Senator Win Gatchalian on Wednesday commended President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to certify as urgent legislation which would require students in grades 11 and 12 to participate in a mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program.
“Instituting a mandatory ROTC program for senior high school students is a great way to shore up our military’s reserve corps while instilling the fundamental ideals of patriotism and public service in the youth. I am definitely willing to sponsor this bill when it is forwarded to the Senate,” said Gatchalian.
Gatchalian also urged the President to certify as urgent Senate Bill No. 200, which seeks to revive the mandatory ROTC program in post-secondary educational institutions.
Senate Bill No. 200, one of the ten priority bills filed by Gatchalian at the start of the 17th Congress on June 30, 2016, would require students enrolled in colleges, universities, and technical and vocational schools to complete a two-year ROTC program before graduation.
“The future of this country will depend on the character and virtue of our future leaders. Mandatory ROTC programs at the secondary and tertiary levels will help ensure that the youth of today will lead the Philippines with honor, selflessness, and love of country in the future,” said Gatchalian.