NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM
The National Service Training Program (NSTP) is a civic education and defense preparedness program for students that was established by the Government of the Philippines on July 23, 2001, through Republic Act 9163, also known as the “National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001.”
DESCRIPTIONS
Male and female college students enrolled in any degree program or technical vocational course in public or private educational institutions are required to complete one of three program components over the course of two semesters under the NSTP Program. Students, on the other hand, are free to select which program component they wish to pursue.
WHY NSTP?
It is hereby affirmed the prime duty of the government to serve and protect its citizens, in turn, it shall be the responsibility of all citizens to defend the security of the State and in fulfillment thereof, the government may require each citizen to render personal, military or civil service.
Recognizing the youth’s vital role in nation-building, the State shall promote civic consciousness among the youth and shall develop their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism, nationalism, and advance their involvement in public and civic affairs.
In pursuit of these goals, the youth, the most valuable resource of the nation, shall be motivated, trained, organized, and mobilized in military training, literacy, civic welfare, and other similar endeavors in the service of the nation.
President Manuel Quezon controlled the National Assembly which enacted the National Defense Act of 1935
HISTORY
Commonwealth Act No. 1
Otherwise known as the “National Defense Act”, was enacted by the National Assembly of the Philippines on December 21, 1935. It provided for obligatory military service for all male citizens of ages between 18 and 30.
Presidential Decree No. 1706
“National Service Law”, was signed into law on August 8, 1980. It made national service obligatory for all Filipino citizens and specified three categories of national service: civic welfare service, law enforcement service and military service.
Republic Act 7077
Otherwise known as the “Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act”, was enacted by the 8th Congress of the Philippines on June 27, 1991. The Reservist Act provided for organization, training and utilization of reservists, referred to in the Act as “Citizen Soldiers”. The primary pool of manpower for the reservist organization are graduates of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps basic and advance courses.
Cite sources: National service training program.org, Citizenship training module
