Govt keen on reviving ROTC, says survey firm
THE government is planning to bring back the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.
This was after a survey by an independent firm Capstone-Intel Corporation showed there is significant support for the revival of the program, particularly in Mindanao. According to the survey, the support levels vary from 71.43% to 86.05%.
The ROTC is designed to provide senior high school students with a unique combination of academic learning and practical military experience.
The survey asked 1,210 participants from 17 regions from September 25-30, 2023. The respondents, with ages ranging from 18 to 65 or older, consisted of a nearly equal proportion of males (51%) and females (49%).
The support levels varied from 71.43% to 86.05%.
The level of support varied across the regions, with BARMM demonstrating the highest support rate of 86.05%. Other regions with good support rates are Davao region, 83.5%; SOCCSKSARGEN, 77.08%; Caraga, 71.43%; CAR, 77.78%; Cagayan Valley, 72.97%; and Central Luzon, 69.50%.
The regions with the lowest percentage of support are NCR, 66.45%; Western Visayas, 64.84%; and CALABARZON, 64.61%.
During a recent interview with Dr. Guido David, Chief Data Scientist of Capstone-Intel, the official said those regions perceive a need for the ROTC because of some instability in their areas.
According to Capstone-Intel, it is important to recognize that while there is widespread support among Filipinos for the reinstatement of the ROTC Program in senior high schools, there are valid reasons for withdrawing support for mandatory participation in ROTC.
The reasons why they can change their minds are as follows: no assurance of safeguarding students from abuses, 58%; higher expenses, 37%; mental health effects, 32%; if it is mandatory, 28%; and no class syllabus and objectives, 23%.
“It is imperative for policymakers to conduct a careful examination of the implementation of the ROTC program to ensure its alignment with the objectives and values of the educational institutions involved.
This will enhance the clarity of the program. In order to address any concerns and facilitate a smooth and well-coordinated reintroduction of ROTC, it is crucial to engage in open and transparent dialogue with students, parents and guardians,” it added.
