DND to propose granting civil service eligibility to ROTC graduates

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Sunday said it will push to grant a first level civil service eligibility to graduates of the proposed mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program for senior high school students.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, DND spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong said they sought inputs from the Department of Justice, Department of Education, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) regarding the possible revival of the mandatory ROTC under the Marcos administration.

“Ang isa sa mga sina-suggest namin diyan ay bigyan ng first level civil service eligibility ang mga mag-a-ROTC para may incentive ‘yan. After they take ROTC, kung hindi man sila makapagtapos ng kolehiyo, puwede silang magtrabaho sa gobyerno,” he said.

(One of our suggestions is to give ROTC graduates first level civil service eligibility as an incentive. After they take ROTC, even if they don't graduate from college, they can still work in the government.)

Andolong also said they will propose for the ROTC not to be too military-centric, and to include activities that can mitigate climate change and discuss the country’s history as well.

“Ibabalik namin din ‘yung history at patriotism sa pamamagitan ng mga pag-aaral ng mga kadete natin. ‘Yung kabuhayan ng ating mga bayani noong sinaunang panahon, ibabalik natin. Hopefully, we can ignite the nationalism ulit sa kanila,” he said.

(We will bring back history and patriotism in the studies of our cadets. We will have them look back on the lives of our heroes. Hopefully through this, we can ignite the nationalism in them again.)

During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. pushed for mandatory ROTC, naming it as one of the priority measures of his administration.

Marcos on Saturday also said the proposed mandatory ROTC program for senior high school students will help bolster the country’s capability in dealing with disasters.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed support for the proposal, stressing that it will strengthen the citizen armed forces in times of difficulties and calamities.

Several parents and organizations, however, lamented that the mandatory ROTC may cause problems, including hazing and corruption. —KG, GMA News