You might not have the time to worry about your Oppas going to mandatory military service for there might be a possibility of you joining them.
Yes. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are considering the idea of implementing mandatory military service for Filipinos, male and female, who are 18 years old. They say that it will help instill patriotism among citizens, contribute to nation-building and create a strong manpower base.
The Department of National Defense (DND) also expressed support to the idea saying that there are several advantages like having a ready and steady trained pool of reservists to defend the country and do HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) work and also that the training and discipline that they will acquire will make them better citizens.
Though expressing support, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of DND further said that the implementation of this program will not be easy as it not only faces the challenge of funds and resources but also the anticipated objections.
Even now as this is being considered, you can see the roar of disapproval of the netizens on social media platforms. Though there are also those who approve to help discipline the Filipino youth.
Mandatory military service is common to other international countries especially in South Korea as there is still a threat of war. Our country though isn’t on the same boat, technically.
How about ROTC/ NSTP/ CAT?
Lorenzana suggests that the implementation of a mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in private and public schools is the better alternative.
Netizens also think the same as they argue that ROTC already selects schools or another option of National Service Training Program (NSTP) in college and Citizenship Advancement Training (CAT) in high school are sufficient enough for discipline. Though now these programs are slowly being abolished or have no proper implementation.
Nevertheless, the decision relies on Congress in time. If it does pass, will you be ready?
Comments are closed.