National Service Training Program (NSTP) Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Overview of the National Service Training Program (NSTP)
• Discussed the historical background and evolution of NSTP in the Philippines.

Historical Background

• Commonwealth Act No. 1 (1935)
  • Established under President Manuel L. Quezon.
  • Mandated military training for male college students (2 years or 4 semesters).
• Presidential Decree No. 1706 (1980)
  • Amended Commonwealth Act No. 1.
  • Introduced compulsory national service for all citizens with three components:
    • Civic Welfare Service (CWS)
    • Law Enforcement Service (LES)
    • Military Service
  • College students could choose one component to fulfill educational requirements.

Key Events

• Suspension of Military Service (1986)
  • During President Corazon C. Aquino's administration, military service provisions were suspended.
  • Shifted to Basic Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
• Republic Act No. 7077 (1991)
  • Modified the ROTC course and expanded program components.
• Mark Wilson Chihuahua Incident (2001)
  • Engineering student found dead; sparked protests against ROTC practices.
  • Issues of violence and hazing in ROTC highlighted by student organizations.

NSTP Evolution

• Republic Act No. 9163 (2002)
  • Established the NSTP, replacing previous acts (RA 7077 and PD-1706).
  • Implemented starting school year 2002-2003.
  • Components:
    • ROTC: Military training, aimed at national preparedness.
    • Literacy Training Service (LTS): Focuses on teaching literacy and numerical skills to out-of-school youth.
    • Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS): Enhances community welfare and health.

Constitutional Basis

• 1987 Philippine Constitution
  • Section 4: Duty of government to protect and serve the people; citizens may be called for military or civil service.
  • Section 5: Maintenance of peace and order, protection of rights, and promotion of welfare are essential responsibilities.
  • Section 13: Acknowledges youth's role in nation-building; encourages patriotism and civic involvement.

Conclusion

• Importance of NSTP in developing citizenship and national consciousness among Filipino youth.
• Reminder of the responsibilities and roles of NSTP graduates in society.