AFP Reservist Act of 1991 PDF

REPUBLIC ACT 7077 Scope General Identification Salient Provisions ○ Organizations ○ Training ○ Equipage ○ Development ○ Administration ○ Mobilization/Utilization The AFP Reservist Act of 1991 - An act that provides fo...

REPUBLIC ACT 7077 Scope General Identification Salient Provisions ○ Organizations ○ Training ○ Equipage ○ Development ○ Administration ○ Mobilization/Utilization The AFP Reservist Act of 1991 - An act that provides for the Development, Administration, Organization, Training, Maintenance, and Utilization of AFP Reservists. Section 2. The Regular Force - It is the policy of the State to maintain a standing or regular force in times of peace consonant to its adequate and actual needs for the security of the State but which can be rapidly expanded by the well-disciplined Citizen Armed Force in the event of war, invasion or rebellion. Section 3. The Security and Socioeconomic Development of the State - The Citizen Armed Forces shall be provided maximum opportunity to participate in safeguarding the security of the State and in assisting in socioeconomic development. Section 4. The Call to Personal Military and Civil Service - The Citizen Armed Forces shall be organized, trained, developed and maintained as to ensure their readiness to immediately respond to the call of service. Section 5. The Public Awareness - The State shall promote and develop public support to and awareness of the important role of the Citizen Armed Force as protector of the people and the State. SECTION 6. The Manpower of the Citizen Armed Force. – The manpower objective of the Citizen Armed Force shall conform to projected and actual needs. It is not envisioned by the State to have a nation under arms, unless extremely necessary. SECTION 7. Mission. – The mission of the Citizen Armed Force, alternately referred to as the Reserve Force, is to provide the base for the expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the event of war, invasion or rebellion; to assist in relief and rescue during disaster or calamities; to assist in socioeconomic development; and to assist in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the furtherance of overall mission. 1 Army Reserve Command - Tanza, Cavite Naval Reserve Command - Roxas Blvd, Manila Air Force Reserve Command - Clark Air Base, Pampanga ORGANIZATION Sources of Reservists: Graduates of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Graduates of pre-reservist training (Basic Citizen Military Training and Military Orientation Training) Incorporated retired military personnel who were honorably discharged from the service Commissioned and NCO of Affiliated Reserve Unit Graduates of the National Defense College of the Philippines Categorization First Category Reserve - shall be composed of able-bodied reservists whose ages are between eighteen (18) years and thirty-five (35) years, inclusive. Second Category Reserve - shall be composed of able-bodied reservists whose ages are between thirty-six (36) years and fifty-one (51) years, inclusive. Third Category Reserve - shall be composed of all able-bodied reservists who are above fifty-one (51) years of age. Classification Ready Reserve - The Ready Reserve shall be composed of citizen soldiers belonging mostly to the First Category Reserve Standby Reserve - The Standby Reserve shall be composed of citizen soldiers belonging mostly to the Second Category Reserve and the Third Category Reserve Retired Reserve - The Retired Reserve shall be composed of citizen soldiers who have qualified for retirement through length of service, old age, or disability. For this purpose, sixty-five (65) years shall be considered as the retirement age. Reserve Force Development Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) – Registrants finally selected for military training pursuant to Section 30 shall undergo a basic military training for a period of not more than six (6) months. Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). – Military training for students enrolled in colleges, universities and similar institutions of learning is mandatory Advance Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) - The students undergoing advance ROTC shall be referred to as advance ROTC cadets which entitle with Scholarship Incentives that the CSAFP and Maj Svc Cmdrs are giving. 2 Training Specialization Trainings Commandant and MTI Seminar (CMTIS) Air-to-Ground Operations Seminar (AGOS) Search and Rescue Auxiliary Training (SARAT) Intelligence Security Indoctrination Training (ISOT) Bomb Awareness Seminar (BAS) Basic Aircraft Marshalling Seminar (BAMS) Health Emergency Management Seminar (HEMS) Mobilization Stock The Chief of Staff, AFP, shall see to it that the basic minimum essential individual and organizational equipment and supplies shall be provided, stored and maintained for selected Ready Reserve units to enhance their rapid transition to readiness required for employment in the shortest possible time. Maintenance Training Active Duty Training (ADT) Unit Active Duty Training (UADT) DEVELOPMENT Reserve Officer’s Non-resident Instruction Each major service shall conduct non-resident instruction on a continuing basis to maintain and update