In the continuous pursuit of nation-building and youth empowerment, the 19th National Congress of NSTP Educators and Implementers held on July 2-4, 2025, at Golden Peak Hotel and Suites, Cebu City. It was organized by the Philippine Society of NSTP Educators and Implementers, Inc. (PSNEI). The congress brought together, NSTP Directors, Coordinators, implementers and educators from across the country for a 3-day convergence of advocacy, collaboration and transformative learning.
Rationale
“Concomitant to the AmBisyon Natin 2040 long-term vision of strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life (Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay) for the Filipinos, the Philippine Society of NSTP Educators and Implementers, Incorporated (PSNEI) in celebration of its 19th National Congress of NSTP Educators and Implementers focuses on optimizing the critical role of NSTP as an institutional citizenship training program for national service, particularly along the area of civil defense, highlighting on national security concerns, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, youth volunteer management and literacy development against the backdrop of effective and efficient NSTP program implementation as well as well as the establishment and mobilization of school and community-based NSRC units (S/CBNUs) based on the mandates of the National Service Reserve Corps.”
This year’s Congress theme: “NSTP: Transforming Youth Towards National Leadership for a Secure and Sustainable Philippines”, reflects the Congress’ mission to equip youth leaders with the mindset and skills necessary to respond to the country’s evolving needs, especially in the context of national resilience and sustainable development.
Day 1, July 2, 2025
The kick-off began with the registration of participant followed by a briefing and orientation were safety protocols and house rules were clearly explained.
Opening Program
The opening program was officially begun with a Doxology, followed by the National Anthem led by the CTU Chorister, the Oath of Allegiance to the Flag, singing of Ang Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and the CTU Chorister grace us with lively performance of “Rosas Pandan”.
Dr. Joseph T. Pepito, represented by Atty. Rodmarc Sanchez, Executive Assistant for the University President delivered the welcome address, reminding us how the NSTP family serves as a catalyst of change of the youth. Dr. Rissa L. Mercado, Region 13 BOD, delivered the Congress Overview and Presentation of Participants and Guests on behalf of Dr. Florida C. Labuguen, emphasizing NSTP’s vital role in national service. A message of goodwill of Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, represented by Major Hermie Pava PA (Res), echoed the NSTP’s core values, services and patriotism.
TRANSFORMING THE YOUTH FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN SECURING AND SUSTAINING THE NATION
Dr. Evelyn Nacario-Castro, Assistant Regional Director, Department of Economy, Planning and Development, Regional Office VII, discussed how development starts with the individual and the family. According to he, building a secure and sustainable nation is not only a government responsibility but a collective endeavor that starts with individuals who are empowered, purpose-driven and grounded in shared values.
She contextualized her talked within the broader vision of AmBisyon Natin 2040, which envisions that: ““By 2040, the Philippines shall be a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor and where people live long and healthy lives.”
These frameworks are key instruments in aligning national and regional programs including youth development initiatives with long term goals.
Dr. Nacario-Castro highlighted the three core aspirations of Filipinos under AmBisyon Natin 2024: Matatag (Strongly rooted) Maginhawa (Comfortable Lifestyle) and Panatag (Secure future) na Buhay.
Her talked was followed by a side chat session where young voices shared how Young Mind Academy transformed their lives. They shared testimonies on how their lives were transformed through youth-led leadership and community engagement initiatives. Their stories reflected how programs rooted in national values and inclusive development can shape confident, responsible and visionary young leaders.
SOFA CHAT
After the session 1, a Sofa Chat with Secretary Norberto B. Gonzales, former DND Secretary and National Security Adviser; Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe of Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNBSCA); Executive Director Leonard T. Faustina of Global Peace Foundation – Philippines and Major Hermie P. Pava PA (Res), Past President, PSNEI, wherein it was mentioned the challenges on national readiness and NSTP’s role in citizens mobilization, recommended to prmote volunteerism as a strategy for development and do research on volunteerism on what motivates to volunteer, localized global ideas in harnessing potentials and calling NSTP the defenders and custodian of the future.
As a response to the session, PSNEI President Dr. Carmelo John E Vidal emphasized the importance of providing quality education that goes beyond textbook, creating a platform for development and allowing the students to voice-out, instilling the values of good governance and fostering innovation and resilience.
Day 2, July 3, 2025
Day 2 began with a morning prayer, followed by an energizer activity to set the tone and energize the participants of the day.
NSTP UPDATES
An NSTP Updates was given by Dr. Carmelo John E. Vidal. He began with affirming the NSTP’s growing role as more than just a requirement but as a platform for youth citizenship and leadership development. He highlighted the efforts of the Commission on Higher Education to align the NSTP with the national development agenda especially on the peace building, civic engagement and nation building. The key insights of the session is to teach our youth not only how to serve but why to serve. An NSTP must shift from compliance to calling, an authentic values driven leadership formation. He also emphasizes the need for institution to review the NSTP curricula to make room for more responsive, contextualize and integrated modules.
SCHOOL-BASED NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING CORPS
The session was led by Major Hermie Pava PA (Res), past PSNEI President, in which he provided historical grounding and legal framework behind National Service Reserve Corps, calling attention to its top potential in disaster response and community mobilization. He pushed for a more structured and activated NSRC at the university level highlighting its relevance on the context of national emergencies.
The key insights of this talk is service must go beyond the walls of the classrooms, our campuses must become the command centers of hope, readiness and civic response. He also tackled the importance of capacitating NSTP Implementers to handle Disaster Risk Management based modules and collaborate meaningfully with LGUs, DILG, and the Office of the Civil Defense.
CASE STUDY PRESENTATION FFROM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – DASMARIÑAS
A representative from NU-Dasmariñas, showcased a model of excellence through the community-based initiatives, student-led immersion projects and research driven programs. The case study emphasizes evidence-based impact reflective journaling with the assistant of faculty mentoring.
