Bong Go backs proposal to strengthen ROTC program
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his support for the proposed strengthening of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, emphasizing its objectives of instilling patriotism, bayanihan, and discipline among the youth.
However, he also highlighted the potential of promoting sports among the youth as a way to also instill values while diverting young individuals from vices like illegal drugs and promoting healthy lifestyles.
“Pag-aralan nating mabuti,” Go said in an interview after a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center in Catbalogan City, Samar.
“Sa ngayon po ay nagde-debate pa sa Senado, nasa interpellation period na po ito sa Senado. At suportado ko po ang ROTC dahil mas matuturuan natin ang kabataan ng spirit of bayanihan, love of country, displina po at patriotism,” he explained.
“Makakatulong din po ito na mailayo natin ang kabataan sa iligal na droga. Alam n’yo, kapag may disiplina po tayo, mas mailalayo po natin ang mga kabataan sa masasamang bisyo. ‘Yung mga pumapasok sa droga po, sayang ‘yun. ‘Yun ang mga naliligaw, walang disiplina sa kanilang buhay,” added Go.
Go emphasized that ROTC’s benefits extend beyond military training. It would help in disaster response and other humanitarian efforts, particularly vital considering the Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters.
“Makakatulong din po ito sa disaster response at other humanitarian activities, especially ngayon po dahil sa climate change at ang ating position sa Pacific Ring of Fire, mas prone po tayo sa natural disasters and calamities,” he explained.
Go also suggested the idea of providing alternative opportunities other than the ROTC such as actively promoting sports to the youth in order for them to be molded into more productive and well-rounded individuals.
“Isa-suggest ko, nandiyan po, ibalik ang ROTC but magkaroon tayo ng alternative program rin. Ibig sabihin, baka in lieu of ROTC, baka pwede silang pumasok sa mga sports program,” said Go.
“Bukod sa ROTC, pwede silang pumasok sa sports program bilang paraan rin na madisiplina at mailayo ang ating kabataan sa iligal na droga. Get into sports stay away from illegal drugs,” he added.
ROTC used to be a mandatory requirement at the college level but was made optional through Republic Act No. 9163.
