Escobal in a statement Friday said that inculcation of patriotism, nationalism, and other desirable values among the youth will help build a strong nation.
Duterte’s proposal is intended for the youth once they reach the age of 18, female and males.
Escobal believed that the military service is a good foundation to instill basic values that our youth needed to develop their character and personality to withstand the hardship they would inevitably face in life.
The training will prepare them to become a better individual which enables them to fulfill their role in nation-building, he said.
“The protection guaranteed by our laws to children and the easy access of almost everything gave an adverse sense of entitlement among our youth today. Thus, it is about time that we indoctrinate them about defending and loving our beautiful country and being selfless to provide assistance to our countrymen in times of adversities,” the statement said.
According to him, despite the difference in beliefs, opinion or stand on many issues, Filipinos are united when it comes to defending, protecting and serving the country and its people.
Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of Department of National Defense (DND) also expressed support over Sara’s proposal, adding this will increase in the number of military reservists of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who would help in the country’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief at the same time will learn to serve the country at a very young age.
Lorenzana, however, said he preferred the re-implementation of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in schools instead of the mandatory military service.
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