National Service Training Program (NSTP)
is a program aimed at enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness
in the youth by developing the ethics of service and patriotism while undergoing
training in any of its three (3) program components. Its various components are
specially designed to enhance the youth’s active contribution to the general
welfare.
The NSTP Law or Republic Act No. 9163, also known as “An Act Establishing the
NSTP for Tertiary-Level Students, amending for the Purpose Republic Act No.
7077 and Presidential Decree No. 1706 and for Other Purposed” was signed by
former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on January 23, 2002 passed by the
House of Representatives and the Senate on December 19, 2001.
Who shall take NSTP?
all incoming freshmen students, male and female, enrolled in any baccalaureate
and in at least two (2) year technical-vocational or associate courses, are
required to complete one (1) NSTP component of their choices as a graduation
requirement.
How will the NSTP be taken up?
Each of the NSTP components shall be undertaken for an academic period of
two (2) semesters and credited for three (3) units per semester with 54 to 90
training hours per semester.
Three Components of NSTP
Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS)
Literacy Training Service (LTS)
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS)
Refers to the Program component or 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 moral of the citizenry and
other social welfare services.
Literacy Training Service (LTS)
It is a program 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.
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)
It is a program institutionalized under Sections 38 and 39 of Republic Act No.
7077 designed to provide military training to tertiary-level students in order to
motivate, train, organize, and mobilize them for national defense preparedness.
Non-ROTC Components
All CWTS and LTS graduates will automatically be part of the NSRC or National
Service Reserve Corps.
ROTC Components
ROTC graduates will be part of the Citizens' Armed Forces pursuant to Republic
Act 7077.
Republic Act No. 7077
Also known as the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act, is a law
that provides for the development, administration, organization, training,
maintenance and utilization of the Citizen Armed Force of the Armed Forces of
the Philippines. It was signed into law by Former President Corazon C. Aquino
last June 7, 1991. One of the highlights of the law is the mandatory military
training for students enrolled in colleges, universities, and similar institutions of
learning pursuant to the provisions of the National Defense Act and the 1987
Constitution.
Presidential Decree No. 1706, s. 1980
This provides for the compulsory national service of Filipino citizens while
amending certain sections of Commonwealth Act No. 1, otherwise known as
“The National Defense Act” was signed by Former Ferdinand E. Marcos last
August 8, 1980. The said law provides that National Service in this sense shall
consist of three main programs name: Civic Welfare Service, Law Enforcement
Service; and Military Service.
Commonwealth Act No.1
Also known as “The National Defense Act” provides for the utilization of the
nation's citizens and resources for national defense especially during
emergencies. The law specifies that Military Service shall be obligatory for all
citizens of the republic. It was signed into law last December 21, 1935 by the
Philippine National Assembly during the Commonwealth Period.
1987 Philippine Constitution
Philippine Statesman Norberto Romualdez (1875- 1941) has said that even in
ancient times, the Filipino people manifested high intelligence which showed in
their early forms of legislation. Even back then, Filipinos are characterized as
being humane, just, and fair.
The Preamble
The Preamble is derived from the Latin word “praeambulus” which is loosely
translated to mean “walking before,” but of course, it doesn’t mean that it is
referring to a walking document. The Preamble of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution is one of the world’s longest, yet it speaks about the values, ideals,
and aspirations of the Filipino people.
The Philippine Constitution
The Philippine government has undergone various changes to its constitution
throughout our history, beginning with the 1899 Malolos Constitution, then the
Philippine Organic Act of 1902, followed by the Jones Law of 1916, the 1935
constitution and its amendment in the same year, the 1943 Constitution, the post-
World War II constitution of 1973, the 1986 Freedom Constitution, and then
finally, the 1987 Constitution, of which is still in use today. The 1987 Constitution
was ratified during the term of President Corazon C. Aquino, and contains
eighteen (18) articles that aim to answer most, if not all, the demands of the
Filipino people for a just, humane, educated society
Article III – Bill of Rights
As the government is recognized as a force on its own, the Bill of Rights,
therefore, was created to limit this power by outlining and guaranteeing to law the
rights of every citizen in the country that the government cannot trample over. It
has 22 sections with provisions that serve as our protection against violations
from the government and any individual.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Filipino Citizen
1. Defend our country from enemies and invaders.
2. Pay his/her taxes willingly and promptly
3. Be loyal to our country
4. Take care and conserve our natural resources
5. Help our country for growth and development
6. Keep our surroundings clean
7. Study well and become a productive individual
8. Obey the laws and maintain peace and order in the community
9. Preserve the Filipino culture and identity
10. Participate actively in various governments programs
11. Vote wisely and choose candidates who can serve the people and our country
12. Respect the rights of others,
United Nations principles on Human Rights
Human rights are universal, and no one in the world should be deprived of their
natural rights. Regardless of where they live in the world, gender, race, sexual
orientation, religious, cultural, or ethnic backgrounds; human rights are mandated
by the United Nations to be “inalienable; indivisible; interdependent and
interrelated.”
