamit ninyo ang inyong mga layunin sa buhay,” he advised.

2nd Lt. Sugui’s experience highlights not only the importance of military preparedness but also how ROTC cultivates his dedication to service that extends beyond the campus and into the broader community.

Padayon, 2nd Lt. Sugui! Your TAU Family is so proud of you! 

#SmartTAU #GreenandGlobal #ROTC #Reservist #PhilippineArmy #SDG4 #SDG8 #SDG16 #SDG17

Text | Carmina S. Melchor  [Information Unit]  

Photos | Leomar Simon Sugui

Graphics | Omar U. Barauntong [Information Unit]