The primary legislation governing the National Service Training Program (NSTP) in the Philippines is Republic Act No. 9163, more commonly known as the NSTP Act of 2001.
Understanding the NSTP Act of 2001
Enacted in 2001, the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act (R.A. 9163) emerged as a direct response to a significant public demand for reforms within the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program. This pivotal act fundamentally redefines the approach to civic education and national service among Filipino youth.
One of the core tenets affirmed by this law is the government's prime duty: to serve and protect its citizens. The NSTP aims to instill patriotism, civic consciousness, and defense preparedness by offering students a choice of various service components.
Key Aspects of R.A. 9163
The NSTP Act of 2001 mandates all incoming freshmen students in baccalaureate degree programs and at least two-year technical-vocational courses in public and private educational institutions to complete one NSTP component. This initiative ensures that students are equipped with skills and values beneficial to their communities and the nation.
Here’s a quick overview of the law's key details:
Aspect | Detail |
---|---|
Official Name of Law | National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001 |
Republic Act Number | R.A. 9163 |
Year of Enactment | 2001 |
Primary Purpose | To respond to public clamor for reforms in the ROTC Program and promote civic consciousness. |
Foundational Principle | Affirms the government's prime duty to serve and protect its citizens. |
Affected Population | All incoming college freshmen in baccalaureate or technical-vocational courses. |
Program Components
Under the NSTP Act, students can choose from different program components designed to develop civic consciousness and defense preparedness:
- Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC): This component is designed to provide military training to tertiary level students in order to motivate, train, organize and mobilize them for national defense preparedness.
- Literacy Training Service (LTS): This component is designed to train students to become teachers of literacy and numeracy skills to school children, out-of-school youth, and other segments of society in need of their service.
- Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS): This component involves activities contributory to the general welfare and the betterment of life for the members of the community or the enhancement of its facilities, especially those devoted to improving health, education, environment, entrepreneurship, safety, recreation, and morals of the citizenry.
This comprehensive approach reflects the nation's commitment to developing responsible and active citizens. You can find more information about the program and its history at NSTP UP Diliman.