Gabriela cites 'harmful effects' of mandatory ROTC among women, LGBTIQ
At A Glance
- "The case studies surrounding mandatory ROTC and its disproportionately harmful effects against female students is well-documented,"
- Gabriela issued the statement in response to Senator Ronald Bato Dela Rosa's assertion that excluding women and LGBTQ individuals from the mandatory ROTC could be labeled as "gender inequality."
- Salvador also noted that "forcing" young women to undergo mandatory ROTC is not gender equality.
Women’s group Gabriela issued a warning on the “harmful effects” of mandatory Reserved Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) on female students as well as to those belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) community.

“The case studies surrounding mandatory ROTC and its disproportionately harmful effects against female students is well-documented,” said Gabriela Vice Chairperson Joms Salvador in a statement issued on Monday, Aug. 14.
“We have seen plenty of cases of ROTC-facilitated intimidation, sexual harassment, rape, hazing, and many other forms of gendered violence against women and LGBTIQ students in the program,” she added.
Gabriela issued the statement in response to Senator Ronald Bato Dela Rosa's assertion that excluding women and LGBTQ individuals from the mandatory ROTC could be labeled as "gender inequality."
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/11/bato-females-lgbtq-included-in-rotc-to-uphold-gender-equality
“In what world is institutionalizing a program with such a horrific track record considered gender equality?” she asked.
Salvador also noted that “forcing” young women to undergo mandatory ROTC is not gender equality.
“It just means we are now throwing both halves of the population into militarist, macho, and misogynistic education under ROTC,” she added.
Salvador also noted that instead of teaching women to “accept abuse and obey without question” as what ROTC instills, women should learn “the value of critical thinking, of speaking out in the face of exploitation.”
“Let us teach women patriotism, not through blind submission to authority, but through conscious action rooted in political education and understanding of Philippine history and society,” she added.
The group also called on the government to address gaps in Philippine education --- especially those related to gender inclusivity, critical thinking, human rights, history, and sovereignty. (Sonny Daanoy)