More than 3,000 cadets-athletes throughout the region will flex their muscle as the 2023 Reserves Officer Training Corps Games National Capital Region Leg unfolds today at the Ninoy Aquino in Malate, Manila.

Senator Imee Marcos has been invited as the keynote speaker but the organizer said the camp of the Presidential sister has yet to confirm her attendance.

Aside from Marcos, also gracing the opening ceremonies are Senator Francis Tolentino, the brainchild of the event, and top officials of the Department of National Defense as well as Commission on Higher Education and Philippine Sports Commission.

The ROTC cadets from various colleges and universities all over Metro Manila will display their prowess in seven sports disciplines: Volleyball, basketball, kickboxing, arnis, athletics, boxing and E-sports.

Cadets from the Philippine Army are raring to reaffirm their superiority over their counterparts from the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force.

Army topped the Visayas Leg last August in Iloilo City with 25 golds, 25 silvers and 34 bronzes followed by Air Force with 23-23-22 gold-silver-bronze haul and Navy settled for third with 9-9-9 performance.

In the Mindanao leg, Army struck again by winding up with a 28-28-36 production while Air Force settled for runnerup honors anew with a 15-14-8 tally. Navy had 11-11-9 to show.

After the NCR leg, the national finals will immediately follow from 22 to 27 October in Marikina City.