PNP chief says mandatory ROTC will promote nationalism among students

For the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program would help Filipinos, especially the youth, further develop their sense of nationalism.

"The very important thing there is the sense of nationalism, love of country and patriotism sa ating lahat lalo na sa ating mga kabataan. It's really very important sa atin," Police General Oscar Albayalde said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

"Siguro, nakita din ng ating Pangulo na medyo dito tayo bumababa. Not to mention of course napakaliit naman natin na bansa. We have to defend our country also in case of war," he added.

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Rodrigo Duterte called on the Congress to support the proposed mandatory ROTC program in public and private senior high schools which failed to pass in the 17th Congress due to lack of time.

Duterte believes that the mandatory program is a means to inculcate nationalism, patriotism and discipline among Filipino youth.

Critics of the ROTC program led by the Kabataan party-list earlier claimed that it would only teach "blind obedience" among students. — MDM, GMA News