Task Force Guimaras spares out ROTC cadets from clean-up drive
Task Force Guimaras Regional Incident Coordinator Rafael Coscolluela clarified that cadets under the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) should not be compelled to do clean up operations in Guimaras.
Coscolluela explained that the instruction of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her latest visit that the ROTC cadets from Negros occidental and Panay Islands be mobilized were just suggestions.
He added that compelling the cadets to work would defeat the purpose of the cash for work program of Petron Corporation, who is mandated to pay any worker P300 a day at a maximum of five hours.
"That will deprive the local community of additional income because our point here is cash for work for those who are affected," he stressed, adding: "I really have to be honest, I don't think they are needed."
Furthermore, Coscolluela said they don't want to have the ROTC cadets exposed to unnecessary risks. He said it would be better if they will be utilized for other purposes.
However, he said those who wanted to volunteer and help in the clean up are always welcome provided they are equipped with necessary protective equipment.
So far, Coscolluela said, no school in the region has deployed their ROTC cadets to Guimaras to help in the clean up operations.
(PNA)