KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- The implementation of mandatory military service for Filipinos will help instill patriotism among citizens enabling them to contribute to nation-building efforts, an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official here said on Monday.

In an interview with Philippine Information Agency, Cpt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, commanding officer of the 11th Special Forces Company based in Banga town expressed his support to the revival of the Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC).

“Malaki po ang maitutulong nito especially hindi lang po warfighting ang ituturo, kundi kung papaano po ang ating magiging role sa nation-building and to further increase our sense of nationalism and patriotism,” Cpt. Punsalan said.

He added that should the proposal be approved by the Senate and Congress; the AFP will be able to create a strong manpower base.

"ROTC cadets can increase our readiness in terms of responding to calamities and help in disaster relief operations," the army official explained.

During the campaign period last January, Vice President Sara Duterte, said she would ask Congress to pass a measure on the imposition of mandatory military service for all Filipinos upon turning 18.

The ROTC training aims to instill patriotism, discipline, moral and spiritual virtues, respect for human rights, and adherence to the Constitution. (ORVR/PIA XII)