Reserved Officer Training Corps: The Voice of the Aspirant Cadets’ Parents

Reserved Officer Training Corps: The Voice of the Aspirant Cadets’ Parents

Frestelle Faith E. Cabahug, Saybel N. Esguerra, Vj S. Samonteza, Nelhajal P. Mangkabong
Misamis University, Ozamiz City

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.7718

Received: 17 May 2023; Revised: 02 June 2023; Accepted: 06 June 2023; Published: 17 July 2023

ABSTRACT

Parents of the aspirant cadets are concerned that the youngsters might be subjected to violence as a result of the training. This study explored the worries and concerns of the parents of the cadets at Misamis University, Ozamiz City. There were ten (10) participants in this research who were selected through purposive sampling. The qualitative type of research using a case study with Yin’s method of data analysis was used. There were six themes that emerged in this study, namely: (1) the happiness of the parents, (2) parental support: financial and emotional (3) the application of knowledge in their daily lives, (4) pessimistic prospects of the parents, (5) physical exhaustion, and (6) financial struggles. The participants verbally confessed their child’s situation and the concerns they have for their child’s welfare. They stated the effects of the training both positively and negatively. Positive on the discipline and leadership skills, physical fitness, career opportunities, comradery, and sense of community. Negative on exposure to violence, physical injuries, and academic problems.

Keywords: parents, voices, happiness, concerns, financial struggles, support

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), otherwise known as military science, is a college program that places a strong emphasis on participants’ development of knowledge and leadership abilities (Meyer, 2022). ROTC programs are divided into Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine options, each of which comes with different requirements and benefits (Ramos, 2021). Scholarships are available to those who qualify, which can cover the cost of tuition, books, and fees. For students in secondary and college. It aims to train military discipline (Tullao, 2019). Some parents understood the program’s excellent intentions and advantages (Connell, 2022). The question of how they will carry out this is more important than whether the purpose is good. They will never have the support of a parent unless they can be sure that the kids will be safe and well-protected (Grant, 2019).

ROTC is a program that is offered at Misamis University in the College of Criminology and Maritime. This program talked about how ROTC influences college students. It is a military-oriented program that provides cadets with training in military discipline and leadership skills (Carpenter, 2018). Due to the possibility of increasing their chances of becoming military officers, some students believe ROTC is beneficial. (Newman, 2022). Some students believe that ROTC is disruptive and eats up crucial study time. Although ROTC is not for everyone, it can be a great way to get a quality education and learn more about the military. Despite the fact that ROTC is no longer required, widespread violence and violations of students’ rights under the program persist (Wongngamdee, 2023). Even officers on active duty utilize the application to perform military surveillance in different schools. If ROTC becomes mandatory, this will only grow worse. Other parents enthusiastically agreed, citing ROTC’s contribution to their children’s sense of responsibility, discipline, and patriotism (Howlett, 2021). Parents have also complained that today’s kids need to “develop bones” because they are “soft” and “weak” (Leeper, 2022).

Worrying is viewed as a bad attribute because it just puts the person in a worse situation because he would be thinking endlessly about a certain problem without considering any potential remedies (Raskin, 2023). For a variety of reasons, some parents are hesitant to allow their children to apply to the ROTC program (Bumgarner, 2022). There have been some situations where a student is enthusiastic, but their parents are hesitant (Douglas, 2023). The attitude of parents toward ROTC ranges from neutral to discouraging to openly antagonistic (Holm, 2019).

President Rodrigo Duterte’s proposal to make ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) mandatory in school curricula is backed by certain parents. They hope that by doing this, young people would learn how important discipline, leadership, and patriotism are. Nevertheless, despite the backing, some parents are still concerned that the youngsters would become violent as a result of the training. Some of them claim that the aforementioned program would be beneficial for their kids, but they stress that the administration of the school must guarantee that it won’t be abused and that it must be implemented correctly (Nano, 2017).

Parents are concerned that the youngsters might be subjected to violence as a result of the training (Citak et al., 2018). Janssen et al. (2020) stated that there are parents who requested that the administration of the school make sure that the training will not be misused and that it will be done correctly. ROTC is fine, but the problem is that the old ROTC was bad because of violent episodes, fatalities, and the prevalence of hazing by instructors and officers (Alexander, 2018). The post parents support the revival of mandatory ROTC, but the fear possibility of abuse appeared first on UNTV News in 2017. The key will be in how they carry out this, even though the aim is good. Some parents would never embrace this unless they are certain that their children will be safe and protected (Anderson et al., 2022).

This study with the title “Reserved Officer Training Corps: The Voice of the Aspirant Cadets’ Parents” was conducted to know what the opinions of the parents about the aspirant in the reserved officer training corps are. Moreover, it helps the government, schools, aspirants, determine the opinions of the parents regarding ROTC. In addition, this study can be a future reference for the educator, guiding them in partaking toward aspirants’ parents’ voices. Finally, the result of the study encouraged future aspirants’ parents to overcome their fears, issues, and concerns, and be motivated to the perks it gives towards their children.

Theoretical Framework

This study is anchored on the Epstein Theory of Parental Involvement by Epstein (1987) and Ecological system theory by Bronfenbrenner (1974).

Epstein theory is about how parents who are involved and educated about their kids’ education might positively affect how they behave and perform. Parental involvement, specifically parental involvement in their children’s education, refers to a range of actions parents take to support their kids’ academic success and psychological growth in their homes and schools (Seginer, 2006). The study concluded that there was a significant relationship between two variables: level of parental involvement in their children’s school activities and level of academic achievement of children. (Georgiou, 2010) discovered a connection between parental attributing behavior and children’s academic success.

Parental participation also refers to the parent making a direct effort to improve their children’s academic performance. This definition makes parental engagement one of its arguments while also making an implicit reference to an education production function (Avvisati et al., 2010). The socioeconomic position of the family can influence a child’s academic success (Sirin, 2005). Goldring (1993) have found that socioeconomic position and parental participation have a significant direct link. Parents that are financially secure give to the schools (Hodtuv, 2001). The degree of the parents’ participation and their level of education were found to be positively correlated.

