Students’ Perception on the Implementation of Reserve Officer Training Corps in Senior

High School

CHAPTER I
Introduction

Background of the Study:

The Philippines has been in diplomatic conflict with the People’s Republic of China for

almost seven years now. The territorial dispute between the two nations started when China

claiming islands, reefs, banks and other parts of the West Philippine Sea. Last 2012, Chinese

fishing boats venture into Scarborough shoal are spotted by a surveillance plane from the

Philippine navy, when they entered 9 dash line gobble up large of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

of the Philippines. In addition to this, the most recent issue this year 2019, is when Chinese ship

Yuemaobinyu 42212 rams the back of Gem-ver. This leaves a hole that causes the boat to sink

from the rear. The Chinese ship leaves the 22 Filipinos fisherman floating in the middle of the sea,

in the cold of night, tired, hungry and cold. (Manila Bulletin)

This issue raised a lot of reactions from the people, which led to the idea of war between

the two countries. As we look to this situation the Philippines is not yet ready for the possible

military war with China.

Through this, the congress established the mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps

(ROTC) program as part of the National Defense Act of 1935 as an effort to enlarge and prepare

the students for a military means. This mandatory is set to be implemented starting this school year

for Grades 11 and 12 in both public and private schools nationwide.

1
 ROTC aims to provide military education and training for students to mobilize them for

national defense preparedness. Its specific objectives include preparations of college students and

now the senior high school students as well for service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in

the event of an emergency and their training to become reservist and potential commissioned

officers of the AFP.

ROTC is one of the choice courses in the National Service Training (NSTP) program of

the government, which aims to prepare youth for service in the country. Aside from ROTC, other

courses in the program are the: Civil Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and Literacy Training

Service (LTS). NSTP is mandatory for all college students, based on the NSTP LAW of 2001.

However, students may choose which of the three NSTP courses they can take.

Last May 20, the House of Representative approved on its third and final reading a bill

requiring a mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps. (ROTC) program for grades 11 and 12

students in public and private school. With 167 affirmative votes, four against and no abstentions,

the chamber approved House bill 8961, or the proposed act mandating the “institutionalization,

development, training, organization, and administration” of basic ROTC for senior high students

around the country. The ROTC training is aimed to instill patriotism, love of country, moral and

spiritual virtues, and respect for human rights and adherence to the Constitution,” sates HB 8961.

But the bill also says, “in no way should the ROTC be used for political gains, to teach and instill

particular ideology, and as a mechanism for hazing and abuse.” (abs.cbn news)

As stated in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Article II section XII,

the state recognizes the important role of youth in the development of the country and must

promote and protect their physical, moral spiritual, intellectual, and social welfare. It will be

2
established in the youth of patriotism and nationalism and will encourage their participation in

public and civic activities.

Under the measure, ROTC will be a requirement for graduation for all students in both

public and private high school. Those physically or psychological unfit or are part of the school’s

varsity team are exempted from mandatory ROTC training. Students who are undergoing a similar

military training or those who get an exemption from the Department of National Defense will

also be exempted. A school that would refuse to offer the required ROTC program would be

subjected to “administrative sanctions” by the Department of Education, or the Technical

Education and skills Development Authority. (abs.cbn news)

Researchers found this topic was a timely and an interesting issue that can caught the

attention of the senior high school students and noticed that there are many students doesn’t know

what ROTC is. In this study, it will help them to gain knowledge and know the importance of this

program.

Statement of the Problem

Although ROTC both has a negative and positive effects on the students, it is important to

know their perception regarding this matter. This study intends to examine the responses of Senior

High School students of Marikina High School as they give their insight regarding to the

Implementation of ROTC.

Specifically, it will answer the following problems:

1. How many percent of students are knowledgeable about the mandatory of ROTC in

SHS?

3
 2. How many percent of the students support the implementation of ROTC in Senior High

School?

Scope and Delimitation

This research focuses on finding out the views of senior high school students

concerning to the implementation of ROTC and if they’re mindful in this mandatory

program, and if they’ll support ROTC wherein, it will show the significant insights of

the students that will provide sufficient information for this study

The coverage of this study is limited to the Grade 11 Academic Tract only such as

Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM), Humanities and Social

Sciences (HUMSS), Accountancy and Business Management (ABM) students of

Marikina High School enrolled in A.Y 2019-2020.

Significance of the Study

The study “Students’ Perception on the Implementation of Reserve Officer Training Corps

in Senior High School” is highly relevant in today’s society. The essential findings of the study are

expected to be a big help to the following:

Students. This study can help to open the student’s awareness of government initiatives and gain

knowledge about the Mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps

Researchers. This will also serve as a way for other researchers to contribute significantly to the

development of our knowledge to possess these features of the work and to improve the readers’

understanding of how to interpret the students about the topic of ROTC

4
Teachers. This study could be an instrument for them to be aware of the changes happened to

students who were undergoing the ROTC training

Government. It can be use by the authorities to provide further information about the MHS-SHS

students who are subject to the ROTC program will be informed of the issues if the students are

ready to undergo the program and if the students are informed regarding ROTC