Study: 71% of Filipinos favor mandatory ROTC

SEVENTY-ONE percent of Filipinos want the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program, a study conducted by private research firm Capstone-Intel showed.

Of the 1,210 respondents from different parts of the country, 71 percent expressed support for mandatory ROTC, 20 percent disagreed, and 8 percent declined to answer.

The regions with the highest rate of support for ROTC's revival are the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) and Region 10 (Northern Mindanao).

The rate of support ranges from 64 percent from Region 4A (Calabarzon) to the highest distribution of 86 percent from BARMM.

This finding also revealed that support is high among regions in Mindanao, ranging from 71.43 percent (Caraga) to 86.05 percent — all higher than the national average of 71.24 percent.

On the other hand, the regions with the lowest percentages are the National Capital Region (26 percent), Region 6 (Western Visayas, 26 percent) and Calabarzon (25 percent).

The top reasons for the support for mandatory ROTC, meanwhile, were broken down as follows: have discipline (88 percent), be trained in leadership (73 percent), and experience teamwork (71 percent).

«The high level of support for the ROTC program stems from the public's strong belief in its ability to impart valuable knowledge to students. It is important to address the concerns of parents and guardians and assure them that their children will be safeguarded from any potential issues,» Capstone-Intel said.

«Policymakers must carefully study the implementation of the ROTC program to ensure that it aligns with the goals and values of the universities involved. Open and transparent consultations with students, parents and guardians are essential to address any concerns and ensure a clear and orderly return of ROTC,» it added.

To date, ROTC training is part of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), as mandated by Republic Act 9163 or the «NSTP Act of 2001.»

The law also covers the Civic Welfare Training Service and Literacy Training Service.

However, respondents expressed concern over «lapses» in the ROTC program, such as the reported rampant corruption and