DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reiterated on Monday, August 26, the importance of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in instilling in the youth love of country and service to the people.
“I therefore enjoin every Filipino to heed the call to serve our country, especially the youth who are our tomorrow’s hope. To perpetuate the culture of patriotism and heroism, it is our responsibility to teach the youths love of country and service to our people,” Lorenzana said in his 2019 National Heroes Day message.
“I believe that ROTC can teach our youths leadership, discipline, respect for authority and service to country,” he added.
He reminded that patriotism is needed to defend and protect the country against any forms of threats to safety and security.
“Let this day remind us all that love of country is the foundation upon which our country was built. The act of defiance against foreign domination by our forefathers despite overwhelming odds planted the seed of Filipino nationhood that evolved to become what we are now,” he said.
“Today, we continue to defend and protect what they won for us by addressing any and all threats to our safety and security. Our brave soldiers valiantly put their lives in the line of fire twenty four hours a day so our people can live in peace,” he added.
He said the highest tribute that Filipinos can give their heroes is to perpetuate their legacy by ensuring that their good deeds are not forgotten, but are emulated.
The ROTC became optional in 2002.
On May 20, 2019, 167 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill 8961 which mandates the reinstatement of mandatory ROTC for students in grades 11 and 12 in public and private schools.
However, moves to revive it have met strong opposition.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) also enjoins the nation to pay homage to the country’s national heroes who sacrificed their lives for Philippine freedom.
“The Philippines achieved its identity due to the noble deeds made by Filipino Heroes, both living and dead, whom we honor today. This is a perfect day to remember the life and work of all these great people,” PNP spokesperson Colonel Bernard Banac said in a statement.
“The Philippine National Police has embraced this legacy of valor, service and sacrifice as fundamental principles to its core values of service, honor and justice that describe every police campaign and mission against threats to peace and democracy, that the PNP would ever so dutifully accomplish even at the cost of offering the supreme sacrifice,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)