Higher expectations and standards are set for high-achieving students than for low-achieving students (Wentzel, 1989). Students who have their parents’ support perform better in school. The success of the students’ academic achievement and educational development are impacted by a lack of parental involvement. Without parental assistance, the students struggle (Wanke, 2008). (Angion, 2009) asserts that parental participation contributes to children’s cognitive development, verbal communication, and socio-emotional intensification and raises their academic achievement. (Desforges & Abouchaar, 2003) claimed that parental participation would result in high levels of success. This study is supported by Modeling Theory, Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory and Hoover-Demsey and Sandler.

On the other hand, Ecological system theory by Bronfenbrenner (1974) considers the environment at all levels, from the immediate settings of family and school to broad societal norms, laws, and practices, as having an impact on child development. Ecological System Theory provides a holistic approach that is inclusive of all the systems children and their families are involved in, accurately reflecting the dynamic nature of actual family relationships (O’Toole & Hayes, 2017).

Bronfenbrenner’s (1974) perspective has some resemblance to the works of Albert Bandua’s social learning theory and Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory in which the environment is explicitly or implicitly considered as a crucial mechanism in development. Kelly and Coughlan (2019) used constructivist grounded theory analysis to develop a theoretical framework for youth mental health recovery and found that there were many links to Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory in their own more recent theory. This study is supported by Activity Theory, Complexity Theory and Sociocultural Theory.

There is no stray that has been conducted that focuses on the reserved officer training corps: voice of the aspirants’ cadets’ parents.in the chosen research setting. This circumstance ignites the interest of the researchers to conduct this study.

Conceptual Framework

The concepts drawn from the study were established based on the different themes discovered based on the participants’ different responses during the conduct of the interview with the researchers. There were six (6) emerging concepts that were found in the study, such as: Happiness of the Parents, Parental Support: Financial and Emotional, Application of Knowledge in their Daily Lives, Pessimistic Prospects of the Parents, Physical Exhaustion, and Financial Struggles.

Happiness of the Parents

Happiness of the parents towards their children joining the advanced ROTC course is evident. In the presence of emotional surge, parents would seize the moment to be happy knowing their children have entered into a difficult path to which they should conquer themselves (Stewart, 2022). Raising the highest achieving children will necessitate being intentional, disciplined, and diligent can make a parent happy (Miller & Miller, 2021).

Parental Support: Financial and Emotional

Parental support both in financial and emotional can help aspirants in their endeavors towards continuing in the field they joined. By offering support and motivation at home, being involved in their child’s education, and supporting them in other interests, parents can help their children thrive in school (Todd & Edwards, 2021). They find it comforting to know what to expect in a day and the support that their parents give boosts their confidence in going on (Hajal & Paley, 2020).

Application of Knowledge in their Daily Lives

Application of knowledge in their daily lives as one incredibly effective way to promote these qualities across disciplines is to teach aspirants how to utilize their knowledge and skills to help others or further the common good (Bjornestad et al., 2021). Barr (2019) mentioned that studies showed that the actual hands-on application of skills can increased aspirants’ knowledge and apply it to their day-to-day life.

Pessimistic Prospects of the Parents

Parents are happy for their children to pursue their passion, proud to be willing to take on a partly unknowable challenge, happy to have a clear goal, but worried for their long-term physical and psychological health (Teman & Saldaña, 2019). With an extra course load and strenuous physical requirements, ROTC students are not able to enjoy some of the luxuries of a typical college student, including sleeping late, weekends to themselves, and the freedom to choose what they wear every day, parents cannot help but worry (Mele, 2020).

Physical Exhaustion

Part of the training focuses on military discipline, nationalism, patriotism, humanitarian, and disaster risk reduction and management, and ROTC management (DeMarco, 2023). Parents could see how the training of their children could bring physical fatigue to them and exhaust their children to the maximum. Parents were concerned for the welfare of their children and how it affected them greatly.

Financial Struggles

Advanced ROTC students show signs of financial instability during the course of their time. They do not have many out-of-pocket expenses while working toward a degree, except for those applying for scholarships offered by the program (Cohen, 2023). As a parent, it would be their utmost responsibility to care and provide for their child’s needs and welfare. However, not all can provide. Advanced ROTC officer’s parents show signs of financial struggles during the course of their children’s training.

Physical Exhaustio

Figure 1. Conceptual Diagram of the Study

Objective of the Study

This study explored the voice of the aspirant cadets’ parents of reserved officer training corps.

Specifically, the study:

1. Determined the profile of the participants according to age, gender, and course of their child.
2. Explored the voices of the Reserve Officer Training Corps aspirant’s parents.
3. Explored the coping mechanism in dealing with Reserve Officer Training Corps aspirant’s parents.

METHODS

Design

The study utilized the qualitative approach using the case study design. A case study is an empirical investigation into a case or cases by answering “how”, “what” or “why” questions about the phenomenon of interest (Yazan, 2015). The researcher’s significant role and the field notes gathered through interviews played a crucial part in the coherent pattern. The study used research questions derived from the literature reviewed. This study is suited to explore the reserved officer training corps: the voice of the aspirants’ cadets’ parents.

Setting

The study was conducted at the Misamis University, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. Misamis University is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the city of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao. This institution is the first and only ISO-certified university by Det Norske Veritas, The Netherlands for Quality Education and Service in Mindanao. Misamis University received successive recognitions from the Commission on Higher Education. Recognized as the Center of Development for Criminology, Center of Development Information Technology, and as Center of Development Teacher Education. The COD status of Misamis University for the three programs affirms that Misamis University, indeed, is a home of quality education. Misamis University offers an ROTC course that defines or gives tertiary students military training to inspire, organize, and mobilize them for preparedness for national defense.

Participants

To investigate the underlying questions of this study, the participants were the ten (10) selected parents of the ROTC aspirants who are enrolled in the first semester of school year 2022-2023 in Misamis University. Purposive sampling was used in identifying and selecting the participants. The selection of participants was based on the following inclusion criteria: 1) parent of ROTC aspirants, 2) willingness to participate in the study.

Instruments

      The study used an interview guide made by the researchers. The interview guide was checked by the research adviser and was checked and approved by the panel members before it was administered to the participants. The researchers used an audio recorder during the interview that was conducted with the participants.

