In review and in prospect
A report published this month by OCTA Research showing that 68 percent of surveyed Filipinos favour the the reinstatement of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) merely reaffirms the findings of a study conducted by Pulse Asia mid last year (where they report that 69 percent of respondents take the same position).
As expected, the usual suspects in the Opposition are up in arms over just the notion of it being even considered. But the strong public interest in the idea of civilian military training at least could indicate a willingness on the part of ordinary Filipinos to fight (or have their kin or offspring fight) for their country if called to do so. Even more promising is the idea that, in supporting a reinstatement of compulsory civilian military training, Filipinos are finding an appreciation of the need to instil more discipline in the youth. Both aspects if, indeed, they represent what drives this support, show that Filipinos are still motivated to invest in the security and sovereignty of their country and, more importantly, in their youth.
That “thought leaders” of the Opposition would go all shrill about “human rights” and “mental health” and argue over whether or not a strong military tradition is even all that necessary these days demonstrates yet again their habitual tone deafness to public sentiment. In the face of clear evidence (delivered in survey after survey over several years) they failed to read the pulse of society in last year’s national election. They do so again today, deferring to their preferred ideological frame to validate to themselves their righteousness instead of apply a bit of self-awareness in a mature engaging of the public on the matter. If the public find merit in civilian military training, those who would beg to differ should at least do so recognising the popular sentiment they choose to oppose in order to craft the right messaging and persuasion approach.
Filipinos have long lamented the fragmented nature of their nation and the lack of a shared set of values to rally around. Military training offers one opportunity to all to literally march to the same tune. In today’s tech-fuelled hyper-individualised society, perhaps Filipinos should embrace as many of the remaining endeavours that seek to build collectives where strong senses of belonging and purpose are cultivated at scale.
Last week’s blog posts
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