Young Puerto Princesa residents seem to be divided over the idea put forward by vice-presidential candidate Sara Duterte to enlist young Filipinos in military training to develop their patriotism and hone their leadership skills.
Wednesday, a 17-year-old student, said that the proposed enlistment may have negative and positive impacts. “I know for sure that some members of the youth would like this law to be enforced, including myself. However, not everyone is capable mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
The young Palaweño resident of Barangay San Pedro added, “Considering the wellness and capability of the adolescents must be their top priority. Only those who are willing as well as socially, mentally, and emotionally competent must qualify for the military services.”
Babs, an 18 year-old resident of Brgy. Tiniguiban, expressed distaste at the idea. “Bakit niya gagawin? Ano yon, gagayahin (niya) yung sa Korea? Baka magkagulo pa tayo kung mangyari man yun. Bakit need ipasok sa military, wala (pa) naman atang pinaghahandaang sobrang laking war (to the point) na nakukulangan na yung bansa ng mga tao.”
Kyle, a native of Brgy. Kalipay who just turned 19, became dismissive upon hearing the Davao City Mayor’s idea. “Hindi ako sang-ayon dahil hindi naman lahat ng edad 18 pataas ay gusto maging military pati ako. Mas gusto ko nalang maglaro ng baril-barilan sa computer kesa makipag-barilan sa totoong buhay (kasi) wala naming guide ng ganung laro sa personal.”
In the earlier Metro Manila Virtual Caravan for UniTeam BBM-SARA 2022, the presidential daughter responded to a question, “Gagamitin ko ang aking opisina—Office of the Vice President—para kausapin ang Congress and the Senate to make military service for all 18 years old, male and female, mandatory in our country. Nakikita natin ito sa ibang bansa, South Korea, Israel.”
“Hindi ROTC lang na isang subject, isang weekend. Dapat lahat kapag 18 years old, you will be given a subsidy, you will be asked to serve the country,” she added.
She reiterated that both females and males will be mandated to join the program to align with South Korea and Israel’s system that she believes have shown effectiveness for their combat.
South Korea is known for K-pop idols who often slow down their career to fulfill their country’s requirements may also opt to move their enlistment from 18-28 years old, strictly not requiring them to quickly enlist as they turn 18, long as they can accomplish the requirement in the span of 10 years.
Women in South Korea, on the other hand, are not required to undergo military service enlistment, which in turn gives a different twist of idea to the Vice-Presidential aspirant.
To recall, President Rodrigo Duterte has also urged to push the mandatory program of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) back in 2019, institutionalized under Sections 38 and 30 of the Republic Act No. 77 that aims to provide military training to students, to prepare them for unforeseeable circumstances in the country.
Mayor Duterte underscored she wishes to develop leadership and instill patriotism in the hearts of the Filipinos in pushing for the idea and not to engage in war.
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