By Brian Jules Campued
The “indomitable spirit” that lies within every Filipino shone through in a recent survey by OCTA Research which showed a large majority of adults are ready to fight for the Philippines when faced by foreign threats.
Results of the Tugon ng Masa poll commissioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and conducted from Dec. 10 to 14, 2023 revealed that about 77% of the respondents said they will defend the country against external conflicts.
Based on age group, most people with ages between 45 and 54 have expressed their willingness to fight for the nation while Mindanao region logged the highest percentage at 84%.
Other region’s results were: Balance Luzon at 79%, National Capital Region at 76%, and Visayas at 62%.
“These survey results demonstrate the deep-rooted love and loyalty that Filipinos have for our homeland. It is truly heartening to witness such a strong sense of national pride,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez said in a statement on Monday.
In terms of socioeconomic classes, 80% of adults who expressed their willingness to fight for the country belonged to Class D.
“Regardless of our regional backgrounds, we all share a common desire to protect our nation’s integrity,” Romualdez added.
Even though the survey was administered last year, the findings come amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea due to China’s aggressive tactics in the region.
On March 5, a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel executed blocking maneuvers against a Philippine Coast Guard vessel resulting in a minor collision while the same CCG vessel also fired a water cannon against a supply boat on a regular rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
Meanwhile, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said that there are many ways Filipinos can exhibit their willingness including contributing resources to the country’s overall defensive campaign as the AFP is continuously modernizing its capabilities to address internal and external threats to the Philippines.
“Our people may help by informing our friends around the world and echoing our call against the illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive tactics that other countries are doing against our country, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” Brawner added.
He also suggested undergoing reserve corps’ training which gives practical lessons on military tactics and emergencies.
“Let us take the result of the survey as a call to action and prepare for when we are called upon by the government to defend the State,” the AFP chief said. – avds