the proficiency of its reservist officers, particularly key officers of Ready Reserve units. ○ Basic Air Force Officer Course (BAFOC) ○ Squadron Officer Course (SOC) ○ Command and General Staff Course (CGSC) ○ Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) Training of Individual Reservists and Reserve Units Maximum opportunity shall be afforded the reservists to update their skills for the purpose of enhancement of the readiness of the individual reservists and reserve units to respond to the call to service. Compulsory Training of not less than thirty (30) days but not more than sixty (60) days for reserve units and/or individual reservists in a given year. 3  MILITARY COURTESY AND DISCIPLINE Military discipline is necessary to ensure orderly and effective group action. This is commonly known as teamwork. Teamwork is particularly important in military operations where its presence or lack of it may spell the difference between victory or defeat. With discipline, everybody learn the sense of obligation to himself and to his group, to his superiors and to the entire organization where he belongs. He also realizes that he is a member of a team, organized, trained and equipped for the purpose engaging and defeating the enemies of the state. Really all aspect of military life are affected by discipline. We hear of “fire discipline”, water discipline, “supply discipline”, etc. DEFINITION OF TERMS Military Discipline The state of order and obedience among personnel in a military organization. It is characterized by men’s prompt and willing responsiveness to orders and unhesitating compliance to regulation. Military Courtesy The acts of politeness, civility and respect that personnel in the military organization accord to one other. Just like in the civilian world, military courtesy serves to smooth the personal relationship among men in the profession of arms. As a soldier, you must be thoroughly familiar with the different forms of military courtesy. Learn to practice them wholeheartedly and insist that your fellow soldiers do the same. Customs of Service The body of unwritten or common law of the armies, navies, and air forces. Morale The term maybe defined as the mental state and spirit of an individual or unit. Efficiency The ability to accomplish successfully an assigned task in the shortest possible time with the least confusion. Efficiency requires interest, resourcefulness, and proficiency. It develops pride, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Salute The salute is the most important and the most common form of all the military courtesies. It is a time honored tradition of the profession of arms, practiced in all military organizations in the world. The manner an individual executes is an indication of his attitude towards his duties as a military man and existing state of morale and discipline in his unit. A sloppily and grudgingly rendered salute or childish pretense not to notice anyone to whom a salute is due, shows neglect or ignorance of the individual duties, his lack of confidence and the ability to perform them, his lack of pride in his team and possession of a stubborn and defiant character making him unsuited to cooperate with others in common effort. When you salute or return to a salute smartly, clearly mark yourself as a soldier who has a pride in yourself and your organization. 4 Who and What are Entitled to Salute? Commissioned Officers (both male and female) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Commissioned Officers (both male or female) of the Armed Forces of Allied Nations. Civilian high officials or foreign dignities during military honors rendered for them. Colors and standards not cased. When to Salute? Reporting to an officer. Meeting an officer When the national colors passes by When the national anthem is being played. (Out door only) Raising and lowering of flag. After conversing with an officer. When not to Salute? When troops are at work Indoors, except when reporting to an officer. When carrying articles with both hands, or being so occupied to make saluting impracticable. When attending to a vehicle. When meeting a prisoner When in ranks Military personnel in uniform are always required to salute all persons who are entitled to courtesy whenever they meet and recognized them. Saluting, however, is not necessary when riding in public conveyances such as train and busses or when inside public places such as theaters and restaurants or during situations when a salute is manifestly inappropriate or impractical. SERVICES AND LAST COURTESIES Funeral services are accorded to all military personnel who died in the performance of their duties. Deceased military personnel are entitled to the following: Vigil guards during the wake. Gun salute during interment Pallbearers are provided to carry the casket during the interment Taps is being played while the casket is being lowered to the grave As courtesy to the deceased military personnel, while the casket is being carried from the house to the caisson, military personnel stand at attention, uncover and hold the headdress over their left breast. During inclement weather they implement hand salute. The honor is also accorded to the remains as it