SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his support for the return of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in schools but stressed that he is open to making it optional.

“Suportado ko na ibalik ang ROTC sa eskwelahan. Pero pag-usapan nating mabuti kung gawin ba natin itong mandatory… alam n’yo, mahalaga maipaintindi ang love of country,” Go said.

“Pag-aralan na lang natin nang mabuti kung gawin ba natin itong mandatory or voluntary, part ba siya ng curriculum o optional,” he said.

Go maintained that joining the ROTC is a good approach for young people to help their country since it will instill in them a sense of discipline and patriotism.

Reserve units of the program can play a significant role in the Bayanihan efforts during disasters and other crisis situations.

“Mahal natin ang ating mga kababayan lalung-lalo na po sa panahon ng sakuna, disaster, may lindol, may sunog, may pagbaha. ‘Pag naka-training tayo through ROTC, makakatulong tayo, pwede tayong tawagin,” the senator said.

If necessary, the ROTC members can be called to support regular military troops engaged in, among other tasks, operations during natural disasters.

Go also noted that students who wish to give back to their communities and country may do so by participating in the ROTC.

“Marami po sa mga kababayan natin, ‘yung mga estudyante, mga bata na gusto rin kahit papaano na maka-contribute man lang, makatulong sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.