Data Collection

Before the actual data collection, the researchers started asking permission from the Dean of the College of Criminology of Misamis University allowing the researchers to carry out the study and to conduct the interview through formal letter. Upon obtaining the necessary permissions, the researchers let the participants sign a consent for voluntary participation. The researchers informed the participants that the conversation will be recorded and gave them an assurance that all their responses will be kept with utmost confidentiality. Further, the minimum health protocol standards were observed such as strict social distancing, wearing of face masks, and presence of sanitation stations, is always observed during the conduct of the interview considering the pandemic.

Ethical Considerations

               In the current undertaking, the researchers made sure that the conduct of the study conformed to the ethical protocol set by the school on gathering the data, analyzing the data, and disseminating the findings. The interview took place after the personal consent from the participants was obtained through the signed informed consent by the participants. Their refusal to participate does not involve any penalty or loss of benefits and their signed consent does not mean of waiving any legal claims, rights or remedies from this study.

In relation to the participants’ identity, the researchers applied the measure to promote anonymity and secrecy through not mentioning the names of the participants during the conduct of interview. The names of the participants were not disclosed in the results and discussions.

Privacy and confidentiality were always observed, particularly the name of the participants and other information unnecessary to the study. The researchers adhered the guidelines set by the Republic Act No. 10173 known as the “Data Privacy Act of 2012”.

Data Analysis

In this study, Yin’s 5-step data analysis approach was used to analyze the data and allow researchers to analyze textual data (Yin, 2011). Yin’s (2011) process consisted of five steps: (1) compiling the data; (2) disassembling the data; (3) reassembling the data; (4) interpreting the data’s meaning; and (5) concluding the data. To construct categories, the researcher first collects the data. The second step involves the researcher breaking down the data to reduce and eliminate recurring themes of the phenomena. The researcher clustered the main themes in step three after reconstructing the data. To evaluate the meaning of the data, the researcher compared patterns to interview transcripts, reflective journals, and documents in step four. In step 5, the researcher concluded or put the facts into a distinctive structural description. Based on the key themes that emerged from the various responses of the survey participants, conclusions were reached.

           The interview responses were analyzed using the NVivo program to generate codes that served as a roadmap for constructing the themes. Software for qualitative and mixed-methods research is called NVivo. It was used to assess unstructured text, audio, video, and image data from various sources, including but not restricted to interviews, focus groups, surveys, social media, and journal articles.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The case study approach in this qualitative research is best suited to explore the reserved officer training corps: voice of the aspirants’ cadets’ parents. The meaning of the participants’ responses in the in-depth interviews contributed to the realization of the case understudied.

               This study was participated by ten (10) parents. These ten were from the parents of criminology aspirants ages from 38 years old to 64 years old. The participants revealed the voices of the aspirants’ cadets’ parents during the interview conducted.

Profile of the Participants

A total of 10 parents of advanced ROTC aspirants participated in the study through a face-to-face interview. The participants ages from 38-64 years old. 3 are ma;e and 7 are male. All of them were married and have a child who aspires to be an advanced ROTC officer and is all in the Bachelor of Science in Criminology program. The 10 participants were from the different areas of Misamis Occidental, Ozamiz City. The participants were the aspirants’ parents, and the researchers conducted the face-to-face interview.

Table 1. Profile of the Participants

From the responses of the participants, there are six emergent themes that have been developed, namely: (1) Happiness of the Parents, (2) Parental Support: Financial and Emotional (3) Application of Knowledge in their Daily Lives, (4) Pessimistic Prospects of the Parents, (5) Physical Exhaustion, and (6) Financial Struggles.

3.2 Happiness of the Parents

               Being a parent has never been easy, especially for advanced ROTC aspirants. However, parents were grateful that their children got to experience what it’s like to be an officer. Some parents are reluctant to let their kids apply to ROTC programs for various reasons but some on the other hand are the other way around, the joy of parents having their child join the advanced course is unexplainable. Parents are driven by the prestige, opportunities, and financial benefits of receiving an ROTC scholarship and urge their kids to apply and were happy that their children get to experience such. Below are the unfolded statements of the participants:

“I am very grateful because I wanted him to experience what it’s like to be an officer because I am a Reserved Naval too.” (P3 – P4)

“I am very proud that I have a son that will join the advance officer program” (P29)

” I am happy upon knowing that she wants to be an advance ROTC officer and is willing to undergo training even if it is not that easy.” (P45 – P46)

“I’m happy because she wants to be an officer and because it’s related to her course.” (P84)

“I’m happy that my daughter is willing to take part on becoming an advance ROTC officer. Proud of her because she chooses the path less taken by other women on her age.” (P99 – P100)

`“I’m happy because she wants to be an officer and because it’s related to her course.” (P113)

Obviously, parents are happy knowing that their children want to join the advanced ROTC officer because it makes them proud to see how their children would undergo harsh training. The rationale behind this can be based on several points. Results show that participants were grateful that their children experienced something that they experienced way back too. Some even mentioned that they were happy that their child chooses a path not commonly undertaken by women. And some even declared that they were just happy because it is related to the course, they enrolled in. According to Einstein’s Theory of Parental Involvement, the success and growth of children bring about happiness to their parents.

Parents are obviously happy about the achievement of their children would get who have joined the advanced ROTC officer. In the presence of an emotional surge, parents would seize the moment to be happy knowing their children have entered into a difficult path to which they should conquer themselves (Stewart, 2022). Raising the highest achieving children will necessitate being intentional, disciplined, and diligent can make a parent happy (Miller & Miller, 2021). The parents may feel that they have been overwhelmed by their children joining the program through this realization.

This theme revealed the bright outlook of the parents towards their children being an aspirant. The concept of joining the ROTC advanced officers may no longer be bad in parents’ eyes, and this becomes a positive impact on the concept of advanced ROTC. Hence, this bliss and enjoyment could greatly affect the aspirants’ well-being positively.

