MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed its support to the proposed law on the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for senior high school students and said that it will be an ideal alternate activity for those hooked on gadgets and online games.
“Malaking tulong po ang ROTC sa patuloy na paglinang ng kaalaman at mga skills ng ating mga kabataan, lalong lalo na ‘yung mga nalulong na sa gadgets at mga online games,” PNP spokesperson Police Col. Bernard Banac said in a press briefing on Tuesday.
(The ROTC is a big help in honing the knowledge and skills of our youth, especially those hooked on gadgets and online games.)
The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading on Monday House Bill No. 8961 that revives the mandatory ROTC for Grades 11 and 12 students in public and private schools.
READ: Mandatory ROTC for Senior HS students gets final House nod
Banac said the PNP is optimistic that the training will offer a “new experience” to students, as it involves a lot of physical activity.
According to Banac, the ROTC will help train the youth who aspire to be members of the PNP or the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the future.
“Ito ay magbibigay sa ating ng kahandaan sa anumang banta kung sakali man may pangangailangan na magpatawag tayo ng reserba, hindi lamang sa seguridad kundi pati sa pagresponde sa mga disasters, calamities at emergencies,” he added.
(This will enhance our preparedness when reserve forces, not just in security efforts but also in responding to disasters, calamities, and emergencies are required.)
Banac also noted the mandatory training and service program in other countries, where he said even actors participate in government programs.
He likewise asserted that tragic incidents in the past in relation to the ROTC were only “isolated incidents,” as in the case of University of Sto. Tomas student Mark Welson Chua, whose body was fished out of Pasig River years ago after exposing the corrupt practices within the university’s ROTC program. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)