MANILA -- Two senators are pushing for the passage of a measure proposing the re-institutionalization of the mandatory military and civic Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program toward a disciplined and patriotic youth.
During the subcommittee hearing of the Senate committee on education, arts and culture on the mandatory ROTC revival, Senator Manny Pacquiao said the program is crucial when it comes to the development of discipline, service, and nationalism among the youth.
"The youth of today lacks basic discipline due to lack of exposure to military training. Let us remember that a disciplined youth produces a good society... Iba ang disiplina na hatid ng ROTC (The ROTC instills a different sense of discipline)," Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao authored Senate Bill 189, which proposes the restoration of mandatory military training for all Grade 11 and Grade 12 students.
He said that ROTC is designed to motivate, train, organize, and mobilize our youth for national defense preparedness.
He noted that the country is facing new challenges, even the non-traditional threats, such as climate change and natural disasters.
He stressed the need to equip the youth with necessary skills and knowledge in securing and defending the country in times of national emergency, whether from traditional or non-traditional ways.
"Hindi natin pwedeng pabayaan ang ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng mga sakuna. Kailangan natin ng reservists upang tumulong sa relief and rescue assistance sa gitna ng mga nagbabadyang sakuna sa loob at labas ng ating bansa. Mas mabuti na yung lagi tayong handan (We cannot abandon our people in times of calamities. There should be reservists available to help in the relief and rescue assistance in the midst of looming disasters within and outside the country. Preparedness is key)," Pacquiao said.
"Our government should not compromise the security of our land and the welfare of our people. Let us remember that reinstating the ROTC is consistent with the constitutional mandate that the government may call upon the people to defend the state," he added.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate subpanel, said his reason in pushing for the measure is to develop a "strong sense of discipline and purpose" among the youth.
"Hopefully with the proper training, with the proper program, this strong sense of discipline and strong sense of purpose, will translate to a highly skilled society that can respond when the nation calls us," Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 200, which seeks to re-institutionalize the mandatory military and civic ROTC for students in all colleges, universities, and technical or vocational schools.
The House of Representatives, meanwhile, has already approved on second reading House Bill No. 8961, which seeks to amend for the purpose, Republic Act No. 7077 or the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act. (PNA)