This implies that parents are delighted when their children choose to join the advanced ROTC officer program. They are thankful to see their child tackle the demanding training and it fills them with a sense of pride, but their happiness is also driven by the prestige, opportunities, and financial benefits of the ROTC scholarship. Parental satisfaction is driven by the honor, chances, and financial aid of obtaining an ROTC scholarship. According to Einstein Theory of Parental Involvement, parents are overjoyed when their children find success and growth. The hopeful attitude of parents toward their children aspiring may positively influence the aspirant’s overall well-being.

3.3 Parental Support: Financial and Emotional

               Two sub-themes emerged from the main theme: financial and emotional. These sub-themes are the parental support that parents give to their aspirant children. When the children come to the parents to discuss joining the advanced ROTC officers, the parents listen. They are making a choice that requires a deep personal commitment that will give them the strength and focus to succeed in life. To become someone parents will be proud of. Their son or daughter will learn what it means to be a Soldier—a title of distinction. They will face new levels of responsibility, discipline, and self-knowledge.

But first, they will need parents to stand by them. According to Epstein’s Theory of Parental Involvement, parental support can take a range of actions parents do to support their kids’ academic success and psychological growth.

The family’s love and support made it necessary for those who aspire to be courageous and face unpleasant realities (Cuevas, 2020).

               Additionally, communication between each other can take each one’s voice to be heard. Lack of conversation between parents and aspirants is the biggest reason why they fail to continue and even if they make it, they are more prone to drop out. After all, parents are always on the children’s side, and whatever they do they will do it to support them so long as they converse and support their children.

               Financial. Parental financial support encourages higher educational achievement, lowers college dropout rates, and makes it easier to transition into career-related work. Since participants wanted to support their children, one way they could show it is to financially aid their children’s needs, from the uniform down to the equipment used. Giving all the children’s needs and giving financial aid is one of the ways parents can do to support their children, like the situation of the following participants:

“I showed my support to him through providing him his financial needs” (P19)

“I show my support by giving her advice and I also help her financially on her needs and requirements” (P47-P49)

“When it comes to his requirements in the organization, we provide money” (P67)

“On showing my support I give money to provide for her needs in her uniforms, payments, and shirts” (P153-P154)

               The shared statements of the participants revealed that parents supported their children financially to show their love towards their children. Hence, this kind of support can make the children feel at ease and void the stress of finding the expenses they needed to survive the advanced program. Moreover, parents need to be involved in their child’s education and other extra-curricular activities because they are the child’s first and most important supporters. By offering support and motivation at home, being involved in their child’s education, and supporting them in other interests, parents can help their children thrive in school (Todd & Edwards, 2021).

               Emotional. Parents respond to children’s endeavors in a supportive way to support them. Explaining to them that theirs are normal endeavors to an advanced ROTC officer. Parents listen to their concerns and take time to comfort them and give them affection. Reassure them and tell them that they are safe and perfectly normal.

               These were the confessed statements from the participants:

“Listen to their kids, encourage them the kids to take their studies seriously until they finish school and when they are finally do not do anything that will not bring good outcomes in their life. “(P13-P15)

“My advice to my fellow parents is that we should support our children’s goals in life. If that’s what they want, then we must give our utmost support because it would mean a lot to our child.” (P60-P62)

“They should guide and encourage them along the way so that the kids are aware of their presence and knows that they are supported properly.” (P129-P131)

“All I can say is that they should support their children, especially on joining organization like this because it is a government program, and it gives many positive benefits.” (P144-P146)

               Many parents all too often, put the focus on their children’s intellectual and physical development, while their emotional and social development is just as important, if not more. Children need emotional stability in order to feel happy and safe. It is also a prerequisite for learning especially in their field as an advanced ROTC officer. Children need to feel secure and safe in order to thrive and develop emotionally. Children who have daily routines feel more secure because their days are predictable. They find it comforting to know what to expect in a day and the support that their parents give boosts their confidence in going on (Hajal & Paley, 2020).

               These emergent themes expressed the support that parents give to their aspirant children. Their willingness to support their children in their desire to continue being an advanced ROTC officers can take on a whole new level of confidence towards the children. More parents became understanding and focused on supporting their children financially and emotionally.

               This implies that parental support is a critical factor in the development and success of children. Both financial and emotional support can have a significant impact on a child’s future, and it is important to ensure that all children have access to these resources. Promoting policies and programs that prioritize parental support can help create a more equitable society that allows all children to reach their full potential.

3.4 Application of Knowledge in their Daily Lives

               The world faces formidable challenges that demand the next generation of aspirants be capable leaders with expansive understandings of public life, honed skills of critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups to solve problems and create change. One incredibly effective way to promote these qualities across disciplines is to teach aspirants how to utilize their knowledge and skills to help others or further the common good. The knowledge and skills of being an aspirant can help apply to their day-to-day lives. Parents are optimistic that the knowledge that their children get out from being an aspirant can help them apply it to their lives.

 These are their unraveling stories:

“I expect that as a cadet, once he passes all the training as a leader, he will be able to receive allowances, recognition, and gain knowledge about the army while serving as an officer at the MU ROTC unit” (P31-P33)

“She’ll have advance knowledge on the training and not get shocked when they are on the actual training in the training camp” (P51-P52)

“He became more disciplined in a way that he takes his studies well now than before” (P69-P70)

“I expected that in her studies she would learn all the things taught by her seniors and the knowledge imparted by the organization” (P87-P88)

“The benefits that I expect that she will get are the knowledges being imparted to them in the training. She will learn in advance in all the lessons, skills, and techniques. She will receive allowances and government benefits” (P157-P159)

The shared statements of the participants supported the studies of Bjornestad et al. (2021), Ikäheimonen (2021), and Barr (2019). Studies showed that the actual hands-on application of skills can increase aspirants’ knowledge and apply it to their day-to-day life.

The participants agreed that their children changed in a good way from being advanced officers. They agreed to how their children become more and more mature and reliable as they continue to train as an advanced officer. Changes would become visible, and parents loved how disciplined their children could be. This situation of the participants was supported by Ecological System Theory which develop a framework of a system that accurately reflects the dynamic nature of the people’s application of knowledge and skills to their everyday lives.

The theory relates to the study since parents become aware of the things that might happen to their children as they become disciplined and acquire more knowledge and skills. Parents are optimistic about the benefits given by the program to their children as they see changes in their children’s life.

