What will happen to the ROTC mandate following Sara Duterte’s exit from the Department of Education (DepEd)? 

This question looms large as the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) calls on the Marcos administration to abandon the controversial program and shift focus to increasing the education budget and improving teaching quality.

SCAP’s call for change follows Duterte’s recent resignation as education secretary, arguing that the VP’s departure provides a critical opportunity to reform the education system. 

This administration should “drop the mandatory ROTC and solve the education crisis by increasing the budget for the education sector, improving the quality of our curriculum, and upholding and ensuring students’ and teachers’ rights in schools and campuses,” SCAP said in a statement on June 19.

SCAP emphasized that Duterte’s resignation could pave the way for necessary changes in the education system. They criticized her tenure, accusing her of misallocating funds and engaging in political disputes instead of focusing on educational improvements. 

The council described her departure as a sign of “the widening cracks between the fragile Marcos-Duterte relationship,” which they claim has left the education sector in a state of crisis.

The council also pointed to a recent study by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) that showed Filipino students ranked among the lowest in creative thinking worldwide.

Public concern over the state of education in the Philippines is growing, with many advocating for more support and resources.  SCAP said that abandoning the ROTC mandate in favor of enhancing the curriculum and increasing the education budget could lead to significant improvements in student performance.

To date, the Marcos administration has yet to announce a replacement for Duterte. The decision is expected to be closely watched by students and educators who are eager for a shift towards more student-focused policies and increased funding for education.

SCAP’s appeal highlights the urgency of addressing the challenges facing the education sector and the need for reforms to ensure quality education for Filipino students.