Senator Robin Padilla renewed his push for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 617, or the proposed Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Act, as the nation marked the 128th Philippine Independence Day.
Padilla pointed out that a recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao underscores the urgent need for the legislation, which aims to cultivate a disciplined, service-oriented populace ready to handle both national security threats and disaster response efforts.
Reflecting on the national holiday, the lawmaker stressed the importance of honoring historical sacrifices through proactive nation-building.
“Ngayong Araw ng Kalayaan, binibigyang-pugay natin ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pagtatayo ng isang bansang matatag, nagkakaisa, at handang humarap sa anumang pagsubok,” Padilla said.
He further tied the concept of patriotism to active community service during emergencies.
“Ang nangyaring lindol sa Mindanao ay paalala na ang pagmamahal sa bayan ay hindi lamang ipinapakita sa pagtatanggol ng ating soberanya kundi pati sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan sa oras ng sakuna at pangangailangan,” he stated.
While traditional external threats remain a priority, the senator highlighted that the country’s high exposure to natural disasters—including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and severe flooding—demands a highly prepared population.
“Ang trahedyang nangyari sa General Santos at mga karatig-lugar ay nagpapaalala sa atin na ang seguridad ng bansa ay hindi lamang tungkol sa mga banta mula sa labas. Kapag dumating ang kalamidad, kailangan natin ng mga mamamayang disiplinado, organisado, at may sapat na pagsasanay upang makatulong sa paglikas, pagbibigay ng paunang lunas, search and rescue, at pagbangon ng mga komunidad na naapektuhan,” Padilla added.
Senate Bill No. 617 seeks to implement mandatory basic ROTC training for students enrolled in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs).
In addition to military basics, the proposed curriculum places a heavy emphasis on disaster preparedness skills, such as emergency medical response, search-and-rescue operations, and humanitarian aid distribution.
Padilla concluded by framing the measure as a foundational tool for civic duty and public safety rather than strictly military enlistment.
“Sa panahon ng sakuna, bawat minuto ay mahalaga. Bawat taong may sapat na kaalaman sa first aid, search and rescue, disaster response, at pagpapanatili ng kaayusan ay maaaring maging dahilan upang may isang buhay na mailigtas. Kaya para sa incline, ang ROTC Act ay hindi lamang usapin ng pambansang depensa. Isa itong batas para sa paghuhubog ng mamamayan at pagliligtas ng buhay,” he said.