passes by the mourners. Military men not in formation attending military funerals follow the mourners according to seniority. As the casket is being lowered from the caisson to the grave during the sounding of the valley, taps and funeral services, the headdress is removed and placed over the left breast. During inclement weather, military personnel remain uncover and execute the hand salute. This 5 position is maintained until the casket reaches the grave or when it is beyond saluting distance. Active pallbearers remain uncovered while they are carrying the casket. AFP CORE VALUES Honor - The members of the AFP believe in honor as the most more precious than life itself. Without honor, a man is nothing but a beast. Honor means clean consciousness, personal dignity, good reputation, unquestionable character. Honor means truthfulness, sincerity, honesty, credibility. Honor means integrity, a modest but decent life. A honorable soldier does not lie, cheat, steal, violate moral and ethical codes not tolerate the violations of the code of honor is the sacred part of the character of a soldier, violation of which should bring shame. Loyalty - The members of the AFP believe in unflinching loyalty. Thus we shall promote the national interest and security as a paramount concern. We shall support and defend the constitution. We shall be obedient to the duly constituted government. We shall obey the order of those legally appointed over us. We shall support those who lead us and those who serve with us. Valor - We believe in valor as the power and strength, courage and ability to overcome fear, which enables the soldiers to carry out their mission and to accomplish what is seemingly impossible. It is more than bravery or ability to endure pain. Valor is calmness and presence of mind in the heat of battle where danger or death is imminent. It is the courage to stand for what is right and the perseverance to make it difficult for others to do wrong. Duty - Despite difficulty and danger, we perform our tasks as order or implied. Discipline and obedience, we believe that duty is a personal act of responsibility, which we show by doing all our assigned tasks to the best of our ability. Solidarity - Solidarity is the value that binds us with the rest of our comrades-in-arms. It is the value that makes us one strong and united organization. Chain of Command - Chain of Command deals on the generally accepted principles that a military action being executed should pass the approval or consent of the Commander at each level or echelon of command from lowest to highest without bypassing any approving authority or taking the action upon one's self as his prerogative. Purpose of Chain of Command - Maintains order and discipline within the military. It ensures that commands flow smoothly from the highest ranks to the lowest, reducing confusion and promoting a structured environment where eveyone understands their roles and responsiblities. Military Leadership - Military leadership summarizes the significant role of a military leader or Commander to influence his men to carryout its mission, perform assigned tasks or fulfill its obligations and functions. Enemies of the State - The AFP shall consider the following as enemies of the state: Those who shall violate the sovereignty of the Philippines such as foreign aggression whose intention is to occupy and control the national territory or part thereof. 6  Those who resort to violence as a means to achieve their ends such as CPP/NPA/Guerillas. Those who shall not accept the supremacy of civilian authority over the military, such as the coup plotters and participants. Those who shall dismember the country or any part thereof, such as the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and other secessionist groups. Those who shall engage in organized crimes, such as gambling syndicates, drug pushers, gun runners, hired killers. Those who shall organize the populace for the purpose of alienating their allegiance from the state such as the national democratic front and the sectoral organizations under umbrella Professionalism Military professionalism is the heart and soul of the whole AFP code of ethics. It emphasizes that being public servants, we in the AFP area expected to perform our duties and responsibilities with utmost competence and efficiency. Our right to bear arms as one of the peculiarities of the military service calls for the assurance to the people that their safety, protection and welfare shall be our paramount concern. The people expects the AFP to perform its tasks as mandated by the constitution with the highest degree of excellence by applying expertly the basic and specialized skills of soldiery while adhering strictly with the code of ethics and all laws and statutes of the land. How do you show Professionalim? Being on Time Keeping a Good Attitude Being Trustworthy Seeking to Improve Showing strong Ethics MILITARY PROFESSIONALISM Men who adopt the profession of arms submit their own free-will to a law of perpetual constraint of their own accord they reject their right. To live where they choose, to say what they think, and dress as they like, from the moment they become soldiers it needs but an order. To