Student’s Knowledge and Perception on the Reinstatement of Mandatory ROTC

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to assess students’ knowledge and perceptions regarding the reinstatement of the mandatory Reserved Officer’s Training Course (ROTC) among senior high school students. A quota sample of sixty Grade 11 and 12 students from Florentino Galang Sr. National High School was randomly selected as respondents. The findings revealed that students possessed only a moderate level of knowledge about ROTC and its reinstatement, demonstrating limited understanding of its purpose, objectives, and potential benefits. Despite this, students generally held a favorable perception of ROTC and supported its reinstatement as a mandatory program. The study also found no significant differences in knowledge and perception when data were grouped according to sex, year level, or academic strand, indicating a uniform attitude across demographic variables. Interestingly, students lacked awareness of the reasons behind ROTC being previously optional under the National Service Training Program (NSTP), which may influence their support for its mandatory reinstatement. The results suggest that while students support the idea of ROTC, their understanding of its significance remains moderate. For future research, it is recommended to explore the possible correlation between students’ knowledge and perception of ROTC reinstatement, including potential influences of political biases. Additionally, conducting similar studies across different schools and regions could provide comparative data to validate these findings and better inform policies related to ROTC implementation in various educational settings.