Can We Take the Step?

National Service Training Program or NSTP is a course offered by the University of

Santo Tomas and has three components namely: Reserve Officers Training Corps or
ROTC, Civic Welfare Training Service or CWTS and lastly, Literary Training Service or
LTS. The NSTP was established by virtue of RA 9163 otherwise known as the National
Service Training Program Act of 2001 amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 7077
and Presidential Decree No. 1706. It covers all students, male and female, starting SY
2002-2003, enrolled in any baccalaureate and in at least two(2) year technical
vocational or associate courses, are required to complete one (1) NSTP component of
their choice, as a graduation requirement.
Reserve Officers Training Corps or ROTC refers to the program component designed to
provide military training in order to motivate, train, organize and mobilize students for
national defence preparedness. Civic Welfare Training Service or CWTS on the other
hand, refers to the program component of activities contributory to the general
welfare and betterment of life for the members of the community of the enhancement
of its facilities, especially those devoted to improving health, education, environment,
entrepreneurship, safety, recreation and moral of the citizenry. Lastly, Literary Training
Service or LTS refers to the program component designed to train students to teach
literacy and numeracy skills to school children, out-of-school youth and other
segments of society in need of their service.
The University of Santo Tomas offers all three components of the National Service
Training Program. Those who have chosen ROTC will have their training in their
freshmen year while those who have chosen CWTS or LTS will undertake training in
their sophomore year in the university. CWTS and LTS are under the management of
UST-SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office.
Civic Welfare Training Service or CWTS seeks to contribute to the general welfare and
betterment of life for the members of the community or the enhancement of its
facilities, especially those devoted to improving health, education, environment,
entrepreneurship, safety, recreation and morale of the citizenry. It aims to facilitate
processes where students may learn to nurture the values of patriotism, love of
country, personal relationship with God, and respect for the dignity of persons,
academic excellence and sense of service. It provides the student with the principles
necessary to effectively serve a community. It deals with national issues and concerns,
case studies of community organizing, and concepts of people empowerment. The
activities are organized according to the needs of the community.
Most students may think that NSTP is not relevant. The reality is that National Service
Training Program is a required course mandated by law. However, if you look closely,
its not just a requirement, its not just another subject it is a preparation and
opportunity to improve yourself to be of service to others. It gives us the opportunity
to be socially involved and have deeper awareness of yourself in relation to others.
NSTP endows you with theoretical and practical knowledge and experiences that are
needed for community service. It opens a window for you to see the current situation
of your community. at the same time, it trains you to respond to the present
challenges, enhancing your instinct for national service. It made us realize that we are

a valuable constituent of our country. With all our potential, idealism and energy, we
are capable of doing a lot of things for the good of others- to be of service to our
nation. We can serve in a lot of ways. This is the concept that shaped the National
Service Training Program. So take the step now and start the change. Be the catalyst
of this world. Have some fire. Be unstoppable. Be a force of nature for other people.
Take the step right now and youll be amazed on where it will take you.