QUEZON City, Philippines (February 20) – We all know that before we graduate and receive our diploma, it is inevitable for us to first undergo or take our National Service Training Program or  NSTP subject during our first year in college. I know that it is the kind of subject that most of the students take for granted and don’t give much importance. It is a subject that some students would get lazy in attending. I’m not quite sure of the reason why they have those kinds of feelings but I think it’s because there are some students who don’t know about the program’s objective or the positive effect that the subject will give to them. It may also be because they don’t find any interest and joy in participating in the activities or maybe because they don’t get any motivations in cooperating with their classmates and teachers.

Whatever the reason they may have, still, students should not hate this subject. NSTP should not be taken for granted. As a matter of fact, we should treat more importantly.  Why? Simply because of the lessons as well as the training. It’s your chance to learn! And all that you need to do is be active and attend! Who knows, you may even learn something useful! Something that can help you prepare for your future.

The subject is taken by all enrolled college students – male and female – who are taking at least 2-year technical-vocational or associate courses and above.  The NSTP is composed of three categories including Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), and Literacy Training Service (LTS) and students are allowed to choose one from those categories.

The National Service Training Program (NSTP) was established by virtue of RA 9163 or the National Service Training Program Act of 2001. It is a program aimed at enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by developing the ethics of services and patriotism while undergoing training in any of its three (3) program components. Its various components are especially designed to enhance the youth’s active contribution to the general welfare. In short, this program is for the benefit of students as well as to the community which will be receiving the services offered by students. Its main objective is to train and teach students to acquire various principles that will be helpful in the development of their life and the community. This program is so beneficial for it is one way for the students to learn and train to become well-disciplined and effective.

Still, despite its beneficial objective, there are several students who believe that it is not that important and that it is not helpful for them. So what they are just doing is simply conforming to some of their requirements just to complete their units. They get too lazy to attend their class and participate in the activities. They fail to see the essence of the program which is why they don’t give much importance in cooperating with the implemented activity and training.

Now that we already know the program’s objective, we as students should not allow ourselves to be controlled by bad opinions about this program. Learn to search for the enjoyable parts of the program. Don’t be lazy but be active.

(written by Jasmin Monte, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)