Move to make ROTC compulsory pushed

The Reserve Officers Training Course Corps Commanders will submit a resolution asking to make ROTC mandatory in all state colleges and universities after decreasing numbers of college students enrolled in ROTC.

Col. Guillermo Luyao Jr., the Group Commander of the 7th Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserved Command yesterday in a press conference admitted that since the National Service Training Program was implemented in 2001 there was a big decrease in the number of students enrolling in ROTC.

From 300,000 it was reduced to 80,000 nationwide since 2001.

Luyao said that ROTC is the only source of personnel for the military and the country will not last any possible attacks by enemies if there is no ROTC.

The 7th RCDG, ARESCOM of the Philippine Army will hold its first National ROTC Annual Corps Commanders Convention starting today March 3 until Monday at the Ecotech Center, Lahug, where they will make a resolution to pass in the Congress to amend the RA 9163 the law implementing NSTP.

Part of this resolution is to include women in ROTC. - Norvie S. Misa, correspondent