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ROTC revival supported by college-aged individuals, says solon

By Leonel Abasola

April 13, 2023, 5:39 pm

MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday pointed out that the proposal to implement the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) in college enjoys broad support even from among those who will take part in the program -- the college-aged individuals.

"Malinaw na batay sa pag-aaral, suportado ng ating mga mamamayan ang panukalang ibalik ang ROTC. Sentimyento ito hindi lang ng ating mga magulang, kundi pati na rin ng ating mga kabataan (Based on studies, it was clearly shown that the proposal to revive the ROTC is supported by the people. This is not just the sentiment of our parents, but also of our youth)," said Gatchalian in a press statement.

The co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill 2034 cited the results of a commissioned Pulse Asia survey, which showed that 78 percent, or nearly 8 out of 10 Filipinos, support the implementation of ROTC at the tertiary level.

He noted that a closer look at the results of the survey revealed that 75 percent of the poll's respondents aged 18-24, the same age-group who will take part in the program, agree with the proposed revival of ROTC in college.

Overwhelming support also came from those who received some high school education (74%), completed high school (77%), those who received some college education (79%), and those who are in vocational education (83%).

Those who favor the restoration of ROTC also believe that it will teach young people discipline and responsibility (71%), as well as train and prepare students to defend the country (60%).

Aside from training students for national defense preparedness, civil military operations, and law enforcement, Senate Bill No. 2034, or the Reserve Officers' Training Corps Act, also aims to provide students with skills and knowledge to provide service in times of emergencies and disasters, including disaster response operations, rescue and relief operations, and early recovery activities.

Under the proposed ROTC bill, all undergraduate students shall undertake the Mandatory Basic ROTC for four semesters.

"Hindi lamang ang ating mga kabataan ang makikinabang sa ROTC, kundi ang buong bansa. Sa ilalim ng programang ito, paiigtingin natin ang papel ng mga kabataan bilang mga lider at mga aktibong miyembro ng lipunan, lalo na sa mga panahong haharapin natin ang mga sakuna, kalamidad, at anumang emergency," (Not only the youth will benefit from ROTC, but the whole country. Under this program, we will strengthen the role of the youth as leaders and active members of society, especially in times of disasters, calamities and any other emergencies),” Gatchalian said. (PNA)

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