HB01118: AN ACT MANDATING THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION, DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING, ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF BASIC RESERVE OFFICERS´ TRAINING CORPS (ROTC) IN GRADES 11 AND 12 IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO
House Bill No. 1118 seeks to institutionalize, develop, and administer a mandatory two-year Basic Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program for all Grades 11 and 12 students in public and private senior high schools. The bill's objective is to produce well-trained and prepared reservists for military and civic service, instilling patriotism, love of country, moral and spiritual virtues, respect for human rights, and adherence to the Constitution. It also includes civic training for students to become active participants in health, education, environmental protection, disaster risk reduction and management, and law enforcement efforts.
The significance of this bill for the Filipino people lies in its aim to strengthen national defense preparedness and foster civic consciousness among the youth. By creating a pool of trained reservists, the country enhances its capacity to respond to national security threats and emergencies, as well as to mobilize volunteers for civil-military operations and disaster response. This mandatory program seeks to develop personal discipline and leadership in young citizens, contributing to a more engaged and prepared populace for both national defense and community service.