November 30, 2025
by Zeth Angelo Bacaoco
When Lloyd Aldrich C. Bañas stepped off the plane in Guam last November, he carried more than just his gear—he carried the weight of representing his country and the legacy of being only the second ROTC officer from AISAT to participate in the prestigious ROTC Cultural Understanding and Leadership Program (ROTC-CULP). For this dedicated cadet, the journey to this international stage was paved with determination, sacrifice, and an unwavering vision to leave his mark.
The ROTC-CULP, which ran from November 12-17 with a Field Training Exercise on November 14 and 15, is a collaborative effort between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Guam National Guard under the State Partnership Program. Its mission is clear: enhance bilateral cooperation while elevating the capabilities of ROTC cadet officers through intensive field training.
“The feeling was overwhelming,” Lloyd recalls when asked about being selected for the program. “Knowing that I was selected out of all the ROTC officer applicants, but I also had to keep my composure so that I could deliver my best performance during the FTX.”
His path to Guam, however, was far from smooth. In the weeks leading up to his deployment, Lloyd juggled the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection, semi-finals examinations, research deadlines, and even traveled to Manila for a board interview as a candidate for AFP ROTC Cadet of the Year. “What went through my mind was the goal of surviving through the continuous activities that was thrown at me,” he admits, acknowledging that maintaining his mental health became his primary concern during this demanding period.
The inspiration to push through came from a predecessor—the first AISAT ROTC officer who participated in the same program back in 2019. “It is a big achievement and an opportunity given to the best ROTC officers in this country,” Lloyd explains. “My goal and drive to leave a legacy in AISAT inspired me to work hard and be selected as a delegate.”
Once in Guam, Lloyd’s days mirrored the rigorous life of military personnel. Early morning assemblies, courtesy calls to the Adjutant General at Guam National Guard Headquarters, visits to the Philippine Consulate General, and interactions with JROTC students at a local high school filled the itinerary. The program also included a visit to the University of Guam, where Lloyd and his fellow delegates connected with the Triton Warrior Battalion.
But the highlight was undoubtedly the Field Training Exercise, where Lloyd worked alongside UOG cadets in squad and platoon missions. In a defining moment, he was selected as Team Leader for a squad attack scenario. “The only challenge was the pressure I felt because I am from the Philippines and I am leading an American team,” he shares. “But it went smoothly because they also helped me in ensuring we don’t mess it up.”
This experience crystallized a crucial leadership lesson for Lloyd: “Ranks are placed on the uniforms and included in your name. It shouldn’t get into your head and it shouldn’t stop you from taking care of your people.”
Interestingly, Guam’s unique cultural landscape—a blend of American lifestyle and Filipino values—made adaptation easier than expected. “We really didn’t have to adapt so much and we weren’t culture shocked,” Lloyd notes. Yet the experience still expanded his worldview, exposing him to different leadership styles and military practices that challenged his assumptions about discipline and service.
The program’s impact on Lloyd extends beyond technical skills. The connections forged with UOG cadets—whom he befriended and spent time with after the final day—represent the program’s deeper purpose: building bridges between military organizations internationally. “One day, we might see each other again as officers in our respective countries and branches of service,” Lloyd reflects.
As he looks toward the future, Lloyd’s vision has crystallized. “This experience paved the way for me to really finalize my decision in joining the AFP,” he says with conviction. “I envision myself becoming an officer in the Philippine Air Force and aspiring to become a military pilot, serving and securing the nation.”
His advice to fellow cadets hoping for similar opportunities is straightforward: “It’s better to risk trying than not trying at all.” He emphasizes the importance of staying alert to applications and maintaining open communication with Military Training Instructors about opportunities from higher headquarters.
For Lloyd, ROTC-CULP wasn’t just a program—it was a transformative experience that shaped his identity as a future leader. The memories of leading an American team, the friendships formed, and the lessons learned in cultural understanding and military proficiency have become part of his foundation as he prepares to serve his country.
From Davao to Guam and soon to the Philippine Air Force, Lloyd’s journey exemplifies how international leadership programs create not just better soldiers but better global citizens ready to serve their nations while building bridges across borders.