Module 1-NSTP CWTS 1I

In this lesson you will be able to know the purpose, importance, and the role of the NSTP it plays in
the nation building.

1. Upgrade knowledge on the principles underpinning good citizenship, rights & responsibilities of
citizens, service & volunteerism for national development

2.  Analyze issues that relate to the good citizenship values, rights and responsibilities of student-
citizens in the country

3. Make reasonable decisions that will address issues, explain concepts and solve problems
using relevant examples pertaining the exercise of rights, fulfilment of obligations, & promotion
of values towards responsible citizenship

4. Imbibe good citizenship values of being Maka-Diyos, Maka-Kalikasan, and Maka-Tao at Maka-
Bansa which facilitates them to appreciate the significance of good citizenship towards the
attainment of national development goals.

5. In still the spirit of nationalism and patriotism as a good citizen

6. Appreciate and exercise one’s rights of sovereignty

Lesson 1 – Historical and Legal Bases of NSTP

This program aimed to enhance 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, specifically designed to enhance the youth’s active contribution to the general
welfare.

The NSTP shall have the following components which the students can choose from as
defined in Rule II, Section 3 hereof: The Reserve Officers Training Corps, Literacy Training Service
(LTS) ,and Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS).
Lesson 1.1 – The Implementing Rules and Regulations of NSTP (RA 9163)

The RA 9163 also known as the National Service Training Program Act of 2001 has been signed
into law by her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal –Arroyo last January 23, 2002.  It
amended the Republic Act. No.  7077 and presidential Decree No. 1706 or the compulsory military
training to tertiary level students which prepared male students as Reserved Officers Training Corps.

Three leading agencies for the implementation of NSTP Rules and Regulations: 

1. Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

2.  Department of National Defense (DND)

3. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The guiding principle of the law was taken from Article 2 Sec. 4 of the Philippine Constitution which
focused on the prime duty of the government, "to serve and protect its citizens" and the main
responsibility of all the citizen is to "defend the security of the State" including rendering personal
military or civil service.  

What are the three program components of National Service Training Program?
The three programs or service components of NSTP are:

1. Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) – to provide military training to tertiary level
students.
2. Literacy Training Service (LTS) – train the students to teach literacy and numeracy skills
to school children, out-of-school youths and other segments of society in need of their service.
3. Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) – activities contributory to the general welfare and
the betterment of life for the members of the community or the enhancement of its
facilities, especially devoted to improving health, education, environment, entrepreneurship,
safety, recreation and moral of the citizenry and other social welfare services.
Who are required to take the National Service Training Program?

All incoming freshmen students, male and female, starting SY 2002-2003, enrolled in any
baccalaureate and in at least two year technical-vocational or associate courses, are required
to complete 1 NSTP component of their choice as a graduation requirement.

What is the duration and equivalent course unit of the aforementioned NSTP Components?

Each of the aforementioned NSTP Components shall be undertaken for an academic period of
two semesters.  It shall be credited for three (3) units per semester, for fifty four (54) to ninety
(90) training hours per semester.

Is it possible that a Summer Program in lieu of the two semester program may be designed or
formulated?

A One (1) Summer Program in lieu of the two semester program may be designed, formulated and
adopted by the Department of National Defense, Commission on Higher Education and technical
Education & Skills Development Authority, subject to the capability of the school and the AFP to
handle.

Is it possible for a student to cross-enroll if the component s/he has chosen is not offered in
the institution where s/he is currently enrolled?

Schools that do not meet the required number of the student to maintain the optional ROTC and any
of the NSTP components, or do not offer the component chosen by the students, shall allow their
students to cross-enroll in other schools.

How much shall be collected as fees for NSTP component?

No fees shall be collected for any of the NSTP component basic tuition fees which should not be
more than fifty (50%) percent of the charges of the school per academic unit.

What incentives shall be provided to NSTP students?

School authorities concerned, CHED and TESDA shall ensure that health and accident group
insurances are provided for students enrolled in any of the NSTP components.

Schools that already provide health and accident group insurance and collect the necessary fees for
the purpose from their students as of the effectively of these rule, are deemed to have complied with
this requirement.

If a currently enrolled senior male student (sophomore-senior year) has not taken or
completed ROTC training before the effectively of the NSTP Act of 2001, is he allowed to take
up any of the NSTP program component offered by the institution he is currently enrolled?

Male students who are currently enrolled but have not taken or completed ROTC training shall
be covered by the NSTP law.
If a currently enrolled senior male student has taken one semester of Basic ROTC, is he
required to finish the remaining semester in Basic ROTC or he can choose any of the NSTP
components to qualify for graduation?

Male students who have taken one semester of Basic ROTC shall take one more semester of any
of the NSTP components to qualify for graduation.  If the student wishes to finish the Basic ROTC
component, then he may do so or if he wishes to take another NSTP component, then it is
permissible.

Lesson 1.2 – The Evolution of the NSTP

(1935) COMMONWEALTH ACT.1 – NATIONAL DEFENSE ACT

National Defense Act is a legislative act providing basis for the national defense of the country.
Punishing certain violations thereof, appropriating funds, therefore and for other purposes. This law is
under the government of President Manuel L. Quezon.  The same law required college
students, particularly males, to finish two years, equivalent to 4 years, of military training as a
modality to institutionalize the reservist system in the Philippine National Defense.

(1980) PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1706 – NATIONAL SERVICE LAW

It mandated the compulsory National Service for Filipino Citizens. National Service Law
amended certain sections of Commonwealth Act No. 1. It was composed of three main program
components namely Civic Welfare Service (CWS), Law Enforcement Service (LES) and Military
Service (MS). College students were given an option to choose one from among these
components in compliance with these requirements for tertiary education.

(1986) REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7077 – THE CITIZEN ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
RESERVIST LAW (1991)