President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared 2012 as the Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) Centennial Year marking the 100th year establishment of the military training program which began at the University of the Philippines in Manila in 1912.

The President’s declaration is contained in Proclamation No. 340 which he signed and issued on February 16.

He cited the importance of ROTC saying the program has produced graduates and cadets who have made significant contributions as peacekeepers and volunteers as well as protectors of the country’s freedom and democracy.

In declaring 2012 as ROTC Centennial Year, the President has also designated March of every year thereafter as ROTC Month.