Understanding Human Rights
As defined by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) ,
human rights are rights that we have because we simply exist; they should not be
determined or granted by the whims of any form of government. As humans, we
have the right to access food, shelter, education, work, health, and freedom,
among others, regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, color,
religion, language, or any other status.
The International Bill of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 is recognized as the first
legal document recognizing the protection of human rights. It is composed of 30
articles that meticulously detail the freedoms of each individual, of which states
and other forms of governing power are not allowed to infringe upon.
List of Rights
In the area of civil and politics rights:
Right to life
Freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment
Freedom from slavery, servitude, and forced labor
Right to liberty and security of person
Right of detained persons to be treated with humanity
Freedom of movement
Right to a fair trial
Prohibition of retroactive criminal laws
Right to recognition as a person before the law
Right to privacy
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion
Freedom of opinion and expression
Prohibition of propaganda for war of incitement to national, racial or
religious hatred
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of association
Right to marry and found a family
Right to take a conduct of public affairs, vote, be elected and have access
to public office
Right to equality before the law and non-discrimination
In the area of economic, social and cultural rights
Right to work
Right to just and favorable conditions of work
Right top form and join trade unions
Right to social security
Protection of the family
Right to an adequate standard living, including adequate food, clothing
and housing
Right to health
Right to education
In the area of collective rights:
Self-determination
Development
Free use of their wealth and natural resources
Peace
A healthy environment
Other collective rights:
Right of national, ethnic, religious and linguistics minorities
Rights of indigenous peoples
Flag of Heraldic code of the Philippines
The flag is the country’s most cherished symbol. It is the nation’s emblem for
freedom. It symbolizes patriotism, love of country and sense of nationhood and
embodies the aspirations and sentiments of the Filipino people in their unceasing
quest for independence. It stands as instrument of unity that binds the Filipino
people.
History of the Philippine Flag
The Philippine flag as we know it right now was designed by General Emilio
Aguinaldo, the president of the revolutionary government, in his exile to Hong
Kong in 1897. Aguinaldo believed that having our own national flag and national
anthem would inspire Filipinos to fight against the Spanish colonizers in the
second phase of the Philippine Revolution.
The first flag was sewn by Marcela Marino de Agoncillo with the help of her
daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, the niece of Jose Rizal, at
535 Morrison Hill Road in Hong Kong. Agoncillo herself painted the sun, which
had a face, and the three stars on the white triangle. (NCAA, 2012) It was then
handed over to Aguinaldo on his way back to the Philippines on May 17, 1898. It
arrived to the Philippines on May 19, 1898. Before it was officially declared the
country’s national flag on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite, the flag had already
been presented to the public in other parts of the country. Then again on May 28,
1898, Aguinaldo waved the flag in Cavite City to recognize the victory of the
Filipinos in the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite, and this date has since become
the historical basis for declaring May 28 as National Flag Day
Republic Act No.8491, s.1998
This act is titled the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” which
prescribes the code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of Arms, and
Other Heraldic items and devices of the Philippines. This law mandates that
reverence and respect shall at all times be given to the flag, the anthem, the
national motto, the coat-of-arms, and other national symbols which “embody
the national ideals and traditions and which express the principles of
sovereignty and national solidarity.”
Protocol on the Philippine Flag and National Anthem
Displaying the flag on buildings
Flags displayed outside a building must be at a prominent location in
relation to surrounding buildings.
Flags can be hung from a staff projecting upward from a wall, window,
roof, or balcony or suspended from rope to a pole erected away from a
building.
Displaying the flag in times of peace and war
If the flag is displayed on a flagpole, it shall have the blue field on top
in times of peace and the red field on top in times of war.
If the flag is hanging vertically, the sun and stars should be on top
while the blue field should be on the left in times of peace and on the
right in times of war. (In times of peace, red is right)
Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony
When to raise and lower the flag in government offices, schools, and
private institutions
Government offices, primary and secondary schools, and private
institutions who fly the Philippine flag on a flagpole in their compound
must observe the flag raising ceremony every Monday morning and
the flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon.
