Mandatory ROTC to be implemented this year

THE MANDATORY Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program is set to be implemented starting this school year for Grades 11 and 12 in public and private schools nationwide.

Colonel Gregory Dosil, group commander of the 4th Cordillera Regional Community Defense Group explained those enrolling in ROTC will undergo the Advancement Citizenship Program aside from having a military training to college students to equip them with skills as part of national defense preparedness.

"We are making the ROTC program a relevant endeavor. We would like our youth to enroll in ROTC for them to learn a lot. We will be molding you to be more disciplined citizens and good future leaders of our country," Dosil said.

ROTC used to be mandatory until 2002 when the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001 was passed giving the students options in enrolling either in ROTC, Civil Welfare Training Services, or Literacy Training Services.

Under the Civil Welfare Training Service, students are required to participate in community service programs while the Literary Training Service allows students to teach basic skills in public schools.

Defense Secretary

Delfin Lorenzana presented an amendment for Republic Act 7077 or the "Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act” to make ROTC mandatory.

"At present, our ROTC summer camp is ongoing for students undergoing Advance Cadetship since they will lead other students in the trainings. The re-implemented ROTC will ensure no hazing and any forms of corporal punishment will be applied by the training staff since the ROTC now adheres to the anti-hazing law," Dosil stated.