Soldiers to teach nationalism in schools

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-five soldiers will temporarily drop their military-related tasks twice a week and act as teachers as part of a program that aims to instill nationalism among the youth.

The initiative, dubbed as Pinoy Batang Bayani, aims to promote values and discipline among street children to make them productive members of the society.

 The program is a joint effort of the Army’s Civil-Military Operations Group (CMOG) and the Tuloy Foundation Inc. (TFI), a non-government organization that rehabilitates street children.

 The “Pinoy Batang Bayani” was formally launched on June 24 at the TFI compound in Alabang, Muntinlupa. 

Fr. Rocky Evangelista, a Salesian priest who founded the TFI, said the program could serve as a model for other groups who are promoting the welfare of the youth.

 Evangelista’s order, the Salesians, is very particular with the formation and education of young people.

 A total of 25 uniformed soldiers have been trained to teach the students civics or social studies.  

 1Lt. Gemira Dy, spokesperson of the Army CMOG, said the subject was chosen to “instill discipline, value formation and character development” and “reinforce the spirit of patriotism.”

 The classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday and will also include outdoor activities that will allow the street children to use their imagination.

 TFI’s educational program involves the conduct of in-house non-formal classes using the Alternative Learning System modules.

 The group’s program has been approved by the Education department and is now benefiting 977 street children.

 The TFI also offers vocational-technical courses such as Automotive Servicing, Refrigeration and Servicing, Building Wiring Installation, Baking Science Technology, Computer Hardware Servicing, Culinary Arts and short courses in Basic Metal Arc Welding.