Half-Mast Rule
The flag must be raised to the top of the pole before it is lowered to the
half-mast position; and before it is lowered for the day it must be raised
to the top again. The national flag is flown at half-mast on national
days of mourning, or during the anniversaries of heroes, national
calamities, or international solemnity, as ordered by the president.
Casket
The national flag may be used to cover the caskets of the honored
dead, as recognized by the state. When positioning the flag, the white
triangle must be at the head of the casket, while the blue field must
cover the right side. To prevent the flag from falling off, a black band
may be wrapped along the side of the casket. Before lowering the
casket, the flag must be folded and handed to the heirs of the
deceased. The national flag must not be lowered into the grave or be
allowed to touch the ground.
The proper way of folding the Philippine National flag
The flag must be handled by two people on opposite ends of the flag (1). The
blue field must be aligned to the left-hand side of the person standing at the
head of the flag (where the sun is), before it is folded over (2)
Flipping it over, the blue field of the flag must look like the photo above (3).
Another fold must be made quartering the flag lengthwise, completely hiding
the red field (4)
One end of the flag must be folded diagonally to form a small triangle. Then
repeatedly folded the same way keeping the triangular shape intact. (5)
The folded flag must have one of the stars and only a silver of the blue field
visible (6)
Pledge to the Flag
According to Republic Act 8491 Section 25, the pledge to the flag should be
recited while standing with the right-hand palm open raised shoulder high.
Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs prohibit them from making such pledge
must nonetheless show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by
standing at attention.
Prohibited acts on the use of the flag
Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 8491 Section 39: It
shall be prohibited:
To mutilate deface, trample on, cast contempt, or commit any act or omission
casting dishonor or ridicule upon the National Flag or over its surface;
To dip the National Flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute;
To use the National Flag:
1. As drapery, festoon, tablecloth;
2. As covering for ceiling, walls, statues or other objects;
3. As pennant on the hood, side, back, and top of the motor vehicles;
4. As a staff or whip;
5. For unveiling monuments and statues; and 6. As trademarks, or for
industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs.
To display the National Flag:
1. Under any painting or picture;
2. Horizontally, it shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall
freely;
3. Below any platform; or
4. In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling
joints, and places of vice or where frivolity prevail.
To wear the National Flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform;
To add any word figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, advertisement,
or imprint of any nature on the National Flag;
To print, paint, or attach representation of the National Flag on
handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and articles of merchandise;
To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other
diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organizations;
To use or display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial; and
To display the National Flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by
aliens
The Philippine National Anthem
Protocol dictates that as a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and
face the Philippine flag if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall
face the band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a
salute by placing their right palms over the left side of their chest.
The National Motto
The National Motto of the Philippines is “MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO,
MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA.” This was derived from the last four lines
of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag and was ratified on Feb. 12,
1998 under Republic Act No. 8491, the Philippine Flag and Heraldic Code, during
the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos.
National Coat-of-Arms
The National Coat-of-Arms as provided in Republic Act 8491 shall have: Two
paleways, azure and gules; a chief argent studded with three mullets at an equal
distance from each other; and, in point of honor, ovoid argent over all the sun
rayonnant with eight minor lesser rays. Beneath shall be a scroll with the words
“REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS,” inscribed.
The Great Seal
The Great Seal is declared to be in circular in form, with the arms as described in
the Coat of Arms, but without the scroll and the inscription. Surrounding the
whole shall be a double marginal circle within which shall appear the words
“Republika ng Pilipinas.” For the purpose of placing The Great Seal, the color of
the arms shall not be deemed essential but tincture representation must be used.
The Great Seal shall bear the National Motto
Penalties
SECTION 48. This section details the penalties appropriate for the failure or
refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and any violation of the
corresponding rules and regulations issued by the Office of the President. But
violators will be afforded the proper notice and hearing, and penalized by “public
censure” which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general
circulation.
SECTION 50. Any person or juridical entity which violates any of the provisions
of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Five
thousand pesos (P5,000) not more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000), or by
imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both such fine and
imprisonment, at the discretion of the court: Provided, that for any second and
additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed:
Provided, that in case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its
President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall be liable.
Good Citizenship Values
In a speech by former American president Theodore Roosevelt (1858 – 1919) he
said, "The first requisite of a good citizen is that he or she shall be able and
willing to pull his own weight, that he shall not be a mere passenger, but shall do
his share in the work that each generation of us finds ready to hand.
