The intention of instilling patriotism and love of country in the youth through the revival of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, while noble, is not sufficient to warrant support from Filipinos.
The ROTC program might revive cases of corruption, hazing and other forms of physical and psychological abuse among senior high school students who are required to enroll in the said program as a requirement for graduation.
While it is true that the youth nowadays lack the necessary physical training to defend our country — especially with the prevalence of disputes involving the Philippines’ territorial jurisdiction — Grade 11 and 12 students should not be exposed to probable violence.
Instead of bringing back the ROTC program, the government should instead focus on real issues faced by the Filipino youth today: promiscuity and obscenity. These problems are caused by a lack of discipline and exposure to explicit or vulgar materials through the media.
We all play an important role. Parents should teach their children values at home. Schools, too, have the obligation to discipline their students. The government must regulate establishments (nightclubs, bars, etc.) that damage social values.
Patriotism or love of country should be instinctive. What must be instilled in the young ones is the importance of self-discipline.
LEONARD KRISTIAN MESA GELACIO
leonardkristianmesagelacio@gmail.com