SENATOR Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has refiled a bill mandating the institutionalization, development, training, organization, and administration of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in higher education institutions (HEIs) and technical-vocational institutions (TVIs).

In Senate Bill No. 200, Dela Rosa said the proposed measure aims to provide students with basic military training.

It also seeks to promote students’ consciousness of the ethics of service, patriotism, nationalism, respect for human rights, and appreciation of national heroes and their role in the country’s historical development. It likewise aims to strengthen ethical and spiritual values, personal discipline, and leadership.

The bill also seeks to instill in students the values of civic-mindedness, volunteerism, and genuine service to others, encouraging them to be active participants in community development and environmental protection, as well as in human and civil rights awareness and law enforcement.

Dela Rosa said the measure will also equip students with practical and essential knowledge and skills for survival and emergency response.

These include disaster response operations, search and rescue, relief operations, and early recovery activities.