This implies that the knowledge acquired in joining the ROTC organization is of great help in the application of knowledge in the aspirants’ daily life. It does not only benefit them academically but also contributes to developing resilience, strength in character, and strong love of country. Their parents are beyond grateful for their positive change, confidence to lead, and strong sense of giving service to others.

3.5 Pessimistic Prospects of the Parents

               Parents cannot help but worry for their child’s safety especially when it involves rigorous training. An advanced officer aims to motivate, train, organize, and mobilize students for national defense preparedness, including disaster preparedness and capacity for building risk-related situations. However, parents are skeptical about it and cannot help but be concerned about their child’s welfare. Concerns about the future and all the negative things that might occur are typically at the heart of uncertainty (Macasocol et al., 20220).

These were mentioned in the answers of the following participants:

”What I’m afraid is that he will be involved in hazing and physical abuse activities because as what I observed most of the universities have hazing issues” (P20-P22)

“I am afraid that his academic performance will be neglected because he might focus on the training. He is a man now; he may be subject to harsh treatment by his seniors physically or mentally” (P33-P35)

“My negative thought about the program is that it will distract her academically” (P88-P89)

“My negative perception about the program is that how it will impact my child in a bad way, like there is always physical abuse and words that are often said that will test her mentally, emotionally and spiritually” (P117-P119)

“On our days, hazing is rampant on that kind of organization, so I fear for my son’s safety” (P139-P140)

“The negative thought about the program is that how it will distract her from her studies, how her body can take the physical pain from all the exercises, how her seniors treat her physically and emotionally during training” (P160-P162)

               With an extra course load and strenuous physical requirements, ROTC students are not able to enjoy some of the luxuries of a typical college student, including sleeping late, having weekends to themselves, and having the freedom to choose what they wear every day, parents cannot help but worry (Mele, 2020). Parents are happy for their children to pursue their passion, proud to be willing to take on a partly unknowable challenge, and happy to have a clear goal, but worried about their long-term physical and psychological health (Teman & Saldaña, 2019). These were supported by the Ecological System Theory where parents worry about the change these will give to their children.

               The emergent theme revealed the participants’ various concerns about their children getting distracted because of being an officer. Fear of being involved in hazing, fear of the negative effects of vigorous training on their children.

               This implies that even though the aspirants are in good hands within the organization, parents cannot stop worrying about their children. Being in the ROTC does not always bring good news, sometimes they fear uncertainties and the mental and physical health of the aspirant’s well-being. Negative concerns regarding academic performance impact because of training demands and heavy workloads that can take time and energy away from academic coursework making parents become pessimistic about their children being an aspirant.

3.6 Physical Exhaustion 

               Physical exhaustion is an accompaniment of being part of the advanced ROTC officers. Since officers were physically challenged, they get tired sometimes and feel fatigued, but it is part of the training. The training that they have will be beneficial, especially to their bodies. A cadet officer is not only trained physically, but mentally and emotionally as well, but it is what concerns parents the most. Parents could observe how tired and exhausted their children are whenever they come home after a long day of training.

These are the admitted statements of the participants:

“There are times when my child arrives our home very tired, sometimes he is sick and experiencing different body pain” (P23-P24)

“Intense heat, tired and exhausted but tolerable” (P56)

“It’s just when he comes back home, he was just tired and went directly to sleep in his room and couldn’t be ordered anymore” (P77-P78)

“I was worried about her because he sometimes comes home late at night and leaves early in the morning to do physical exercises and she always comes home very tired” (P90-P92)

“Being financially short, leaving at dawn, coming home late at night, being tired always. Stressing about catching up with her academic works” (P105-P107)

“As she becomes an aspirant I worry about the early mornings and late-night activities done while she is at the hands of her seniors. Her academics are left behind because she is always tired. She forgets to do household chores. Most of her time is spent in the training” (P120-P122)

“He comes home late. That worries me so I text him time to time to know if he is doing well” (P141-P142)

“The concerns I have heard from her is that she struggles in maintaining her school works because of the time she spent in recovering her body from the exhaustion she gets from her training” (P162-P164)

Those who are frightened to experience ROTC are just afraid of punishments or accidents. Part of the training focuses on military discipline, nationalism, patriotism, humanitarian, and disaster risk reduction and management, and ROTC management (DeMarco, 2023). Also included in their training are history and tourism appreciation, and environmental protection and conservation. These were supported by the Ecological System Theory, which shows how children’s training could affect the body’s physical aspect.

Parents could see how the training of their children could bring physical fatigue to them and exhaust their children to the maximum. Even mentioned how tired their children are when back at home that they could get to sleep right away. Parents were concerned for the welfare of their children and how it affected them greatly.

This implies that it is important for the aspirants to communicate any concerns they have about their physical exhaustion to the ROTC instructors and staff. As officers, they can provide guidance and assistance in managing these challenges. It is also important for cadets to prioritize their physical health and well-being, and to take steps to maintain their fitness levels and manage any physical fatigue they may experience during training.

3.7 Financial Struggles

Advanced ROTC students’ parents show signs of financial instability during their time. They do not have many out-of-pocket expenses while working toward a degree, except for those applying for scholarships offered by the program (Cohen, 2023). To be able to support the needs of an advanced officer would cost a lot of money. To fund the costs associated with being an advanced ROTC officer, you must begin and stand-alone. Financial struggles are one of the biggest challenges cadet’s parents could ever have. The agony of the parents not being able to provide for their children financially can took a toll to their part.

