Mindanao Regions Show Strong Support for the Restoration of ROTC Program
The government is planning the restoration of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. This is designed to provide senior high school students with a unique combination of academic learning and practical military experience in areas such as nationalism, patriotism, national defense, and disaster preparedness. In order to gather relevant data on this topic, a national survey was conducted by Capstone-Intel Corporation. The study included a total of 1,210 participants from 17 distinct regions from September 25-30, 2023. The respondents, spanning an age range of 18 to 65 or older, consisted of a nearly equal proportion of males (51%) and females (49%). Upon careful analysis of the collected data, it became evident that there is significant support for the revival of the ROTC program, particularly in the Mindanao regions. The support levels varied from 71.43% to 86.05%. The level of support varied across the regions, with BARMM demonstrating the highest support rate of 86.05%. The Davao Region showed support at 83.5%, followed by SOCCSKSARGEN at 77.08%, and Caraga region at 71.43%. Meanwhile, other regions that displayed substantial support include CAR with a support rate of 77.78%, Cagayan Valley with 72.97%, and Central Luzon 69.50%. The regions with the lowest percentage of support are from the NCR (66.45%), Western Visayas (64.84%), and CALABARZON (64.61%). During a recent radio interview with Dr. Guido David, Chief Data Scientist of Capstone-Intel, discussed the desire of the local population to reinstate the ROTC program in their regions. He emphasized that these communities perceive a need for the ROTC because of some instability in their areas. According to Capstone-Intel, it is important to recognize that while there is widespread support among Filipinos for the reinstatement of the ROTC Program in senior high schools, there are valid reasons for withdrawing support for mandatory participation in ROTC. According to the data, the reasons why they can change their minds are as follows: no assurance of safeguarding students from abuses (58%), followed by more expenses (37%), mental health effects (32%), if it is mandatory (28%), and no class syllabus and objectives (23%). “The ROTC program’s objective is commendable as it aims to shape well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable about their country’s defense and disaster preparedness but also possess a strong sense of patriotism and national identity,” said Capstone-Intel. “It is imperative for policymakers to conduct a careful examination of the implementation of the ROTC program to ensure its alignment with the objectives and values of the educational institutions involved. This will enhance the clarity of the program. In order to address any concerns and facilitate a smooth and well-coordinated reintroduction of ROTC, it is crucial to engage in open and transparent dialogue with students, parents, and guardians,” it added. **** To know more about the data, please click here. Capstone-Intel is a high-impact research company that uses innovative research technologies, tools, and methods to convert data and information into breakthrough insights and actionable intelligence outputs. It is committed to helping its clients solve problems, find solutions, grow markets and constituencies, build reputations, navigate risks, manage crises, and be the country’s leading private research and intelligence agency.
Survey Shows Majority Support for Return of ROTC, Capstone-Intel Explains
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. **** To know more about the data, please click here.
