PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. on Saturday emphasized the importance of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in boosting the country’s preparedness and capability in dealing with disasters.
The President, in his 220th vlog episode released Saturday night, talked about the aftermath of the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit many areas in Northern Luzon.
Marcos said while Filipinos are naturally caring and ready to help others in times of disasters, it is better to have proper training along with the appropriate contingencies in place.
“Mas marami rin tayong maihahanda na sibilyan para sa mga ganitong disaster response sa pamamagitan ng ROTC program dahil hindi lang naman national defense ang tinuturo sa kanila kundi disaster preparedness and capacity building para dito nga sa tinatawag na risk-related situations na itinuturo sa kanila (We will have more civilians available for disaster response through the ROTC program because they are not only taught about national defense but also disaster preparedness and capacity building for risk-related situations),” he said.
He said Filipinos must always be prepared for any kind of emergency and natural calamities given that the Philippines is situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire and typhoon belt, making the country vulnerable to disasters and other extreme weather disturbances due to climate change.
The President, in his recent state of nation address (SONA), asked Congress to pass a bill reinstating the ROTC program in senior high school (grades 11 to 12).
Vice President Sara Duterte, during the campaign, pushed for the revival of the ROTC programs for senior high school students to help instill discipline, patriotism and love for country among the young.
