In the Congress Committee on Higher and Technical Education hearing today which tackled legislative measures that aim to reinstate the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in all colleges and universities nationwide, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raymond “Mong” Palatino said he vows to stop such dangerous proposal that aims to “reverse and disregard the gains of students in their fight against an unrightful military training.”

“The ROTC has taught its cadets how to become blind and docile servants. With its grim and bloody human rights record, the AFP has no right to meddle with the academic affairs of our youth. A war-mongering and mercenary institution must not be allowed to infiltrate schools and teach students,” he said.

Palatino also disputed the claim that the AFP-run program would teach the students how to be patriotic.

“The AFP uses the program in its red-baiting campaign against progressive student groups. In many ROTC lectures, soldier-instructors conveniently tagged student activist groups as affiliated with the New People’s Army. The ROTC is clearly a threat to academic freedom,” he added.

The mandatory ROTC was abolished in 2001 as a result of nationwide protests students, faculty and administrators following the death of University of Santo Tomas student and ROTC cadet Mark Chua from alleged ROTC hazing.

Palatino proposes that the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001 be strengthened instead.

In his House Bill 2355 or the NSTP Reform Bill, Palatino pushes for the strengthening and expansion of the social and civic service components of the NSTP

“The bill aims to inculcate the value of nationalism, social consciousness and responsibility in the youth, and for the youth to assist the government agencies in the delivery of basic social services to the people. The nation needs an army of volunteers and advocates to fight the threats of illiteracy, of political and social apathy, and the perpetuation of social inequities that continue to obstruct genuine national progress,” Palatino explained

Palatino furthered that the bill also proposes to add several civilian programs in the NSTP, namely:

General Community Service Program aims to train students in basic services which may include systemic and rational tree planting, street cleaning, waste segregation, traffic management and other related activities.

Community Based Health and Nutrition Program aims to train students in health and nutrition education.

Community Immersion Program aims to strengthen social consciousness of students through exposure and immersion among basic sectors.

Disaster Preparedness Program is designed to train students in disaster prevention and preparedness in the event of natural calamities.

Ecological Services Program is designed to train students in environmental protection and awareness
activities.

Human Rights Education and Advocacy Program aims to train students in the understanding, protection and promotion of human rights.

Other similar programs proposed by the school, in consultation with the student councils and organizations