2nd Speaker

In this generation, teens have been not giving importance to ROTC and just view this as a tiring thing to
do or participate with. The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program plays a significant role in
shaping young minds and fostering valuable qualities that benefit both individual cadets and society as a
whole. While some may view ROTC solely through the lens of military preparation, its importance
extends far beyond, equipping participants with essential skills applicable to various aspects of life.

 Firstly, ROTC is important because it develops leadership, why? ROTC’s curriculum emphasizes
leadership development, providing cadets with opportunities to take on leadership roles within
their units. Through practical exercises and mentorship, cadets learn critical skills like decision-
making, problem-solving, communication, and delegation. These leadership qualities are highly
sought-after in any field, preparing cadets to excel not only in the military but also in future
careers or community endeavors. As for students in this generation are too dependent with the
people that they can lean to but how long will this last? So, with the help of ROTC, this will mold
students or teens to be great leaders, for they will be the one or we will be the one to run our
country in the near future. Just like being an officer, you will have a platoon that you will lead to
and in this ay as a platoon leader, you will develop leadership skills on how to handle and
manage your platoon very well.
 Next, ROTC instills discipline to the younger generations of our nation. The structured
environment of ROTC fosters discipline, a crucial character trait for success. ROTC emphasizes
punctuality, responsibility, following orders, and maintaining a professional demeanor. These
qualities translate into better time management, improved focus, and the ability to persevere
through challenges – valuable assets in academic pursuits and future workplaces. ROTC's
approach to discipline is multifaceted. Structured routines and strict adherence to schedules
form the foundation. Cadets learn the importance of punctuality, organization, and time
management. Drills, with their repetitive nature and emphasis on precision, reinforce these
concepts. Following orders becomes second nature, fostering a sense of accountability and
responsibility for one's actions.
 Another, this fosters patriotism and citizenship, ROTC cultivates a sense of patriotism and civic
responsibility in cadets. Learning about the history and values of the nation fosters a sense of
belonging and a desire to contribute to the common good. ROTC also emphasizes the
importance of civic engagement, encouraging cadets to become informed and active citizens
within their communities. ROTC programs frequently incorporate lessons on national history
and civic duties. Cadets learn about the struggles and triumphs that shaped their nation,
fostering a sense of pride and connection to their heritage. Regular flag ceremonies and the
proper treatment of national symbols become ingrained, reinforcing a sense of respect and
loyalty to the country. In addition, ROTC exposes cadets to the role and sacrifices made by the
armed forces in safeguarding the nation. Through classroom instruction and practical exercises,
cadets gain a basic understanding of military strategy and tactics. This exposure fosters
appreciation for the complexities of national defense and the importance of a strong military in
maintaining peace and security.
 Lastly, ROTC builds camaraderie and self-esteem, the camaraderie formed within ROTC units is a
valuable aspect of the program. Working together towards shared goals fosters a strong sense
of teamwork, belonging, and social support. Overcoming challenges and achieving success as a
 unit boosts self-esteem and confidence in cadets' abilities. In addition, ROTC program goes
beyond just drills and physical training. It cultivates a unique environment that fosters strong
bonds of camaraderie and a healthy sense of self-esteem among cadets. This essay will explore
the various ways ROTC achieves this, highlighting the program's emphasis on teamwork, shared
experiences, and opportunities for personal growth. Also, ROTC activities, from obstacle courses
to complex drills, are often designed to be tackled as a team. Cadets rely on each other for
support, encouragement, and even physical assistance to overcome challenges. These shared
experiences forge strong bonds of trust and camaraderie. The sense of accomplishment that
comes with successfully completing a difficult task together builds unit cohesion and a deep
sense of "being in it together." ROTC heavily emphasizes teamwork. Cadets learn to
communicate effectively, coordinate their actions, and prioritize the success of the group over
individual achievements. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of belonging and a
supportive network within the unit. Knowing they have a team to rely on and that their
contributions are valued boosts self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.

Under Commonwealth Act. No. 1, also known as the National Defense Act of 1935, and Republic Act
No. 7077 (Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act), ROTC participation
was compulsory for all male students enrolled in colleges, universities, and similar institutions of
learning. Somehow, it was change to Republic Act No. 9163, also known as the National Service
Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, changed the landscape. This act established the National
Service Training Program (NSTP) as a mandatory program for all Filipino citizens, but despite this
change NSTP offers 3 alternatives such as; ROTC, CWTS and LTS.

 If ROTC is not good for the Filipino citizens, then why did they still include this with the
option of the NSTP?
- It is because they need to continue the values that ROTC instills to students, discipline,
leadership, patriotism, nationalism and national defense where ROTC serves as a
reserve force, providing a pool of trained individuals who can be called upon in times of
national emergency.
- They maintained ROTC as an option in the NSTP because the respect the student’s
choices, despite of all the drawbacks of ROTC, there are still students who choose this
and eliminating ROTC entirely might have been a drastic step. Including it as an option
allowed for a more gradual shift and catered to those who valued the program's
benefits.
- ROTC could also be a wise option for those students who wants to enter ARMY but isn’t
fortunate in taking the exams for army like the PMA.
- The inclusion of ROTC within NSTP might have been a way to encourage reform within
the program itself. With other options available, pressure could be placed on ROTC to
address past issues and modernize its approach.