MANILA — It’s all systems go for the Philippine ROTC Games National Championships, which fires off in various Metro Manila venues starting on Oct. 22 to Oct. 28.

A simple opening ceremony will be held at the Cuneta Astrodome on Sunday, Oct. 22, which will be participated by the best student-athletes that won in the regional legs.

The Visayas leg was held last Aug. 13 to 19 in Iloilo City, followed by the Mindanao leg in Zamboanga City on Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, and the Luzon leg in Cavite on Sept. 17 to 23.

Around 800 athletes have already arrived for the weeklong competitions that will feature sports disciplines like athletics, arnis, basketball, boxing, esports, kickboxing and volleyball.

Prior to the opening ceremonies, organizers will also hold the Miss ROTC Philippines pageant on Saturday, Oct. 21, also at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

“The pageant will highlight the softer side of the ROTC Games, as well as to promote women empowerment,” said Sen. Francis Tolentino, the brainchild of the event.

Tolentino added they are looking at expanding the Games next year, where they will add several sports such as obstacle course and jiu-jitsu.

“Kailangan maayos na ito ng mas maaga. Siguro next year, dapat ma-hold natin ito ng summer,” he said.