These are the revealed statements of the participants:

“One is financial problem, which is the first thing in this life, but it is okay because money can be recovered but his youth and time will not” (P11-P12)

“I find it difficult in providing him financially because of some situations especially now that we are in crisis” (P24-P25)

“As a parent, I am worried about his training. When it comes to financials no one is exempted. I admit we are all facing crisis nowadays” (P38-P39)

“The hardest thing that I’ve encountered as a guardian is that after she started joining the organization, we struggled financially.” (P57-P58)

“It is difficult to see her juggling school works, physical training at the same time worries with us when it comes to money.” (P107-P109)

“As a parent it is difficult to buy the things she needed in her training because it takes a lot of money, good thanks that she has an uncle who is in the military that can help her when it comes to giving some used uniforms and combat shoes.” (P166-P169)

Participants find it difficult to sustain their children’s needs as crises befall them. They even mentioned how hard it is for them to see their children working and training hard while worrying about money. As a parent, it would be their utmost responsibility to care for and provide for their child’s needs and welfare. However, not all can provide. Advanced ROTC officers’ parents show signs of financial struggles during the course of their children’s training. Being a parent makes it difficult because it would cost a lot of money to maintain the necessities of an advanced officer. These were supported by Epstein’s Theory of Parental Involvement wherein parents need to support their kids financially and involve themselves in their children’s endeavors.

The emergent theme revealed that the participants have various struggles to overcome. The participants have struggled financially with the handful of things to be bought such as uniforms and equipment for their children. All of these were part of the struggles that parents worry about in times of financial crisis.

               This implies that it is important for cadets’ parents considering advanced ROTC to research the financial aid options available to their children, both through the ROTC program and through their college or university. They should work closely with their family and instructors to develop a financial plan. Both aspirants and parents should not lose hope and strive to find other resources available to help them manage these challenges.

SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

The study explored the reserved officer training corps: voice of the aspirants’ cadets’ parents in Misamis University, Ozamiz City. It used a qualitative approach using phenomenological research design. Yin’s method of data analysis was used. The ten (10) participants were chosen through purposive sampling. Face-to-Face interviews were used to gather the participants’ data with audio recordings. The researcher obtained the voluntary participation of all the participants involved in the study, and their identity was hidden throughout this paper to protect themselves. However, they were made to understand and agree that their statements were duly recorded. Furthermore, adherence to the minimum standard health protocols was duly observed during the interviews.

Findings

               Based on the responses of the participants during the conduct of the interview, and after analyzing the responses through the Yin’s method of data analysis, the following were the themes that emerged in this study: happiness of the parents; parental support: financial and emotional; application of knowledge in their daily lives; pessimistic prospects of the parents; physical exhaustion; and financial struggles. These themes were based on the in-depth responses during the interview with the participants. Parents are obviously happy about the achievement of their children would get who have joined the advanced ROTC officer. Parental financial support encourages higher educational achievement, lowers college dropout rates, and makes it easier to transition into career-related work. Their willingness to support their children in their desire to continue being an advanced ROTC officers can take on a whole new level of confidence towards the children. The knowledge and skills of being an aspirant can help apply to their day-to-day lives. Even though the aspirants are in good hands within the organization, parents cannot stop worrying about their children. Parents could see how the training of their children could bring physical fatigue to them and exhaust their children to the maximum. They should work closely with their family and instructors to develop a financial plan.

Conclusion

The concept of joining the ROTC advanced officers may no longer be bad in parents’ eyes, and this becomes a positive impact on the concept of advanced ROTC. Hence, this bliss and enjoyment could greatly affect the aspirants’ well-being positively. Parental financial support encourages higher educational achievement, lowers college dropout rates, and makes it easier to transition into career-related work. Parents listen to their concerns and take time to comfort them and give them affection. Reassure them and tell them that they are safe and perfectly normal. Their willingness to support their children in their desire to continue being an advanced ROTC officers can take on a whole new level of confidence towards the children.

Our world faces formidable challenges that demand the next generation of aspirants be capable leaders with expansive understandings of public life, honed skills of critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups to solve problems and create change. However, parents cannot help but worry for their child’s safety especially when it involves rigorous training.  Physical exhaustion is an accompaniment of being part of the advanced ROTC officers. Parents were concerned for the welfare of their children and how it affected them greatly. Being a parent makes it difficult because it would cost a lot of money to maintain the necessities of an advanced officer. To be able to cope with it, most of the participants said that to relieve the concerns and worries they are enduring; all they need to do is to pray since God was their only hope during this challenging time.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that: Parents may explore ways in which they can use an intervention and diversion program to divert their attention. Parents may seek the support of a physician to aid their mental and physical health as well as their children. Parents should provide time, care, and support to their children and constantly ask for their overall welfare. The community should provide a more positive environment that would be beneficial to the parents of advanced ROTC officers. The ROTC organization may assist a free seminars and counseling programs to help parents accept and understand the situation their children are in. Thus, future researchers can use these findings to support their prospective investigation, particularly in the voice of the aspirants’ cadets’ parents.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This study has been made possible because of the valuable assistance and guidance of the following individuals:

Dr. Jose P. Cuevas Jr, the chairperson of the Thesis Committee, for her inputs and insights leading to the fulfillment of this paper;

Professor Elma Fe Gupit, their adviser, for sharing his expertise and time for the completion of this study;

Dr. Markdy Orong, Dr. Junvil Insong, Ph.D, JD, and Professor Y. Teopisto Culanag the panel members, for giving valuable comments, suggestions, and recommendations during the deliberation of the study that eventually improve the research undertakings;

To all the participants of the study for actively participating during the conduct of the interview;

Above all, the God Almighty, for being the source of wisdom, strength, and blessings, especially during the research process.

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APPROVAL SHEET

This thesis entitled, “RESERVED OFFICER TRAINING CORPS: THE VOICE OF THE ASPIRANT CADETS’ PARENTS” prepared and submitted by Frestelle Faith E. Cabahug, Saybel N. Esguerra, Vj S. Samonteza and Nelhajal P. Mangkabong, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Criminology, has been examined and is recommended for acceptance for Oral Examination.

                                                                                                                                                                                                           ELMA FE E. GUPIT

                                                                                                                 Adviser

Approved by the Thesis Committee on Oral Examination with a grade of ___________.

                                                    JOSE F. CUEVAS JR., PhD

                                                                  Chairman

TEOPISTO Y. CULANAG JR.               BERNAFLOR B. CANAPE         MARKDY Y. ORONG, PhD

                Member                                                Member                                             Member

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Criminology.

                                                                                               JOSE F. CUEVAS JR., PhD

                                                                                               Dean, College of Criminology

Date:

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW PROTOCOL

Before the commencement of an interview, the participants will be informed that:

1. The interview will be digitally recorded.
2. The anonymity of participants will be guaranteed.
3. They can withdraw their participation at any time.

