Bring ROTC back!

Generally speaking, Filipino students were not too fond of the Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) when it was a requirement to complete college. Pretending to be soldiers while marching and standing at attention under the hot sun or pouring rain was not anybody’s idea of fun. There was, therefore, much rejoicing when the military training course ceased to be compulsory.

It is unfortunate that the program was never appreciated for what it could do for the country, specifically its defensive capabilities. To recall, ROTC cadets formed a formidable force that fought the Japanese during World War II. They were an integral part of the guerilla movement that never surrendered to the invaders.