A recent survey conducted by Capstone-Intel Corporation revealed that 71% of respondents expressed support for reinstating the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for senior high school students. However, there are certain inquiries regarding the validity and implications of the survey findings.
To address these concerns, the radio program Yes Yes Yo, Topacio! of DWIZ conducted an interview on October 10 with the board members of Capstone-Intel, namely Chief Data Scientist Dr. Guido David and Research and Publications Director Ella Kristina Domingo-Coronel.
“Para maipakita na ang inyong survey ay hindi bias, anong nag-udyok dito sa inyong organization na magsagawa ng research regarding the public approbation of ROTC?” asked radio host Atty. Ferdie Topacio.
“One of the objectives of Capstone-Intel ay makuha ang sentiments ng mga tao sa issues na importante sa lipunan ito man ay laging media o social media. Ang basehan namin lagi rito ay social media analytics, kung ano ang trendings and then magsasagawa kami ng survey para ma-validate ang mga ito. Ito rin ang paraan na ma-normalize ang evidence-based policymaking sa Pilipinas,” explained Domingo-Coronel.
“Usually after numbers (akala ng publiko) ‘yon na ‘yon. No. Pagkatapos ng evidence mayroong action like this one. Through our survey we hope that the policymakers will be able to get this and all other stakeholders para magamit nila sa kanilang next step ng kanilang decision making,” she added.
The officials of Capstone-Intel provided additional clarification, emphasizing that while the public generally expresses support, there are also compelling reasons behind their decision to make changes. These reasons include ensuring the protection of students against abuses and corruption, as well as addressing the increased financial implications, among other factors.
In addition, during the interview, radio host Dr. Che Lejano posed a question to Dr. David regarding the survey’s accuracy.
“Gusto ko lamang linawin, itong study na ito was conducted nationwide survey with 1,210 respondents. Ang OCTA Research ay nag-conduct din ng similar survey noong January at malapit talaga ang results ng Capstone-Intel. Sa OCTA, 68% ang lumabas na sang-ayon na maibalik ang ROTC. It shows na kapag mataas ang correlation ng results ay mataas ang reliability ng study,” clarified Dr. David.
The demographics of the respondents were also examined, with a notable level of agreement observed in Mindanao.
“Mataas sa BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) na 86%, kasi may ibang regions na nararamdaman nila ‘yong pangangailangan ng ROTC at may kaunting instability. Kapag ganyang sitwasyon, mas maganda na mayroon tayong reserve corps. Just remember na itong ROTC, reserve lamang sila at hindi sasabak sa giyera,” stressed Dr. David.
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