SENATOR Francis Tolentino highlighted the importance of patriotism and nationalism among the youth as he pushed for military training in college.

Tolentino was the author of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps bill.

A brigadier general in the Army Reserve Command, Tolentino called for the strengthening of existing ROTC units in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education.

He cited the contributions and sacrifices of the country’s reservists especially during times of crisis and calamity.

“Batid natin at nasasaksihan araw-araw ang mga hamon at pagsubok na ating kinakaharap bilang isang bansa. Ang mga banta sa seguridad at kapayapaan ay patuloy na nagbabadya, at dahil dito, ang ating tungkulin bilang mga laang kawal ay higit na mahalaga,” Tolentino, vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, said.

“Sa bawat sandali ng paglilingkod, tayo ay nahaharap sa iba’t ibang mga hamon at krisis. Maaaring ito ay mga kalamidad o kaguluhan sa ating mga komunidad. Ngunit ang ating pagiging handa at ang ating kasanayan ay siyang magiging pundasyon ng ating tagumpay,” he added.