Eight out of ten Filipinos support the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in college, according to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia between March 15-19.
In the survey’s findings, 78 percent of respondents nationwide favored mandatory college ROTC, while 13 percent disagreed, 8 percent could not decide, and the remaining claimed they lacked sufficient knowledge.
In terms of support throughout the regions, Mindanao had the greatest percentage, with 92 percent, or nearly everyone, saying they were in favor of mandatory ROTC. Visayas came in second (80 percent), while Luzon (72 percent) ranked third.
Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2034, also known as the ROTC Act, said he is hoping that the ROTC requirement be revived in college.
“Malinaw ang boses ng ating mga kababayan sa pagsuporta sa pagbabalik ng ROTC sa kolehiyo,” Gatchalian said.
The respondents’ main reason for bringing back mandatory ROTC was that it would teach young people “discipline and responsibility.” Sixty percent of those who favored making the ROTC mandatory thought it would prepare students to defend the country, while 59 percent said it would teach them leadership skills.
Photo via Pulse Asia Research Inc.
Some, however, opposed the ROTC because of the probable rise in hazing, harassment, and abuse cases.
Photo via Pulse Asia Research Inc.
Gatchalian promised that each ROTC unit would have a grievance board set up to accept complaints and look into any allegations of abuse, assault, or corruption.
The survey was commissioned by the office of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of ROTC-CVSU Main / FB
