Philippines
National
Robin Padilla says Mindanao quake shows need for ROTC, disaster preparedness training
Robin Padilla says Mindanao quake shows need for ROTC, disaster preparedness training
At A Glance
- Sen. Robinhood Padilla said Senate Bill No. 617 primarily aims to cultivate a generation of disciplined, patriotic, and service-oriented Filipinos capable of responding to the country's growing security and disaster-response challenges.
Senator Robinhood Padilla on Friday, June 12 renewed his push for the passage of Senate Bill No. 617 or the proposed Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Act, as the nation commemorates the 128th Philippine Independence Day.
Padilla said the recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Mindanao shows the need for the immediate passage of the measure.
Senate Bill No. 617, Padilla said, primarily aims to cultivate a generation of disciplined, patriotic, and service-oriented Filipinos capable of responding to the country’s growing security and disaster-response challenges.
The senator who is currently in Sarangani Province to assist in relief and humanitarian operations for affected communities, said the tragedy underscores the urgent need to strengthen the country’s reserve force and disaster-response capabilities.
“Ngayong Araw ng Kalayaan, binibigyang-pugay natin ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pagtatayo ng isang bansang matatag, nagkakaisa, at handang humarap sa anumang pagsubok (This Independence Day, we honor the sacrifices of our heroes by continuing to build a nation that is strong, united, and ready to face any challenge),” Padilla said.
“Ang nangyaring lindol sa Mindanao ay paalala na ang pagmamahal sa bayan ay hindi lamang ipinapakita sa pagtatanggol ng ating soberanya kundi pati sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan sa oras ng sakuna at pangangailangan (The earthquake that occurred in Mindanao is a reminder that love for the nation is not only shown in defending our sovereignty but also in helping our countrymen in times of disaster and need),” he further stressed.
While the Philippines faces traditional security concerns, Padilla noted it is equally vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
But a well-trained citizenry can play a critical role in saving lives during emergencies.
“Ang trahedyang nangyari sa General Santos at mga karatig-lugar ay nagpapaalala sa atin na ang seguridad ng bansa ay hindi lamang tungkol sa mga banta mula sa labas. Kapag dumating ang kalamidad, kailangan natin ng mga mamamayang disiplinado, organisado, at may sapat na pagsasanay upang makatulong sa paglikas, pagbibigay ng paunang lunas, search and rescue, at pagbangon ng mga komunidad na naapektuhan (The tragedy that occurred in General Santos and surrounding areas reminds us that national security is not just about external threats. When disaster strikes, we need citizens who are disciplined, organized, and adequately trained to assist in evacuation, first aid, search and rescue, and the recovery of affected communities),” he added.
SB No. 617 seeks to institutionalize and strengthen the ROTC program in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) nationwide.
Under the proposal, students enrolled in degree and certificate programs shall undergo mandatory basic ROTC training designed not only to develop patriotism and civic consciousness but also to equip them with practical skills necessary for disaster preparedness and emergency response.
The bill specifically mandates training in survival skills, disaster response operations, search-and-rescue missions, relief operations, and other competencies necessary during calamities and humanitarian emergencies.
According to Padilla, the measure is not merely a military training program but a nation-building initiative aimed at producing responsible citizens who are prepared to serve their communities whenever needed.
“Sa panahon ng sakuna, bawat minuto ay mahalaga. Bawat taong may sapat na kaalaman sa first aid, search and rescue, disaster response, at pagpapanatili ng kaayusan ay maaaring maging dahilan upang may isang buhay na mailigtas. Kaya para sa akin, ang ROTC Act ay hindi lamang usapin ng pambansang depensa. Isa itong batas para sa paghuhubog ng mamamayan at pagliligtas ng buhay (During a disaster, every minute counts. Every person with sufficient knowledge of first aid, search and rescue, disaster response, and maintaining order can be the reason for saving a life. So for me, the ROTC Act is not just a matter of national defense. It is a law for shaping the people and saving lives),” Padilla said.