Gatchalian willing to sponsor mandatory ROTC bill

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday welcomed the decision of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to revive the Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) for Grades 11 and 12 in public and private schools saying that he is willing to sponsor the bill when forwarded to the Senate. (Photo: Senator Win Gatchalian/Facebook)

MANILA—Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday welcomed the decision of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to revive the Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) for Grades 11 and 12 in public and private schools saying that he is willing to sponsor the bill when forwarded to the Senate.

“I am definitely willing to sponsor this bill when it is forwarded to the Senate,” Gatchalian said.

“Instituting a mandatory ROTC program for senior high schools students is a great way to shore up our military’s reserve corps while instilling the fundamental ideals of patriotism and public service in the youth,” he added.

Gatchalian urged the Pres. Duterte to certify as urgent Senate Bill No. 200, which seeks to revive the mandatory ROTC program in post-secondary educational institutions.

SBN 200, one of the 10 priority bills filed by Gatchalian, would require students enrolled in colleges, universities, and technical and vocational schools to complete a two-year ROTC program before graduation.

The neophyte senator further said that mandatory ROTC programs will help ensure that the youth will lead the Philippines with “honor, selflessness, and love of country in the future.”

“The future of this country will depend on the character and virtue of our future leaders,” Gatchalian said.