EXPANDED ROTC FOR ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN INITIAL BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

1.  Pursuant to the constitutional mandate and the pertinent provisions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7077) in relation to the National Service Law (Presidential Decree No. 1706), it is hereby declared the policy of the state to recognize the vital role of the youth in nation building and in promoting and protecting their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being.

2.  For this purpose, starting with the school year 1993-1994, the expanded ROTC program shall be a prerequisite for graduation for all male students enrolled in initial baccalaureate degree programs.  Enrolment in the expanded ROTC program shall be optional on the part of female students, who may then be exempted from the required physical education subjects.

3.  The first curriculum year of the expanded ROTC program shall cover basic military training service.  In the second curriculum year, each educational institution shall have the option to offer (1) advanced military training service, (2) law enforcement service, and/or (3) civic welfare service.  The guidelines for the law enforcement service program shall be formulated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), while that for the civic welfare program shall be provided by DECS.

4.  The expanded ROTC Basic Course shall be credited with six (6) non-academic units (1.5 units/semester) and shall consist of a minimum of 51 hours per semester.  At its discretion, the educational institution may charge and collect a fee which shall form a trust fund managed by the institution exclusively for the operation of the program.  While the amount of the fee which may be charged remains with the institution pursuant to DECS Order No. 21-93, this Office does not favor a level which approximates the tuition fee equivalent for 1.5 academic units.

5.  All rules, policies and guidelines which are inconsistent with this Order shall be deemed canceled, revoked, or modified accordingly.

Adopted: 25 June 1993

(Sgd.) ARMAND V. FABELLA
Secretary