More than “keyboard warriors,” a prepared citizenry with skills and discipline sharpened through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is needed to defend our country especially against foreign invaders.
Senator Robin Padilla stressed this at the conclusion of the Visayas Regional Qualifying Leg ng Philippine ROTC Games 2023 in Iloilo City.
Padilla pointed out the Philippines could be affected by the tensions in Asia and other parts of the world, and will need its citizenry, especially the youth, to be prepared and organized.
“Sana dumating ang araw na yung mga kabataan na matapang lang sa keyboard, na nakikipag-away sa keyboard, (na naniniwalang) mapapangalagaan ang kalayaan natin sa pagiging warrior sa keyboard, e sana gumaya sila sa inyo.”
“Sana dumating ang araw na yung mga kabataan na matapang lang sa keyboard, na nakikipag-away sa keyboard, (na naniniwalang) mapapangalagaan ang kalayaan natin sa pagiging warrior sa keyboard, e sana gumaya sila sa inyo. Gumaya sila sa pagmamahal ninyo sa bayan, pagmamahal ninyo sa pamilya ninyo. At higit sa lahat ang disiplinang meron kayo,” the legislator said in his speech before the participants at the event.
“Walang masama ang taong handa. Ang pinakapalpak sa lahat ng tao yung hindi handa,” the lawmaker added.
The senator pointed out there are now many developments worldwide that could affect the Philippines, including the war in Ukraine and the tension in Taiwan.
He noted that while our neighbors such as South Korea and Singapore are prepared due to their mandatory military service requirement for citizens, there is none in the Philippines.
“Tayo lang ang relax na relax, relax na relax tayong mga Pilipino.”
“Tayo lang ang relax na relax, relax na relax tayong mga Pilipino,” Padilla said.
Also, he said he cannot understand the arguments of some sectors that the ROTC may hold back our freedom, as ROTC should help the citizenry protect freedom.
Padilla ended his speech by singing “Pilipinas Kong Mahal,” which he sang when he visited Pagasa Island in 2021.
Meanwhile, he also played before the audience a video message from his wife Mariel, supporting the ROTC and those who participated in the ROTC Games.
“Mabuhay kayo, salamat sa ginagawa ninyo para sa ating bayan,” Mariel said.
