MODULE 1

Implementing Rules and Regulations of the

National Service Training Program (NSTP)

Objectives:
At the end of this module, the students should be able to:
1. Differentiate the three (3) components of NSTP.
2. Identify the teaching learning experiences centered in the NSTP subject.
3. Understand the legal basis of NSTP.
4. Develop a sense of appreciation regarding the implementing rules and regulations of
the NSTP.
5. Recite explicitly the different rules and sections embodied in the NSTP Act of 2001.

PRIMER ON NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM

(REPUBLIC ACT 9163)

The National Training Program (NSTP) was created by Republic Act 9163
(National Service Training Act). Enacted into law by the Philippine Legislature on December
19, 2001, it expands the ROTC program from military defense training and preparedness to
include literary and civic welfare programs. It is also aimed at developing in the junior
citizens, civic consciousness and their moral/ethical perspectives on national concerns while
undergoing any of the components namely: Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC);
Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS); and Literacy Training Service (LTS). Effective
academic year 2002-2003, all students enrolled in any baccalaureate (4 year-course) or at
least two-year technical/vocational courses are required to complete six (6) units of any of
the NSTP program components.

REPUBLIC ACT 9163

● It is an Act creating the National Service Training Program (NSTP) for use and
guidance of tertiary/collegiate level students.
● It amends R.A. 7077 (ROTC) and Presidential Decree 1706, augmenting for other
purposes. RA 9163 is fully implemented effective Academic Year 2002-2003.
● It refers to the course/program aimed at developing and enhancing the civic
consciousness and defense preparedness of the Filipino youth.
● It develops ethics of service, moral values, attitudes and patriotism in the youth while
they undergo training in any of the three (3) program components, thereby, in the
process making them the youth’s complementary and active contribution to the
general good.
● It was signed into law by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in response to the
public clamor for reforms in relation to the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
Program.
● Three (3) government agencies: Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of National
Defense (DND), are mandated to strictly implement the law.
● The CHED or TESDA regional offices shall oversee and closely monitor the
implementation of the NSTP in their respective jurisdictions.

THE THREE (3) COMPONENTS OF NSTP

1. The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) course provides military training to
college/tertiary level students. The program is designed to motivate, train, organize
and mobilize them for military service and national defense preparedness.
2. The Literacy Training Service (LTS) is created to train the tertiary level students to
teach literacy and numeracy skills to school children, out-of-school youth and other
sectors of society in need of these services.
3. The Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) refers to activities contributory to the
enhancement and improvement of health, education, environment, entrepreneurship,
safety, recreation and good moral conduct of the citizenry and to other related social
welfare services.

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
Coverage:
● All incoming freshmen students, male and female, starting School Year 2002-2003,
enrolled in any baccalaureate and in at least two (2) year technical-vocational or
 associate courses, are required to complete one NSTP component of their choice as
a graduation requirement.
● All higher and technical-vocational education institutions must offer at least one (1) of
the NSTP components.
● State Universities and Colleges shall offer the ROTC component and at least one (1)
other NSTP component.
● The Philippine Military Academy (PMA), the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy
(PMMA), and Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), in view of the special
character of these institutions are exempt from the NSTP.
● Private higher and technical-vocational education institutions with at least 350 student
cadets may offer the ROTC component and consequently establish/maintain a
Department of Military Science and Tactics, subject to the existing rules and
regulations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
● Each of the NSTP components shall be undertaken for an academic duration of two
(2) semesters.
● A component shall be credited for three (3) units per semester, with fifty-four(54) to
ninety (90) training hours per semester.
● A one (1) summer program in lieu of the two (2) semesters may be designed,
formulated and adopted by the DND, CHED and TESDA, subject to the capability of
the school and the AFP to handle the same.

CLUSTERING
Clustering of students from different education institutions during semester or
summer periods may be done for any of the NSTP component, taking into account logistics,
branch of service and geographical locations. The host school shall be responsible in
managing the program.

STUDENT INCENTIVES PROVIDED FOR BY THE NSTP

● A program for assistance/incentives for ROTC students from DND which will be in
accordance with existing laws and regulations and subject to the availability of funds.
● The school authorities concerned, CHED and TESDA shall ensure that health and
accident group insurances are provided to students enrolled in any of the NSTP
components.
● A special scholarship program for qualified NSTP shall be administered by CHED and
TESDA subject to the availability of funds.

WHAT IS NATIONAL DEFENSE ACT?

● Commonwealth Act No. 1 (National Defense Act) was the first Law enacted by the
National Assembly on December 21, 1935 and was approved by Commonwealth
President Manuel L. Quezon.
● The Law became the legal basis for the creation of the Philippine Army, the
forerunner of the AFP.
● As provided by the National Defense Act, the Philippine Army consisted of a small
regular force and backed up by a large reserve force. Quezon appointed General
Douglas MacArthur, as the Field Marshal of the Army of the Philippines proceeded to
develop and adopt a “Citizen army.”
● The defense plan of General Mac Arthur and his military colleagues envisioned an
annual drat of able-bodied twenty-year old males to undergo intensive military training
for 5 and a half months. ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Course) courses were
also introduced in colleges and universities. The planners estimated that by the time
of the grant of Philippine Independence in 1946, the country would have an armt of
citizens or serves about 400,000 strong.

RELATED “NATIONAL/CIVIL SERVICE” PROVISIONS ON ARTICLE II OF THE 1987

CONSTITUTION

Section 3 Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces
of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the state. Its goal is to secure the
sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.

Section 4. The prime duty of the government is to serve and protect the people. The
Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all
citizens may be required, under conditions provide by law, to render personal, military or civil
service.
Compulsory Service to the State
For the defense of the State, all citizens of the republic may be compelled to render
personal, military or civil service. Any citizen may not refuse compulsory military or civil
service on the ground that it is against religious belief.

Section 5. The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property,
and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of
the blessing of democracy.

Section 14. The state recognizes the role of women in nation building and shall ensure the
fundamental equality before the law of women and men.

LIST OF ACRONYMS:
AFP - Armed Forces of the Philippines
CHED - Commission on Higher Education
CWTS - Civic Welfare Training Service
DILG - Department of Interior and Local Government
DND - Department of National Defense
E-ROTC - Extended-Reserve Officers Training Corps
LTS - Literacy Training Service
MS - Military Service
NGO - Non-Government Organization
NSRC - National Service Reserve Corps
NSTP - National Service Training Program
PMA - Philippine Military Academy
PMMA - Philippine Merchant Marine Academy
PNPA - Philippine National Police Authority
R.A, - Republic Act
ROTC - Reserve Officers Training Corps
TESDA - Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

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