Opening Questions

1. What is your age?
2. What year did you graduate in your undergraduate program?
3. How many siblings do you have in the family?
4. Did you have a plan on how you will achieve your goals in life?

Core Questions

1. What motivate you to become an advance ROTC Cadet?
2. How did you join the advance ROTC Cadet?
3. What were your difficulties in pursuing your ambition to become an advance ROTC Cadet?
4. How did you deal your difficulty as ROTC Cadets same time as student?
5. Who supported your career as Cadet and Student? How they supported your ambition?

 Closing Question

1. What is your advice to those aspiring ROTC officer?

APPENDIX B

INFORMED CONSENT FORM

1. I, ___________________________, volunteer to participate in the research undertaking conducted by Frestelle Faith E. Cabahug, Saybel N. Esguerra, Nelhajal P. Mangkabong, and Vj C. Samonteza from Misamis University, Ozamiz City. I understand that the research is designed to gather data about Reserved Officer Training Course: The Voice of the Aspirant’s Cadets Parents. I will be one of the participants who shall answer this research;
2. My participation in this research is voluntary. I understand that I will not be paid for my participation. I may withdraw and discontinue at any time without penalty. If I decline to respond or withdraw from the study, no one will be told;
3. Upon filling out the questionnaire, the name is optional, the signature will safeguard my identity and my name will not be revealed in the analysis and report.  If, however, I feel uncomfortable in any way in answering the questionnaire, I have the right to decline to answer any of the questions;
4. I am given ample time to answer the questions for at least one (1) week. Participation in this survey is voluntary thus, I am free to refuse to participate, stop the survey administration and skip any item I am uncomfortable with;
5. I understand that the information to be gathered will be treated with confidentiality. I will not be identified in the paper. Only the researchers their adviser will have access to the data of the research;
6. I understand that this research has been reviewed and approved by the College of Criminology of Misamis University;
7. I have read and understood the explanation provided to me. I have had all my questions answered to my satisfaction, and I voluntarily agree to participate in this study; and
8. I have been given a copy of this consent form.

__________________________________                                                 __________________

          Participant’s Signature                                                                                                  Date 

APPENDIX C

Interview Transcript

Participant 1

I am very grateful because I wanted him to experience what it’s like to be an officer because I am a Reserved Naval too. Because unlike before we have good governance now. As his cousin, I support him in his chosen college course because he wanted it and I only want to be there with him until he is finished reaching his dreams in life. It is good because the government gives allowances, scholarship, and incentives. It is also for the good of everyone. The negative perception I have is that it is a gate for illegal deeds. I hope they are not easily persuaded in doing those acts. So far, I have none because whatever he does, I will support him like these days he always goes for a jog which is good for his endurance. One is financial problem, which is the first thing in this life, but it is okay because money can be recovered but his youth and time will not. Pray to God and ask help to from other relatives who is willing to extend their support to him. Listen to their kids, encourage them the kids to take their studies seriously until they finish school and when they are finally do not do anything that will not bring good outcomes in their life.

Participant 2

I am nervous and worried for child’s safety. I allowed him because I saw how active and determined he is in joining the organization. In addition, I saw how focused he is in his academics. I showed my support to him through providing him his financial needs. I expected that he wants to achieve something by joining the organization. What I’m afraid is that he will be involved in hazing and physical abuse activities because as what I observed most of the universities have hazing issues. As what I said, I am worried of my child’s welfare. There are times when my child arrives our home very tired, sometimes he is sick and experiencing different body pain. I find it difficult in providing him financially because of some situations especially now that we are in crisis. I am very strict in our budget just to support him in his needs. To my fellow parents, just support your child always. They need us as their strength in order to continue.

Participant 3

I am very proud that I have a son that will join the advance officer program. The character that I discovered from him is that he knows how to communicate and build good   relations with people In the future I can help him I expect that as a cadet, once he passes all the training as a leader, he will be able to receive allowances, recognition, and gain knowledge about the army while serving as an officer at the MU ROTC unit. I am afraid that his academic performance will be neglected because he might focus on the training. He is a man now; he may be subject to harsh treatment by his seniors physically or mentally. I know that once he enters that type of organization. Skills, attitude, and development of a mentally and physically fit body is enhanced. It ends in a way he will become a competent leader. As a parent, I am worried about his training. When it comes to financials no one is exempted. I admit we are all facing crisis nowadays. If the government can give him assistance it is much better so that he can finish school with good support coming from us and the government. I always advise him to be honest with me. He better apply MU’s core values. As parents you must lead your children to become one of the beneficiaries of the programs from the government. Be a model among the cadets.

Participant 4

I am happy upon knowing that she wants to be an advance ROTC officer and is willing to undergo training even if it is not that easy. Because it is what she wants. She is serious on joining the advance ROTC and is excited for her future as part of this organization. I show my support by giving her advice and I also help her financially on her needs and requirements. I understand her coming home late after training and try my best not to get mad if she cannot help household chores sometimes. She will gain experience relating to her course which is BS Criminology. She’ll have advance knowledge on the training and not get shocked when they are on the actual training in the training camp. At first, I didn’t agree because we are scared, that she might not survive the training because she is a woman but since she is determined and active in finding ways to get money to support herself even if we are poor. She looks for ways to make it to the organization even if we are tight on the budget. Intense heat, tired and exhausted but tolerable. She always says she can do it and that she won’t give up. The hardest thing that I’ve encountered as a guardian is that after she started joining the organization, we struggled financially. But still, we look for alternative ways to continue financing her. To cope up with the challenges as a parent we can only pray and search for other ways to earn money. My advice to my fellow parents is that we should support our children’s goals in life. If that’s what they want, then we must give our utmost support because it would mean a lot to our child.

