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The University of the Philippines Reserved Officers' Training Corps, also known as the UP ROTC, is an academic and military organization which offers military education and training to students of the University of the Philippines in preparation for national emergencies. It is one of the three components of the National Service Training Program being offered in the university, the others being Civil Welfare Training Service, and Literacy Training Service. It was established in 1912 and was one of the pioneers of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps in the Philippines.

History
Military training was first conducted in 1912. It was a requirement for all able-bodied male students to enlist in the ROTC. The increasing tension and conflict in the Asia-Pacific prompted the Filipino and American leaders of the need to develop a military force that can be mobilized in case of emergency. Capt. Silvino Gallardo of the Philippine Constabulary was the first commandant of the unit. The term ROTC was given by Governor General Leonard Wood. On March 30, 1936, President Manuel L. Quezon proclaimed the Commonwealth Act No. 1 or the National Defense Act which qualifies the graduates of the two-year course for commission in the Philippine Army reserve force. In 1913, the military training was placed under the supervision of the Philippine National Guard. US Army Captain Juan Villasanta took over as the new commandant. By November, 1921, UP President Guy Porter Benton recommended the establishment of a a full systematic course on military science in the university. General Wood approved of this and on March 17, 1922, the Department of Military Science Tactics (DMST) was established. It became one of the curricular departments of the University of the Philippines. The course of instruction opened on July 3, 1922. World War II Several of the cadets from the ROTC unit volunteered for military service. Those in the advanced courses were mobilized to join the Philippine Army divisions. War in the Philippines came on December 8, 1941. The commandant of the Department of Military Science and Tactics, Major Armando Dumlao, lead the cadets who volunteered to Bataan. Junior cadets,however, were sent home on December 23. The Department of Military Science and Tactics was closed for the duration of the war on December 25, 1941. Most of the military equipments and instruments were taken by the Philippine Army.

Post-War The World War II ended in 1945 following the surrender of Japan. ROTC training did not resume until Sept. 13, 1946. Trainings were mostly conducted in the University of the Philippines. However, the venue was moved to the Citizen Military Training Command (CMTC) Compound. The UP ROTC was disbanded on 1983 after General Benjamin R. Vallejo's retirement.

Return of the ROTC Republic Act 7077, otherwise known as the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act, was signed by the congress on June 27, 1991. It included the establishment of ROTC units in schools and universities in the Philippines.

Controversy In 2001, Mark Chua, a student of the University of Santo Tomas, was found dead. His body was found floating on the Pasig River on March 18. Prior to his death, he had written an article about the corruption within the UST ROTC unit. The National Bureau of Investigation soon found out that members of the UST ROTC were responsible for the death of Mark Chua. The incident had caused an increase in the number of anti-ROTC movements and protest. Republic Act 9163 Republic Act 9163, or the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, was the solution of the congress for the proposed reform in the ROTC program. Under the NSTP program, all college level students in the Philippines are required to undergo one of the three program components as a prerequisite for graduation, one of which is the ROTC.

UP ROTC Units
Rayadillo The UP Rayadillo, or the Honor Guards, is the company in charge of ceremonies and events. It is the model unit of the UP ROTC and has the capability to perform drills with precision and glamour. The term Rayadillo was adopted due to its historical significance. It was the name given to the elite group of soldiers who would accompany President Emilio Aguinaldo during the revolution of 1896.

Infantry The Infantry Unit is focused in combat situations and field warfare. They train in the shooting range located within the Department of Military Science and Tactics with air rifles and A.E.G.'s supplied by the corps. They also specialize in small-unit tactics and stealth operations.

Rescue The Rescue Unit specializes in administering first-aid. They are trained to handle emergency situations and provide initial care for someone with illness or injury.

Special Services Unit The Special Services Unit (SSU) is composed of the Headquarters (HQ) and the Military Police (MP). They are the support unit of the UP ROTC. They are in charge of documentation, presentation, and assistance of other units.