The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) gathered more than 600 cadets under the Advanced Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in Northern Mindanao to urge them to continue and eventually become soldiers.

The cadets were gathered in a leadership townhall meeting organized by the 10th Regional Community Defense Group (10th RCDG).

This after the military observed that the number of ROTC graduates pursuing military careers is declining.

AFP also observed a shortage of young officers who usually lead in ensuring peace and order in communities.

The leadership townhall aimed to inspire student cadets to join the service as AFP officers.

“Dito sa programa ng OCC-ROTC because of the advance ROTC cadets officers ay 4 years and 8 months particular advance ROTC cadets ay regular na 2nd Lieutenant na siya sa Philippine Army,” 10th RCDG Commander, Col. Bernard Ragus, said.