Twelfth Congress
First Regular Session

SB. No. 716

Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda-Leviste

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the last decades, there has been a significant change in global positioning and, consequently, in the approach of one country to another. The threat of another world war or an armed invasion has significantly abated. Thus, the need to maintain reserved forces, such as the military training in high schools and in colleges, in the army has become exorbitant.

Inasmuch as the Constitution provides that the State shall "recognize the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being", we believe that the time, effort and resources of the youth should be directed towards more relevant activities that would contribute to the present needs of the society.

Commonwealth Act No.1 provides that "colleges and universities as the President may designate, there shall be established and maintained Reserve Officer's Training Units of such arms and services as he shall specify, where every physically fit student shall be required to pursue a course of military instruction designed to qualify him for a commission as a third lieutenant of Reserve." We believe that this Act was effective and efficient during the Post-American era.

This proposed measure seeks to introduce an Ecology Service Course in lieu of the existing military training courses being offered by high schools, colleges and universities. By doing so, students are encouraged to be aware of environmental problems and issues and be involved in activities that would make a vital impact in the society, such as, tree planting, reforestation, cleaning up of rivers, creeks and/or esteros, etc.
Immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

LOREN LEGARDA-LEVISTE
Senator