Good day, sir. I am Jamie Faith C. Alingig.

The first topic of our module, which is the historical and

legal bases of NSTP, has four subject contents. I will be reporting the overview and evolution of the
NSTP law.

First and foremost, National service programs have become a worldwide phenomenon. NSTP or
National Service Training Program is meant to enhance the student's physical, moral, spiritual,
intellectual, and social well-being, as well as to promote defense preparedness and service ethics. The
establishment of this program was enabled by the essence of the Republic Act. No. 9163 known as the
National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, including the IRR and other NSTP
Memoranda wherein students at the tertiary level are required to get proper training in order to
become productive members of society, especially in protecting the state's security and being of
service to people.
In contrast to other students' opposition to mandatory service, this lesson tries to present facts in the
hope that students obtain a much better perspective on the program.

Let’s first tackle the evolution of the NSTP Law

● Commonwealth Act No. 1
On December 23,1935, Commonwealth Act No. 1 otherwise known as the National Defense Act was
first enacted under President Manuel L. Quezon. The purpose of this act was to create an independent
Philippine Army. It established the first legal foundation for student national defense training. It
authorizes the formation and operation of ROTC units in such schools and universities, as modified in
the Section 35 of the law.

● Presidential Decree 1706

After 45 years, another law has been passed, introducing some modifications of the program. The
Presidential Decree 1706 or better known as the National Service Law was signed by President
Marcos on August 8, 1980. It was the ROTC program's first specific measure to alternative services,
such as non-military options. It made national service mandatory for all Filipino citizens and
categorized three types of service: civic welfare, law enforcement, and military service.

● Batas Pambansa Bilang 232

Due to some reasons, the law did not see full implementation. The Batas Pambansa Bilang 232, also
called the Education Act of 1982 promotes the right of every individual to relevant quality education.
It reminds the students that it is their responsibility to engage in civic affairs and be associated in the
development of the general welfare, especially in the social, economic, and cultural development of
the community and the attainment of a just, compassionate, and orderly society.

● 1987 Philippine Constitution

When the Philippine Constitution in 1987 was approved, a more solid legal foundation for a
non-traditional ROTC program was established. Article II, section 4 of the Philippine constitution
states: “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 provided by law, to render personal military or civil service.”

● Republic Act 7077

This Act is known as Citizen Armed Force or the AFP Reservist Act of 1991. It provides for the
mandatory military training for students in the tertiary level as stated in section 38 and the necessity
for reservists to provide either civic auxiliary services such as maintaining law and order, assisting in
rescue and relief operations, engaging in socioeconomic development projects or military auxiliary
services, which was stated in section 63. With this act, the Expanded ROTC Program (E-ROTC) was
established.
● Republic Act 9163
Finally, on January 23, 2002, the congress implemented the Republic Act No. 9163 which was known
as the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001. This program seeks to enhance civic
consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by instilling the values of service and patriotism
while exposing them to training in any of its three program components. The National Service
Training Program Act of 2001 is a bold step toward making the previous military service program
relevant to the changing needs of the twenty-first century.