Participant 5

 It was okay for me. It is good that as a young man he wants to be a role model and aspires to lead than waste his time and resources to nonsensical things. I agreed because he wanted to. It is a joy to see him being passionate on something good and being a productive person at an early age. When it comes to his requirements in the organization, we provide money. We attend to his needs. We help him get ready on early mornings when they have reveille, and duty. The benefits that we noticed is that he is no longer lousy, he is snappy now. He became more disciplined in a way that he takes his studies well now than before. He no longer acts like a child and is becoming more responsible each day. At first, the discouragement coming from his senior officers is the negative thing we perceived. I feel sorry for him because he cries every time he comes home. He looks like he will change to another course. But as time goes on, we encourage him to continue what he started and always reminds him that all those harsh words are just a test to challenge them on how far they will endure and not quit on the training. Nothing at all. It’s just when he comes back home, he was just tired and went directly to sleep in his room and couldn’t be ordered anymore. It was okay. It’s just that he is not very advanced when has a request because he wants it right ahead. For instance, asking for money and uniforms that are needed as soon as possible. Let’s just give them comfort and motivate them not to quit, to pursue, so that they can reach their dreams on becoming an advance officer. To the other parents, just support their needs and understand that they are tired most of the time.

Participant 6

I’m happy because she wants to be an officer and because it’s related to her course. I agreed because she really wanted to be part of the ROTC advance officer and because she was determined. I am working hard just to support her wishes and for the sake of her studies to finish. I expected that in her studies she would learn all the things taught by her seniors and the knowledge imparted by the organization. My negative thought about the program is that it will distract her academically.  Good thing she assures me that she will always study hard and follow good manners because it is what their seniors always taught them to do. I was worried about her because he sometimes comes home late at night and leaves early in the morning to do physical exercises and she always comes home very tired. She must be strong and not give up no matter what the hardships are. She must be strong, work hard to become an advance ROTC officer someday. I hope the other parents will try and give advice to guide them in their good studies and should also be supported properly. It’s also good that she will advance to become an ROTC officer because it is related to his course in Criminology, it will help her training so that she already has a background.

Participant 7

I’m happy that my daughter is willing to take part on becoming an advance ROTC officer. Proud of her because she chooses the path less taken by other women on her age. She is determined on wanting to become an advance officer and I will always support her until she reaches her dreams. I am working hard in order to support her wishes and to become a model student advance officer someday and I am grateful for that. I am happy for this program that our children aspire to become one of the advance officer ROTC. To be strong and fight the fears encountered on the trainings. Being financially short, leaving at dawn, coming home late at night, being tired always. Stressing about catching up with her academic works.  Despite all these hardships she assures me that she can still do it. It is difficult to see her juggling school works, physical training at the same time worries with us when it comes to money. She misses family time and is rarely at home. I will guide them to what they want, and I will also support them. To me as a parent we will guide our children for their future and support always for their want.

Participant 8

I’m happy because she wants to be an officer and because it’s related to her course. I agreed because she really wanted to be part of the ROTC advance officer and because she was determined. I am working hard just to support her in everything that she does as long as I see there is good in it and that it gives positive benefits to her life. I expected that in her studies she would learn all the things taught by her seniors. My negative perception about the program is that how it will impact my child in a bad way, like there is always physical abuse and words that are often said that will test her mentally, emotionally and spiritually. As she becomes an aspirant I worry about the early mornings and late-night activities done while she is at the hands of her seniors. Her academics are left behind because she is always tired. She forgets to do household chores. Most of her time is spent in the training. As a parent it’s difficult to leave your child at the care of other person, especially seeing them going through hardships at the hands of their senior officers. Aside from that we cannot deny the demands of money on buying the needs of our children. I always ask for God’s help to face the problems and challenges I encounter along the way. Being a parent is hard but that is the reality. Raising a child and attending to their everyday needs is a challenge we all need to provide because that is our obligation. Other parents should be attentive on giving advice and inspiring their children. They should guide and encourage them along the way so that the kids are aware of their presence and knows that they are supported properly.

Participant 9

His elder siblings encourage him to join and become an advanced officer. As the youngest he follows the decisions of the elder ones. I ask him if he can do it and he say he can do it and he say he can, so I let him. I cannot refuse since he is determined to join. I show my support by giving him money whenever he needs it. I constantly remind him to be honest since I don’t really know the whereabouts of the money he spends while in the training. I am not knowledgeable about the benefits, but my other children know it, so I trust it to them since they are the ones who insisted him to join. On our days, hazing is rampant on that kind of organization, so I fear for my son’s safety. My son reassures me that it is no longer applied today. He comes home late. That worries me so I text him time to time to know if he is doing well. He sometimes cannot help us at our store because he is busy. He is always away from home which I understand because it is part of his life as a student. I always pray to God that’s how I handle my problems in life. All I can say is that they should support their children, especially on joining organization like this because it is a government program, and it gives many positive benefits. I also witness good changes from my son ever since he started joining the organization. He studies well now, and he does not to go out late with his friends to drink. He prioritizes his academics now.  He asks permission and inform us where he is different now in a good way compared before.

Participant 10

First, I was tensed and shocked on her decision on aiming to be an advance ROTC officer. I get mix emotions if she can survive the training. I agree because it is her choice since she likes it. I just go with the flow as a parent I support her plans. On showing my support I give money to provide for her needs in her uniforms, payments, and shirts. We look for ways to finance her even if the budget is short sometimes because I have two college students right now. I can see how interested she is in that organization so as a parent I give my full support. The benefits that I expect that she will get are the knowledges being imparted to them in the training. She will learn in advance in all the lessons, skills, and techniques. She will receive allowances and government benefits. The negative thought about the program is that how it will distract her from her studies, how her body can take the physical pain from all the exercises, how her seniors treat her physically and emotionally during training. The concerns I have heard from her is that she struggles in maintaining her schoolwork because of the time she spent in recovering her body from the exhaustion she gets from her training. She is trying her best even if it is hard. Getting and looking for a ride early in the morning is not easy because we live far from her school. Time management should be applied on her part. As a parent it is difficult to buy the things she needed in her training because it takes a lot of money, good thanks that she has an uncle who is in the military that can help her when it comes to giving some used uniforms and combat shoes. By the faith of God, we always pray everything and leave the rest to Him who never fails to send help and give miracles each day. As long as we are alive, we can find ways to find solutions in every problem. To my fellow parents, let us support our children in achieving their goals since it is good for them. Never surrender on their dreams, just keep the faith and fight for the best interest of your children.