By Arabella Asis
Eight out of 10 or 78% of adult Filipinos support the implementation of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in college, according to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia.
The survey, commissioned by the office of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, was conducted on 1,200 respondents nationwide from March 15 to 19.
The poll revealed the highest percentage of respondents who “agree” to the proposed reinstatement of mandatory ROTC was recorded in Mindanao with 92%, followed by Visayas with 80%, National Capital Region with 77%, and Balance Luzon with 72%.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2034 or ROTC Act, expressed his optimism amid the immense support of the public in restoring the mandatory ROTC.
“Malinaw ang boses ng ating mga kababayan sa pagsuporta sa pagbabalik ng ROTC sa kolehiyo,” Gatchalian said.
The survey also noted that among the key reasons of the respondents for supporting the implementation of ROTC were to instill “discipline and responsibility” among college students, to prepare them to defend the country, as well as to teach them leadership skills.
Meanwhile, some were not in favor of ROTC due to the potential increase in cases of abuse, harassment, and hazing.
Some also believed that the ROTC “will waste the time of youth which should be spent on studying” and may become an “instrument of power for leaders and officers.”
However, Gatchalian assured a Grievance Board will be established for each ROTC unit to receive complaints and conduct investigations on any complaint or allegation of abuse, violence, or corruption.
The ROTC Act aims to institutionalize the mandatory Basic ROTC Program in Higher Education Institutions and Technical Vocational Institutions for all students enrolled in not less than two-year undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate programs. – cf
