Proposed Revival of Reserve Officers Training Corps. Towards Promoting Responsible Citizenship

Abstract

The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) is a citizen army concept created during the Commonwealth and Marcos era. This was, however, rescinded during Pres. Arroyo’s era. As of today, majority of the youth are not aware or sensitive enough to become a responsible citizen who possess traits/qualities of a morally upright person. That is why there should be intervention during their youth to train and educate them through education. We can create programs and hands-on training like ROTC program in preparation to becoming a military reservist. This study involved 550 students and 26 faculty members out of 1,145 students and 55 faculty members respectively of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. A total of 576 respondents participated in the study. Descriptive method of research was utilized. Five-point Likert style rating scale method of questionnaire was employed in this study to collect views of respondents. This enabled the researcher to ask the respondents how strongly they agree or disagree with a series of statements. In addition, questionnaires and interviews on analysis of pertinent documents related to ROTC was done. These documents included Executive Orders, Memorandum Circulars, Department Orders, Presidential Decrees and existing laws on the matter. Statistical treatment was also applied in the study. Based on the respondents’ assessment on the importance of reviving ROTC, what became evident was the focus on patriotism with high respect in human rights. ROTC training will provide higher sense of moral values and will manifest and contribute to responsible citizenry. ROTC can train thousands of young men and women as defenders of our country. The youth have graduated from the training camps with a stronger sense of patriotism. Producing a number of fine officers who can fought battles against foreign invaders as well as different kinds of rebel military groups who threatened our country. Revival of the ROTC will help reinvigorate new sense of patriotism, replenish the military and strengthen the national defense. The qualities of good citizenship based on the point of view of college graduates and undergraduates had no significant difference.