TOPIC: "Should schools include ROTC as a graduation requirement for seniors in

high school?"
POINT: ROTC is the most effective means to instill in Filipino young the principles
of nationalism and patriotism.
One of the three elements of the National Service Training Program, which
provides senior high school students in the Philippines with civic education and
defense preparation, is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). In order to
educate students for national defense readiness, ROTC aspires to provide military
education and training. Students that participate in ROTC programs have several
advantages and opportunities. In addition to receiving beneficial instruction, ROTC
members also receive financial aid for their schooling. Strong character attributes like
self-control, self-assurance, and leadership are encouraged in them.
I firmly believe that the ROTC program is created to provide a strong basis for
instilling nationalism and patriotism among young so they can become helpful
citizens who have the abilities, knowledge, and heart to protect the national
institutions and sovereignty of the nation. Patriotism, often known as national pride, is
the sentiment of love, dedication, and attachment to one's homeland, as well as the
association with other people who share that passion. A nation's interests are
promoted through nationalism, an ideology and movement, particularly with the goal
of establishing and preserving the nation's sovereignty (self-governance) over its
native territory. These are a some of the most significant advantages that joining
ROTC will help you gain or further improve.
Aiming to teach discipline, a feeling of purpose, respect for the law and the
authorities, and obedience to rules and regulations in pupils while they are still young,
the ROTC program is being implemented to senior high school students. Given that
everyone has a responsibility to defend the State, active participation in ROTC not
only instills a sense of discipline and patriotism but also a willingness to perform the
ultimate obligation of defending the Philippines against foreign aggression.
The notion, which President Duterte first raised during his campaign, is a good
one. Young Filipinos will undoubtedly benefit from ROTC. They will learn patriotism
from ROTC, without a doubt. They will develop a strong love for our nation as a
result. They will become disciplined and respectful as a result of it. "The ROTC
program in our educational system is an excellent approach to instill and cultivate
love of country," said Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana. I firmly believe that ROTC
can impart leadership skills, discipline, respect for authority, and a commitment to
duty to our young people, and that doing so will better position them to take on issues
that are greater than themselves.
More importantly, ROTC promotes in instilling and exhibiting patriotism and
nationalism in today's youth, allowing them to recall the tremendous efforts
performed to secure the nation's freedom. If successfully carried out, it has the
potential to create a whole generation of young Filipinos who will be proud of their
heritage and willing to sacrifice all for their people and protect the State at all costs.
Additionally, I firmly believe that preparing our children early on to research and
address challenges to our sustainability and to be responsible leaders in their
particular industries is the more all-encompassing method to foster their feeling of
nationality and patriotism. Yet in order to develop patriotism and nationalism,
students need to become committed to the ROTC and to our nation, motivated to
succeed despite challenges, and finally, disciplined enough to stick to their plans. By
doing this, we can make sure that future Filipino generations will be "heroes"—
nation-builders who will be successful in their chosen fields and contribute to the
long-term development, stability, and security of our nation.
In conclusion, implementing ROTC in all of the nation's schools while
students are still young is the ideal approach to instill in Filipino youngsters values
like patriotism and nationalism.