settle them in this place. To move them to that. To separate them from their families and dislocate their normal lives. In the world of command. They must rise, march, run endured bad weather. Go without sleep or food. Be isolated in some distant post and work until they drop. They have ceased to be the masters of their own faith. If they drop from their track. If their ashes are scattered into the four winds that is all part and parcel of their job. 7 Unprofessional Acts These behaviors that fall short of the professional standards as enumerated in the AFP code of ethics are considered unprofessional acts. Acts of Disloyalty Acts of Incompetence Unethical Acts Corrupt Acts PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY Brief History of the AFP Pre-Spanish Occupation The first recorded organized resistance against foreign aggressor took place in the Visayas during the Battle of Mactan on 27 Apr 1521 when the native chieftain named Lapu-lapu, the acknowledge father of the AFP fought against the Spaniards led by Magellan in the latter's effort to subdue the former. Lapu- lapu refused to pay homage to the King of Spain. Under estimating the capability of the natives, the foreigners lost in the battle and Magellan was killed. Spanish Occupation Some islands of the archipelago were successfully occupied by the Spaniards. In 1570, they tried to land in Manila, however, the Muslim leader, Rajah Soliman resisted their effort. In 1571, Legaspi conquered Manila and made it as the capital of the Philippines. Pockets of rebellion took place. Notable of which was the uprising led by Diego Silang where he displayed his exemplary military leadership style and tactics in defeating the Spaniards. The Filipino soldiers were also organized to fight for Spain and to support some expeditions. Filipino forces were also sent to reinforce Spanish troops during the Chinese revolt in 1603. General Jose Prim dethroned Queen Isabela II of Spain in 1868. The latter espoused liberal principles of democracy. This paved the way for the exposure of the Filipinos in foreign culture leading to the development of strong sense of nationalism among Filipinos. The works of famous propagandists Marcelo H del Pilar, Graceano Lopez Jaena and Jose Rizal further nurtured the national spirit. Andres Bonifacio, who is considered as the father of the Philippine Army, founded a more radical group called the "Katipunan" on 7 Jul 1892. In August 23, 1896, the Cry of Pugad Lawin signaled the start of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. This was followed by pockets of rebellion which inflicted so much loss to the Spaniards. While Katipunan was gaining strength, two factions emerged - the Magdalo led by Aguinaldo and the Magdiwang led by Bonifacio. On 22 Mar 1897, the Tejeros Convention was called to resolve the conflict between the two factions. As a result, Aguinaldo won the presidency. The occasion also gave birth to the Philippine Army. 8 American Influence As the war broke out between the United States and Spain on April 23, 1898, the Americans convinced the Filipinos to cooperate with the Americans against Spain with the promise that the United States will grant independence to the Philippines. Aguinaldo declared war against Spain. In June 12, 1898, the Philippine Independence from Spain was declared in Kawit, Cavite. Later on, the Philippine Navy was created 22 June 22, 1898 by the Revolutionary Army. The occupation of the American forces did not gain much acceptance from the Filipinos because of many restrictions imposed to the Filipino forces as to access to some areas. The harse treatment by Americans ignited the conflict between them and the Filipinos. The latter were defeated which led to the fall of the Malolos Republic. With the Treaty of Paris, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States. Finding the archipelago as a lucrative place for some economic activities, the United States strengthened their presence in the Philippines. This prompted the Filipinos to again unite and fight for the freedom they have just won. Significant battles followed suit exemplifying the fighting spirit and skills of the Filipino soldiers against formidable opponents. The capture of General Aguinaldo by the Americans in Palanan, Isabela in March 23, 1901 and the laying down of arms of General Malvar in April 16, 1902 ended the organized resistance against the American forces. To hasten the Philippine campaign and to establish peace and order, an insular police force known as the Philippine Constabulary was organized on August 8, 1901 followed by the establishment of the Philippine Military Academy on February 7, 1905. On December 21, 1935, the National Defense Act was enacted which officially created the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Philippine Air Force was later established on July 1, 1947. Japanese Influence Consequent to the declaration of war by Japan with the United States, the invading Japanese Forces landed in Vigan and Aparri in Luzon on December 10, 1945. Un-able to withstand the very strong adversary and to save more lives and properties from destruction, the combined military forces of the United States and the Filipinos withdrew to Bataan for