Furthermore, in doing his work he shall show, not only the capacity for sturdy
self-help, but also respecting the rights of others.
Good Citizenship Values are grouped into the following:
Pagkamaka-Diyos
Pagkamaka-Tao
Pagkamaka-Kalikasan
Pagkamaka-Bayan
Pagkamaka-Diyos
Faith in Almighty
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without
good works.
Respect for Life
So God created mankind in his own image,in the image of God he
created them; male and female, he created them.
Order
Order is the sanity of the mind, the health of the body, the peace of the
city, the security of the state. Like beams in a house or bones to a
body, so is order to all things. -Robert Southey
Work
Six days you shall labor and do all your works; on the seventh day you
shall rest. Exodus 20:9-10
Concern for the Family and Future Generations
From the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female’ and
said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be
joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. What therefore
God has joined together, let no man separate.” Matthew 19:4-7
Pagkamaka-Tao
Love
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; Love is not ill
mannered or selfish and irritable; love does not keep a record of the
wrongs; love is not happy with evil but delights in the truth. Love never
gives up. Love never fails. Love is eternal…There are faith, hope and
love and the greatest of these is Love. 1 Corinthians 13
Freedom
Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to
do what we ought. Pope John Paul II. Matthew. 5:9
Peace
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Truth
“If you remain in My word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will
know the truth, and the truth will set you free John 8:31-32
Justice
Treat others the way you want to have them treat you. Matthew 7:12
Pagkamaka-bayan
Unity
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if
a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand
Mark 3:24-25
Equality
Then God said: Let us make mankind in our image, after our likeness.
Genesis 1:26 Respect for Law and Government
Respect
Where law ends, tyranny begins. William Pitt
Patriotism
“Patriotism is not a short outburst of emotions but a lifetime of
dedication. Adlai E. Stevenson
Promotion of the Common Good
All who believed were together and had all things in common; they
would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all
according to each one’s need. Acts 2:44-45
Pagkamaka-Kalikasan
Concern for the Environment
Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air,
and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that
crawl on the ground. Genesis 1:26
For 200 years we’ve been conquering Nature. Now we’re beating it to
death. Tom McMillan
Voter Citizenship Education
Since NSTP focuses on citizenship training, it’s crucial to prioritize voter
education, particularly among the youth, to ensure future elections are fair and
clean. In the Philippines, young voters play a big impact on the country’s
elections as over half the voting population, or about 23 million votes, are from
the youth sector (Buchenbacher, K., 2019). Beyond just voting, young people
need to grasp their responsibility in selecting leaders and understanding the
qualities of the candidates they choose to support.
The Right of Suffrage
The human right to vote is embodied in three instruments: the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, and the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
Article 21 (1-3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (December 10, 1948)
1. Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country,
directly or through freely chosen representatives;
2. Everyone has the right to equal access to public service in his country;
3. The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of the government.
This will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections, which shall
be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by
equivalent free voting procedures.
The Value of your Vote
The Commission on Higher Education emphasizes that every voter must value
their vote:
1. Equal chance for a vote, whether rich or poor
2. Guaranteed opportunity to participate
3. It is priceless
Your Vote will mean:
1. Better services from executive
2. Better policies and laws from the legislative
3. A brighter future for us, FILIPINOS.
Why is it Important to choose Good Leaders?
Elected candidates have access to public resources which can be used for the
betterment of all, and not just a select few.
Those we elect become in-charge of deciding our needs as citizens, and give
priority to the most important issues that directly affect us, and properly allocate
resources needed to address these issues.
Those we elect also become visible role models that help shape attitudes,
because we see them every day.
When good leaders are elected into influential positions, they want to unite rather
than divide the people.
Our elected officials form our conscience as a people. They embody our
judgments and aspirations.
Why we should cast our votes during elections?
It is during the elections where we as citizens determine who is able to make
decisions and wield the power they were handed to make a positive difference
for the country for years to come. Our decision on who to put in power is of
national significance.
Exercising our right to choose our leaders, at the very least, gives us HOPE that
we CAN choose good people to be our leaders, and having good people in
government will assure us that our needs and welfare will be addressed and
safeguarded.
When we utilize our power to vote, we will have proven to ourselves that we are
ready to face our destiny as a people and, indeed, be responsible for the welfare
of our nation.
What must we do
Register registration or revalidate your
Encourage your friends to register and to revalidate their registration.
Help educate your friends.
Cast your vote
Watch the count