Revival of ROTC sought

MANILA, Philippines - Retired generals are backing the revival of mandatory military training for college students.

The Association of Generals and Flag Officers, Inc. (AGFO) said the defense preparedness of the country “has not been served well” since the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program was discontinued 11 years ago.

“Geopolitical developments in the Asia Pacific region have accentuated the weaknesses of the Philippine defense posture and exposed the very limited capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to defend the national sovereignty,” the AGFO said.

In a resolution, the AGFO said the National Service Training Program (NSTP) that replaced the ROTC is not enough to inculcate discipline and patriotism among the youth.

“There is a need to review and determine the effectiveness of the NSTP in enhancing the defense preparedness of the youth,” AGFO said.

A new and transformed ROTC program should be considered with the appropriate funding and resources provided for its effective administration. AGFO officers led by chairman Edilberto Adan signed the resolution that was released to media yesterday.

Calls to abolish the ROTC mounted in 2001 after student Mark Chua was murdered for allegedly exposing anomalies in the ROTC at the University of Santo Tomas.

It was discontinued in 2002 after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9163,   creating the NSTP.

The law made military training just one of the three programs offered to college students.

The other NSTP components are Civic Welfare Training Service to encourage students to join developmental programs, and the Literacy Training Service to train students to become teachers.

Speaking to reporters, Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the ROTC promotes discipline and patriotism among the youth.

“The most important part there is for our youth to have a sense of commitment to serve the country and have discipline,” he said.

“If the time comes that their country needs them, they should be able to heed the call, but how can we do that if our citizens or our youth do not have background to do such?”