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Advocates Philippines
Senator Gatchalian cites Pulse Asia Survey to push for ROTC
Photo courtesy: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian
A recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia revealed that nearly eight out of 10 Filipinos support the implementation of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) in college. The survey, which was conducted from March 15 to 19, 2023, asked adult Filipino respondents if they were in favor of mandatory ROTC at the tertiary level.
The results of the survey showed that 78% of respondents nationwide expressed support for mandatory ROTC in college, while 13% disagreed. Additionally, 8% of respondents were unsure whether they agreed or disagreed, and the remaining respondents said they did not have enough knowledge to form an opinion on the issue. The majority of respondents from the National Capital Region (77%), Balance Luzon (72%), Visayas (80%), and Mindanao (92%) also favored the implementation of ROTC in college.
Furthermore, the support for ROTC in college transcended socioeconomic classes, with 81% of respondents from both Classes ABC and E, and 78% from Class D expressing support for mandatory ROTC in college.
When asked about their reasons for supporting mandatory ROTC, 71% of respondents believed that it would instill discipline and responsibility in young people. Additionally, 60% of those in favor of the proposal believed that ROTC would prepare students to defend the country, and 59% thought it would teach them leadership skills.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2034 or the ROTC Act, expressed his support for the findings. "Malinaw ang boses ng ating mga kababayan sa pagsuporta sa pagbabalik ng ROTC sa kolehiyo" (The voice of our fellow countrymen in supporting the return of ROTC in college is clear). He further added that he would continue to push for the enactment of the ROTC Act, stating that through ROTC, young people can learn discipline, love for the country, and readiness to help, especially in times of disasters.
However, those who are not in favor of mandatory ROTC expressed concerns about the potential for abuse, harassment, and hazing, with 75% of respondents citing these concerns. Additionally, 56% of those who disagreed with the proposal believed that it would waste the time of youth that should be spent on studying, and 44% thought that it would become an instrument of power for leaders and officers.
Senator Gatchalian addressed these concerns by assuring that the proposed measure has safeguards in place, including the establishment of a Grievance Board in every ROTC unit to receive and investigate complaints of abuse, violence, or corruption.
The results of the survey showed that 78% of respondents nationwide expressed support for mandatory ROTC in college, while 13% disagreed. Additionally, 8% of respondents were unsure whether they agreed or disagreed, and the remaining respondents said they did not have enough knowledge to form an opinion on the issue. The majority of respondents from the National Capital Region (77%), Balance Luzon (72%), Visayas (80%), and Mindanao (92%) also favored the implementation of ROTC in college.
Furthermore, the support for ROTC in college transcended socioeconomic classes, with 81% of respondents from both Classes ABC and E, and 78% from Class D expressing support for mandatory ROTC in college.
When asked about their reasons for supporting mandatory ROTC, 71% of respondents believed that it would instill discipline and responsibility in young people. Additionally, 60% of those in favor of the proposal believed that ROTC would prepare students to defend the country, and 59% thought it would teach them leadership skills.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, co-author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2034 or the ROTC Act, expressed his support for the findings. "Malinaw ang boses ng ating mga kababayan sa pagsuporta sa pagbabalik ng ROTC sa kolehiyo" (The voice of our fellow countrymen in supporting the return of ROTC in college is clear). He further added that he would continue to push for the enactment of the ROTC Act, stating that through ROTC, young people can learn discipline, love for the country, and readiness to help, especially in times of disasters.
However, those who are not in favor of mandatory ROTC expressed concerns about the potential for abuse, harassment, and hazing, with 75% of respondents citing these concerns. Additionally, 56% of those who disagreed with the proposal believed that it would waste the time of youth that should be spent on studying, and 44% thought that it would become an instrument of power for leaders and officers.
Senator Gatchalian addressed these concerns by assuring that the proposed measure has safeguards in place, including the establishment of a Grievance Board in every ROTC unit to receive and investigate complaints of abuse, violence, or corruption.
Apr 11, 2023
