Grade 12 Students’ Opinions on the Possible Implementation of the Mandatory ROTC

Abstract

ROTC is military training for reservists or civilians that will be called upon during wars or emergencies. Different government officials are set on reviving the implementation of mandatory ROTC, so it is vital to know the opinions of Grade 12 students at St. Mary’s College Quezon City who may become affected by it.

In an article from ABS CBN news, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also aims to revive the mandatory military training for senior high school students stated in his State Of The Nation Address in Congress. The Philippine Defense Department spokesperson, Arsenio Andolong, stated, "The proposed revival of Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in Senior High School will greatly enhance our efforts to orient and prepare our youth for national defense preparedness and disaster response.”Sixty-Eight (68) respondents answered a short survey through MS Forms and used a link to distribute the form. All the Grade 12 students during SY 2022-2023 of St. Mary’s College, Quezon City, could join the survey. Very few respondents agreed with the possible implementation of mandatory ROTC in schools, while most strongly disagreed or disagreed. The remaining few were undecided.

All students would agree that mandatory ROTC will have drawbacks. Given what happened and how mandatory ROTC was a source of violence, it is inevitable. The study demonstrates that the controversial history of the mandatory ROTC program continues to haunt students until this day. Recommendations include applying for the NSTP program instead of mandatory ROTC, so the acts of service towards the country are kept while not forcing students to a mandatory ROTC program they do not wish to participate in.