the implementation of War Plan Orange. Un- abated Japanese strikes caused the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 and Corregidor on May 6, 1942. These events ended the organized resistance against the Japanese invasion. The defeat of the Fil-Am forces did not end the armed struggle in the Philippines. Those who refused to surrender went underground and waged a guerilla fighting against the Japanese. The activities of the guerilla forces were very instrumental in the successful come back of the liberating US Forces under Gen Douglas Mc Arthur who landed in Leyte on October 20, 1944. International Peace Keeping Operations It is also noteworthy that the AFP had participated in international peace keeping efforts as its commitment to the United Nations such as the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) in the early 50's, the Philippine Air Force Contingent in Congo, Africa in the early 60's and the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) in South Vietnam in the 60's. Philippine contingents were also sent to East Timor, Iraq and Liberia to participate in UN peace keeping operations. 9 Evolution and Role of the ROTC in the Previous Wars The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program has gone a long way in the Philippine history. The Commonwealth Act Number 1 otherwise known as the National Defense Act provided the legal basis for the conduct of ROTC instruction, the need for a citizen force had been realized as early as before the American occupation of the Philippines. In fact, it was utilized even during the long and arduous Spanish colonial rule in the archipelago. A military training course, that time, became inevitable in the light of the constant. As the result of the so called Seven Year's War in Europe between France and Great Britain, a British flotilla of thirteen ships, headed by Admiral Samuel Cornish and General William Draper, arrived in the Colony on September 22, 1762. The Philippines got entangled in this European power struggle because the monarchs of Spain and France both belonged to the Bourbon Dynasty. On the one side where the combined French and Spanish forces together with their colonies; on the other, the rising tide of British colonialism in Asia. In retaliation for this entanglement, a military expedition from Madras was sent to India, then a British colony. Spanish authorities in the colony were ill- prepared for such kind of international assault. During this tumultuous period, the Philippines was headed by Archbishop Manuel Rojo, a situation clearly indicative of the unstable political situation in the archipelago. Father Domingo Collantes, OP, Rector and chancellor of the University of Sto Tomas, organized a group of around two hundred (200) students from UST and Colegio de San Juan de Letran who underwent military training at Sto Tomas Plaza in Intramuros, Manila. Father Collantes was assisted by a sergeant in the Royal Spanish Army in setting up a battalion of young students for military instruction. These students were immediately sent to action together with 500 Hispano-Filipino regulars (in the King's Regiment) and 80 Filipinos to counter the 7000 strong British Regiment. Though obviously mismatched against the British force, the ragtag force assembled by Spanish authorities was able to somehow temporarily ward - off the advancing enemies. Their skirmish lasted for five days, and the defenders suffered much in terms of the number of casualties and injuries. Realizing the futility of continuous fighting, Governor- Archbishop Rojo surrendered Manila and Cavite to Lieutenant General Dawsonne Drake on October 6, 1762. Though not so well known in the Philippine history, our country did become a British colony foe a while until June 1764. With the signing of the Treaty of Paris on February 10, 1763, the Seven Year's War ended and the British consequently left the archipelago for good. Despite this debacle, the Spanish king duly recognized the courage and bravery these students exhibited in the battlefield. Henceforth, he granted the prestigious titles 'muy leal' (very loyal) to these young defenders and 'regalia' (royal) to the institution to which most of them belonged. Up until this day, the 'muy leal' emblem remains part of the UST ROTC seal. A testament to the unwavering valor and the commendable spirit once shown in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity. Exactly one hundred fifty years later after 1762, various colleges and universities in the Philippines would offer military training for their students. According to Brigadier General Jose Syjuco, author of the Military education in the Philippines, most military historians marked the year 1912 as the beginning of the genuine ROTC instruction in the country. In that year, the Philippine Constabulary (PC) started conducting military instructions at the University of the Philippines 10 (UP) on the old Padre Faura Campus. All able-bodied male students in all colleges, institutes, and schools of the university were required to undergo military training that focused initially on infantry and use of rifles. Appointed as the first military instructor was Captain Silvino Gallardo, who assumed office in