5 schools to pilot ROTC return

CEBU, Philippines —  Five schools in Cebu offering senior high education will join the pilot implementation of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

 These are Cebu City National Science High School, Abellana National School, Mambaling National High School (Night), Bangkal National High School (Lapu-Lapu), and Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School.

 The five are among 11 secondary institutions in Region 7 identified as pilot areas for the implementation of ROTC.

 The other schools are Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School and Inabanga National High School in Bohol, Negros Oriental High School and Tanjay City Science High School in Negros Oriental, and Tambisan National High School and Siquijor Provincial Science High School in Siquijor.

“There are only eleven high schools targeted to implement ROTC as pilot implementation for the region… these eleven high schools will have part of the core subjects the ROTC like curriculum in their PHEM (Physical, Health Education and Music),” said Department of Education - 7 Director Julieta Jeruta.

“No order yet from Central Office… we are still waiting for the directive from higher officials if these eleven can already start with the pilot implementation,” Jeruta said.

Jeruta said the pilot implementation is intended to test the program before introducing it widely next year.

Several teachers and school administrators have been trained to handle the ROTC program.

Jeruta said they are aware of the oppositions to restore the mandatory ROTC.

“To provide awareness on discipline, combat scenario, strategic planning, weapon-handling, and other operations in time of violence would be the content of the training,” she said. —  JMO (FREEMAN)