The U.P. Corps of Sponsors

The U.P. Corps of Sponsors

The Corps of Sponsors is an integral part of the UP ROTC. Initially serving as muses of the Corps, it has evolved and matured into a distinct social adjunct of the Corps of Cadets in various areas. Composed of well-trained females, the Corps of Sponsors are given free instruction and hands-on experience in military training such as first-aid, marksmanship, water training, rappelling, self-defense, and martial arts under the supervision of the Department of Military Science and Tactics.

Sponsors strive to maintain a healthy and professional relationship between the cadets and cadet officers. They act as mediators between the two, keeping morale at a high and serve as the voice of the cadets for any problem they may face during training. Their duties are not limited to training, as they are a socio-civic organization with projects aimed at community service. They are responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and implementing projects that benefit charitable institutions and causes. Through this, they showcase their capabilities to effectively manage time, resources and personnel.

History

In 1912, the same year that Military Training, the precursor of the present ROTC program, was incepted in the University of the Philippines, female students of the University were selected and recruited to serve as the Muses of the regiments, battalions and companies of the UP Corps of Cadets.

When Military Training had been re-designated as the Philippine ROTC Program, the ladies organized as Muses of the Corps were re-designated as the UP ROTC Corps of Sponsors (UPCoS). Nevertheless, the ladies did not wear uniforms, nor did they have ranks.

In 1934, Captain Fidel V. Segundo, US Army, a Filipino graduate of West Point became the Commandant of Cadets of the UP. He was the first Filipino Commandant. He directed that the Corps of Sponsors wear uniforms, and the sponsors wear the rank commensurate with the position and rank of the Cadet Commanders of units of which they were the sponsors. Thus, the Corps Sponsor held the rank of Colonel, the Regimental Sponsors were Lieutenant Colonels, the Battalion Sponsors were Majors and the Company Sponsors were Captains. The quasi-military outlook of the Sponsors gave ideas to military planners for the role of women in the military organization.

As history marched on with the Pre-War, World War and Post-War eras, so did the legacy of the UPCoS flourish. With the establishment of the Commonwealth, the UPCoS trained as part of the Women’s Auxiliary Service. In 1949, the Corps of Sponsors was established in different U.P. units like Los Baños and Baguio.

In 1968, the Sponsors went through special warfare training via the Rainbow Rangerettes, a brainchild of former Sponsors Lorna Verano-Yap and Tina Escueta. From the sixties onwards, the special military training of Sponsors continued, as did their participation and involvement in civic and social action. They have come up with various cultural activities, fundraising campaigns, and socio-civic projects, all geared to the benefit of the young, the aged, the infirm, and other disadvantaged sectors of society. Since then, they have responded to the call of National Service, in various ways demanded by their particular times.

Simultaneous with these activities was their participation in, and support of, University activities and affairs. They have always rendered ushering services at the Lantern Parade and University Commencement Exercises, to name a few.

The U.P. Corps of Sponsors began mainly as a group of muses of the Corps but through the years, it has continued to strive, mature and evolve. It is proud to number among its alumnae many illustrious names in various fields of Philippine society.

The U.P. Corps of Sponsors

Why Be a Sponsor?

Being part of the Department of Military Science and Tactics, the UP Corps of Sponsors are given free instruction and hands-on experience in such special training as first-aid, marksmanship, water training, rappelling, self-defense and martial arts under the supervision of the Department of Military Science and Tactics.

Sponsors act as mediators between the cadets/ cadettes and cadet/ cadette officers, ensuring that a healthy and professional relationship is maintained. As the sounding board of the cadets/ cadettes for whatever problems they may face during their ROTC training, they play a unique role in ensuring morale. They also support activities of the UP Corps of Cadets.

The Corps of Sponsors is the only student organization regularly requested by the University to usher at various campus activities and events; thus giving Sponsors a glamorous chance to gain polish and poise as they interact with well-known figures in Philippine business, politics and civilian society.

As a socio-civic organization with projects geared toward community service, Sponsors work together in conceptualizing, planning, and implementing projects that benefit worthwhile charitable institutions and causes. Each Sponsor gets the chance to spearhead at least one project during her term, bringing out her capabilities to effectively manage time, resources, and personnel.

If you are invited to be a Sponsor, you are being given an opportunity to discover new things, undergo exciting activities, make new friends, and be part of an honored tradition that goes back over 100 years…..are YOU ready to meet the challenge?


Reference

  1. UP Corps of Sponsors. About the UP Corps of Sponsors [Facebook Page]. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/pg/upcosdiliman/about/