the first semester of 1912. The need for reserve officer was further realized with the advent of the First World War in Europe, even though the Philippines had no direct military participation in that international squabble. In 1912, during the American regime, UP and Ateneo de Manila started to offer military training. But their graduates could not find a career in military unless they joined the PC or the Philippine Scouts (PS). Governor General Leonard Wood encouraged the development of ROTC units, which were quite similar to those he had organized in the United States, in the Philippines. With representation from the UP Board of Regents to the US War Department, the services of an American Army officer was obtained. This officer was later appointed as professor of Military Science. On March 17, 1922, the Department of Military Science and Tactics (DMST) was formally organized in UP. Among the department's objectives were to: 1) develop patriotic, physically sound, upright and disciplined citizens; 2) create a corps of trained officers for the reserve force; and 3) take the lead in fostering the university spirit. On July 3, 1922, with the first ROTC unit in the country having been organized, formal military instruction began in UP. Since then, basic course in infantry became compulsory and a pre-requisite for graduation from the university. On October 26, 1929, the field artillery unit of UP was organized with the issuance of 75mm field guns. In 1935, a mounted battery unit, equipped with 2.95-inch guns was also put in place. As a result of these, encouraging events, other colleges and universities in Manila followed suit. Ateneo de Manila, National University, Liceo de Manila, and San Juan de Letran later formed their ROTC units. These units remained independent from one another until 1936, when Office of the Superintendent (of ROTC units) of the Philippine Army was activated to supervise all ROTC units in the country. Under the American tutelage, Commonwealth Act Number 1 provided the legal basis for the mandatory citizen military training in the Philippines. The country's national defense plan was put into motion by the combined efforts of General Douglas McArthur and Manuel Quezon. The defense plan envisioned an organization on citizen army consisting of two major components: 1) a regular force of about 10,000 men (including PC) and 2) a reserve force to number 400,000 by end of ten-year period. The second component was to be accomplished by way of continuing program to train 21-year old able bodied men for a period of more than five months. Quezon personally hand-picked Gen McArthur to become the military adviser of the Commonwealth, with the responsibility of formulating the Philippine Defense system. (Quezon later conferred the status of "Field Marshall", the highest military rank known in international usage, on McArthur). At the opening session of the National Assembly on November 26, 1935, Quezon re-iterated the need for a defense plan. According to him" Self defense is the supreme right of mankind no more sacred to the individual than to the nation, the interests of which are immeasurably of greater significance and extent... In my opinion, the plan reflects the lessons of history, the conclusion of the acknowledge masters of warfare and of 11 statesmanship, and the sentiments and aspirations of the Filipino people. It is founded upon enduring principles that are fundamental to any plan applicable to our needs," On December 21, 1935, the National Assembly approved the plan amid criticisms it received and the strict opposition mounted by several lawmakers namely Juan Sumulong and Camilo Osias, and former President Emilio Aguinaldo. One important provision of the plan stated the " at such universities and colleges as the President may designate, there shall be established and maintain ROTC units of such arm and service as he shall specify, where every physically fit student shall be required to pursue a course of military instruction.." ROTC units in various universities and colleges, therefore became source of reserve officers. However, a major concern was that these units had yet to be standardized (although most were yet to be formally recognized). UP's ROTC was the first to be officially recognized; the ROTC units of Letran, UST, De la Salle, Adamson, Philippine Normal School, the Philippine School of Arts and Trades, San Beda and Siliman were likewise given recognition. By 1937, the Philippine government had established and recognized seventeen ROTC, most of them infantry units. UP had a field artillery unit aside from an infantry unit; Adamson and the Quisumbing schools had chemical warfare units. Furthermore, UP also served as the training ground for ROTC instructors and a source of basic ROTC training policies. Under the system, male students had to take basic two-year course and attend training on weekends. Those students desiring reserve commission could attend two more years of advanced weekend training. Completion of the advanced course made one eligible for a reserve officer commission. However, mandatory training was not instituted in all colleges. As result, students who did not want to undergo military training simply opted to