To develop students’ leadership and nationalism as the discipline of the current generation continues to diminish, Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial National High School (CAYSMNHS) former Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT) facilitator and MAPEH Head Alejandro Jose stressed that Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) should be implemented already.
Jose emphasized that the youth opposing the law through social media platforms has not seen the necessity of ROTC to foster military skills that will be put to use during wartime.
“Diba, kabataan, sisigaw-sigaw, nagpoprotesta na wag ibalik yung ROTC, yung iba, sa computer o sa cellphone, nakakatulong ba ‘yun para protektahan at dipensahan ang ating bansa?” he said.
According to him, the training will also contribute solving the current inadequacy of Philippines’ armed forces for the citizens who undergone it will automatically serve the country as soldiers if needed.
“Magiging handa ang ating bansa kasi ‘pag dumating ang digmaan, ibig sabihin automatic kapag sumailalim ka sa ROTC, may pin number ka, automatic sundalo ka kung dumating ang digmaan,” the head explained.
On May 2019, the House of Representatives approved House Bill 8961 mandating Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) to senior high school student.
Meanwhile, Jose also addressed the concerns regarding ‘abusive’ officers-in-charge assuring students’ safety as proper implementation is stated on the law and defiance will require appropriate actions.
“Yung safety nung estudyante sa ROTC, it is upon the rules and regulation provided in the House Bill 8961, kung tama naman yung pagpapatakbo, kung tama naman ang paraan na gagawin sa pagtra-train sa Filipino Youth, okay yung ROTC,” he clarified.
On the other hand, the school have initiated a Student Leader Organization to maintain the leadership skills of CAYSMNHS students as Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT) was removed from their campus.
THE ECHOES 