On National Heroes Day, Lorenzana highlights importance of ROTC

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on National Heroes Day underscored that the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Program would help in instilling patriotism among Filipino youth.

Lorenzana noted that in order to perpetuate the culture of patriotism and heroism, it is the responsibility of each and every Filipino to teach the youth about love of country and service to countrymen.

“I believe that ROTC can teach our youths leadership, discipline, respect for authority and service to country,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

“The highest tribute we can give our heroes is to perpetuate their legacy by ensuring that their good deeds are not forgotten but instead perpetuated and emulated,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte has urged lawmakers to support the proposed mandatory ROTC program in public and private senior high schools.

Last week, the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture began its deliberations on the said proposed measure.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana urged Filipinos to remember that love of country had become the foundation upon which the Philippines was built.

“The act of defiance against foreign domination by our forefathers despite overwhelming odds planted the seed of Filipino nationhood that evolved to become what we are now,” Lorenzana said.

“Today, we continue to defend and protect what they won for us by addressing any and all threats to our safety and security,” he added, noting the everyday sacrifice of Filipino soldiers.

Duterte skipped the wreath-laying activity at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in line with the observance of National Heroes Day.

He was represented by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News