NYC head backs return of ROTC

 BAGUIO CITY ---  The National Youth  Commission is supportive of the move to bring back the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)  to  prepare  the youth  to respond to emergencies and in securing the country.

Undersecretary Ronald Gian Cardema, NYC chairperson and chief executive officer, in a press conference here, said he strongly supports the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the restoration ROTC program to boost the strength of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve Force and in preparation for the many typhoons, earthquakes, and other national emergencies in this disaster- prone country.

The restoration of ROTC would also “instill patriotism" and "love of country among our youth."

“In our neighboring countries like Singapore and South Korea, the youth are mandated to give military service and we can see that they have strong country, developed nation,” Cardema said.

Celebrity and AFP reservist Private Matteo Guidicelli, one of the resource speakers of the Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) National Convention 2019 held at the Baguio Country Club, encourages   youth leaders and other elected SK officials to be part of nation-building and join the Reserve Command.

“I got associated and interested with the AFP on how they help in the community and society so I enlisted in the Army Reserve Command to do my part as a Filipino citizen,” Guidicelli said.  

The reserve force is a voluntary service to the country especially in times of emergencies and calamities, he added.

The NYC is a government agency that specifically addresses issues surrounding the Filipino youth. The policy-making body on youth affairs, it coordinates and implements programs designed to help the youth be more aware of the issues in the country. (JDP/JBZ- PIA CAR)