The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a potent tool to develop and instill discipline and patriotism among the Filipino youth, Senator Francis Tolentino on Sunday, August 27.
Tolentino stressed this during Sunday’s opening of the PRG’s Mindanao Regional Tournament in Zamboanga City where Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte also attended.
Vice President Sara Duterte (middle) and Sen. Francis Tolentino (third from left) lead the opening of the ROTC Games Mindanao in Zamboanga City today, August 27, 2023. (Photo by O/S Francis Tolentino)
“ROTC is a very potent tool for the development of a sense of discipline, teamwork, and patriotism in young people, which can help them become more responsible and productive citizens and leaders of the future,” Tolentino said.
Tolentino is one of the senators staunchly supporting the bill that seeks the revival of the mandatory ROTC program in all undergraduate degree in public and private schools. The bill is still currently being discussed in the Senate.
At the same time, the senator said sports development is an important aspect of nation-building.
“Sports can bring people together from different backgrounds and cultures, just as we have been brought here today,” the senator said.
“It can help to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and social cohesion, helping to create a sense of national identity,” he added.
Tolentino also said he is thankful of the vice president’s presence during the opening of the tournament’s Mindanao leg.
He said it “truly adds great significance” since the Vice President is a “genuine advocate of youth and sports development through military service”
“I am hopeful that our shared goals will be achieved, and that ROTC will be a vital force in ensuring that our young people are shaped and formed to protect this nation, promote unity and peace, and to lead with utmost integrity and honor,” the lawmaker stressed.