The key insights of this presentation is that NSTP is not just merely a subject it is a transformative journey that students see themselves as agent of change, communities beyond classrooms and learning becomes life changing.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF MOBILIZING NSRD FOR DRRM
On behalf of Director Caesar N. Agnir Jr, Mrs, Jaye M. Cabauatan from the Office of the Civil Defense discussed strategic goals of NSRC in relation DRRM to efforts, drawing attention to national framework and mandates. Her talked stressed the need for institutional preparedness and highlighted how school-based initiatives must go beyond planning into practice.
The key insight is when preparedness becomes culture, disaster becomes less of a crisis and more of a challenge are ready to face. During the open forum, the participants raised concerns especially on the lack of budget allocation for school-based DRRM office and inconsistent forms and templates required by various agencies. Many echoed to call for a more centralized and simplified documentation system.
MESSAGE OF THE TUP PRESIDENT
Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, Ph.D, EnP, he delivered a comprehensive discussion highlighting the alignment of NSTP’s goals with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He particularly emphasized SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 13: Climate Action, reinforcing the critical role of NSTP in promoting inclusive, equitable and sustainable development through youth engagement and community service.
The key insight is Leadership is not measured by command but by commitment to education to sustainability and to justice.
INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE
On behalf of Engr. Nestor D. Archival, Sr. Mayor of Cebu City, City Councilor Nyza Archival, extended a warm welcome to all the delegates and emphasized the vital role of Local Government in fostering synergy between the academe and the implementation of the NSTP law. The key message centered on the importance of collaborative governance in advancing youth development and community immersion.
VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT IN NSTP/NSRC FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) delivered an insightful session on the importance of volunteer management in NSTP/NSRC and its contribution to sustainable development. He introduced the concept of the Volunteer Management System (VMS) – a structure framework of policies, tools, and practices that support effective, inclusive and mutually beneficial volunteer engagement.
Drawing from Republic Act 9418 (Volunteer Act of 2007,) Dir. Gawe emphasized the role of volunteerism in national development and international understanding, while reviving the Filipino spirit of bayanihan. He stressed that volunteerism must be institutionalized through academic partnership and programs that are responsive, inclusive and strategic.
The session also focused on the PNVSCA-HEI Partnership, encouraging the integration of volunteerism in the core functions of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): instruction, extension, research, production and administration, with the goal of making volunteerism a central part of institutional culture.
A significant point discussion was gender in volunteerism, where Dr. Gawe highlighted that volunteer programs must be gender-responsive and inclusive, ensuring equal participation, leadership and access for all genders. Promoting volunteerism for gender equality means creating opportunities for women and marginalized gender groups to contribute to and benefit from volunteer initiatives.
This supports the achievement of SDG 5: Gender Equality, recognizing the power of volunteerism to challenge stereotypes, promote social justice and empower communities.
AWARDS RITES FELLOWSHIP AND CULTURAL PRESENTATION
The day concluded with Award Rites and cultural presentation, a celebration of collaboration, creativity and camaraderie among NSTP Educators and Implementers across the country.
An award was given to the University of Baguio as the 18th Congress Host Institution, honoring its valuable contribution to the success of the previous year’s national gathering.
The Cultural Presentation segment showcased the vibrant talents and rich diversity of the three major island groups – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, through a friendly competition in the following categories:
Interpretative Dance – Winner – Mindanao
Vocal Solo – Winner – Visayas
Tiktok – Winner – Mindanao
Mr. and Miss 19th National Congress of NSTP Educators and Implementers – Winner – Visayas
The talent and fellowship served not only as entertainment but also as a platform for unity, expression and regional pride – fostering stronger ties among NSTP Implementers in pursuit of a common vision: transforming youth for national leadership and service.
Day 3. July 4, 2025
The final fay of the 19th National Congress of NSTP Educators and Implementers commenced with a morning praise and a recap of Day 2, allowing participants to reflect on key insights and activities.
This was followed by the Regional PSNEI Hour, where each region was given the opportunity to present their respective concerns and updates. Region 8 PSNEI President Tomas Bañez, presented the resolutions opposing the exemption of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from the required completion of the three NSTP components; reaffirming the commitment to upholding the core values and principles of NSTP as a tool for national service and youth empowerment through Declaration of Solidarity and the support of the Commission En Bank for the approval of NSTP CWTS and LTS module development as output of the CHED NSTP Technical Working Group in 2021.
During the PSNEI hour, the PSNEI presented a comprehensive report, outlining the organizations’ various programs, initiatives and accomplishments over the past year. This was followed by the Treasurer’s report, which provided an overview of the organization’s financial status and resource utilization. The session was formally adjourned, marking the conclusion of PSNEI’s organizational meeting.
As the day progressed, participants from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and NCR were invited to share their impressions, highlighting their learning, experiences and appreciation for the collaborative spirit fostered throughout the Congress.
The event formally concluded with awarding of certificates to the participants, followed by photo-ops and a heartfelt closing message from the PSNEI leadership. The Congress ended on an uplifting note with the communal singing of the closing song “If We Hold on Together”, symbolizing unity, hope and the shared mission of transforming the Filipino Youth for national leadership and service.
CONCLUSION
The 19th National Congress of NSTP Educators and Implementers serves as a meaningful convergence of ideas, best practices and advocacy for youth transformation through the National Service Training Program. With the theme “NSTP: Transforming Youth Towards National Leadership for a Secure and Sustainable Philippines”, the Congress reaffirmed the vital role of NSTP in nation-building, disaster resilience, volunteerism, gender equality and community empowerment, anchored on the long-term vision of AmBisyon Natin 2040.