transfer to schools who did not have ROTC units. To resolve the issue, President Quezon issued Executive Order No. 207. By virtue of this directive, ROTC became compulsory in all colleges and universities with enrollment of a hundred students or more. This action taken by Quezon was partly in response to the protest launched by some schools that their enrollment had dropped due to the institution of ROTC units. By 1941, there were around thirty three colleges and universities through out the country that maintained ROTC units. However, all of these schools closed down during the Japanese incursion in the Philippines. Japan's misadventure in the Philippines had ended, but the service rendered to the nation by the heroic men of ROTC has turned into a life-long commitment. Even during the post war era, UP ROTC graduates exhibited here and abroad meritorious deeds in the service of the Filipino people. On the one hand, they became part of the government's effort to solve the problem of insurgency in the country; on the other, they manned the contingency forces that were sent at the height of the Korean (1950) and Vietnam (1964) wars. Less than seventy years have passed since the inception of student military training in various colleges and universities throughout the country. Times have changed and the ROTC program has been placed in constant scrutiny, especially in terms of significance to the importance in today's reality.Less than seventy years have passed since the inception of student military training in various colleges and universities throughout the country. Times have changed and the ROTC program has been placed in constant scrutiny, especially in terms of significance to the importance in today's reality. 12 It drew a number of problems and subsequent protests not only from the student sector but also from the school administration and the parents of the students who view the program as militarization. The strongest clamor for its abolition occurred in March 2001 as a consequence of the death of University of Santo Tomas ROTC Cadet Mark Chua who was allegedly hazed by senior ROTC cadets for his expose' of several malpractices in the ROTC program. This incident was exploited by some leftist organizations who staged rallies demanding the abolition of the ROTC. This clamor prompted both Houses to file separate bills on the ROTC program. The House of Representatives filed House Bill Number 3593 and The Senate filed Senate Bill Number 1824 which led to the enactment of Republic Act 9163 otherwise known as the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, making the ROTC as just one of the three components of the NSTP where the students can choose from. The ROTC training period was also reduced from two years to one year. Students can also select any component of the NSTP, thus making ROTC optional. Female students are also required to undergo NSTP as a prerequisite for graduation for a baccalaureate degree or two-year vocational courses. The NSTP has three (3) components namely: the ROTC, which is designed to provide military training to students to prepare for national defense, the Department of National Defense (DND) is the lead agency in the implementation of the ROTC component, the Literacy Training Service (LTS), which is designed to train students to become teachers to school children, out of school youth and other segments of the society who are in dire need of their service, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is the lead agency in the implementation of the LTS component and the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), which will involve the students to activities to contribute to general welfare and betterment of life, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is the lead agency in the implementation of CWTS component. The students can select any of the three (3) components as a requirement for their baccalaureate degree or two-year vocational course. Prior to the implementation of the NSTP, the ROTC was a two year mandatory training for male college students and also a requisite for graduation in college. Through the years the enrollment had gone down tremendously. The program also experienced steady deterioration essentially due to issues and concerns which include among others graft and corruption, lack of competent, dedicated and committed instructors and higher student-instructor ratio. Moreover, students do not appreciate the Program as shown by the high rate of students dropping out or deferring the ROTC training while many have decided to enroll in the other two components. This has significantly reduced the number of our reserve force pool who are not only to be readily available in case of war or national emergency but also to perform relief and rescue tasks when needed. As of today, many concerned citizens and school administrators and legislators alike are advocating for the enhancement of the ROTC program by making the same compulsory to state colleges and universities. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is fully supporting this effort. The advocacy is based on the perceived decline in the appreciation of the youth on the value of patriotism and good citizenship. 13