National Union of Students of the Philippines National Capital Region (NUSP – NCR) lambasted Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. in his claims, one that of his experience as an educator and that mental health problems can be “cured” through the training provided under the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.
Galvez noted such “experiential learnings” and “frustration tolerance” a student would develop and improve under ROTC program as compared when one took National Service Training Program.
However, NUSP – NCR slammed Galvez’ remarks, saying that there is no scientific basis to back his claims.
“Kung tunay at malinis ang intensyon ni Galvez na maghubog ng mga future mentors at counsellors sa mental health, bakit hindi na lamang nila ayusin ang nabubulok na education system at paglinangin ang mga kursong may direktang kinalaman dito kagaya ng Psychology, Psychiatry, at iba pa,” NUSP – NCR challenged the defense secretary in a statement.
According to the student union, the impending return of ROTC itself would cause mental health problems among the youth due to its dark history such as physical and mental abuse of students especially with the ever-increasing number of students becoming victims of violence.
On February 2, Kabataan Partylist expressed grave concern over the Department of Education’s (DepEd) report during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education stating that a total of 404 youth students nationwide took their own lives and 2,147 others attempted suicide during Academic Year 2021-2022.
In this regard, KPL will file a House Resolution declaring a mental health emergency and call on the Marcos Jr. administration amid rising tudent suicide cases. The youth partylist affirmed to also closely monitor the implementation of the DepEd MATATAG Education Agenda that promises to ensure the provision of mental health services in every school.
On the other hand, NUSP-NCR enjoins individuals and student councils to ardently struggle for their rights and interest in solidarity with the Filipino people’s struggle for genuine freedom and democracy.
“Ang NUSP – NCR ay nakikiisa sa laban ng mga kabataan upang tutulan ang panunumbalik ng Mandatory ROTC. Ang hangad namin ay isulong ang sistema ng edukasyon na siyentipiko, makabayan, at makamasa. Isang sistemang naglilingkod sa mga estudyante at sa bansa,” the student union concluded.
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