‘MANDATORY’ is not a word which should feature prominently in a genuine democracy. When it does appear, it should refer to the obligations and responsibilities that are imposed on those who have authority.
Both President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio have been quick to say that they are seeking a return to the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). They have been less articulate about the details. What are the arrangements? What is the curriculum? Who will organize and administer the process? The Philippines has yet to avoid the strong correlation between those who claim authority and the widespread incidence of corruption and bullying. If ROTC is to flourish, this pitfall needs to be avoided.
The Legislative Branch is likely to discuss the reintroduction of ROTC soon. When ROTC was first introduced in 1973, the martial law constitution was tailor-made to facilitate.
None of the aspects relevant to ROTC appear in our 1987 Constitution. Instead, what we have now is a well-drafted document which instructs the State to “protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”
Well said.
Unfortunately, whatever is our assessment about the quality of education in schools, this is not confirmed by international surveys. Disappointingly, we regularly appear at or near the bottom of league tables.
What to do?
The United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, has some responsibility for the promotion of education internationally. It has been under the aegis of Gordon Brown, a former UK Prime Minister. Brown, a Scot, recognizes more than most the importance of education. I believe it would be helpful if the Philippines entered into a dialogue with UNESCO to establish what we can do to improve matters.
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The proposal is that ROTC is to be a compulsory addition to the Grades 11 and 12 curricula. In fact, the Grades 11 and 12 program has already been completed by the introduction of Republic Act 10533 which specified the work of Senior High School.
Somehow, it will be proposed that ROTC will push its way into the existing curricula.
We hope that Congress will give careful thought about how this can he done and, indeed, whether ROTC is a useful adjunct to what we already have.
After all, our Constitution instructs: “All education institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as part of the curricula.
They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency.” (Article XIV Sec 3).
Do we really need ROTC as well?/PN
