The National Service Training Program (NSTP) organizes a range of activities and programs that build students’ civic and social responsibility and deepen their sense of community. Through community immersions, volunteer work, workshops, and other engagement initiatives, NSTP fosters active participation and a commitment to positive change. These activities are designed to develop well-rounded, socially aware students who are prepared to contribute to their communities and the nation.
2024
Start ‘Em Young: Gender Sensitivity and NSTP Orientation for Freshies
The NSTP Diliman Office co-organized “Start ‘Em Young: Gender Sensitivity and NSTP Orientation for Freshmen,” held on March 11 and 18 at the School of Economics Auditorium and on March 22 via an online platform. This series of orientations was offered to all incoming scholars of UP Diliman for the 2023-2024 academic year, with an estimated total attendance of 2,000 students.
The event was conducted in collaboration with the UP Diliman Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the UP Diliman Gender Office, and the UP Diliman Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment (OASH). Assistant Professor Olivia Alma G. Sicam, the Officer-in-Charge Director of NSTP Diliman, led a comprehensive discussion on the NSTP, covering its objectives, importance, and available program tracks. The speakers included representatives from each component of NSTP: Mr. Ian Lawrence Logan for Civic Welfare Training Service, Ms. Ruth Joy Magno for Literacy Training Service, and 2nd Lt. Elmar John Aniciete for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Adding a lively and ceremonial touch to the event, the ROTC Band gave an energetic performance, setting an enthusiastic tone for attendees. In the lobby of the venue, orientation materials were made available through booths set up by the NSTP and the Department of Military Science and Tactics (DMST). These booths provided students with resources, program information, and answered questions about the different NSTP tracks and pathways.
Through presentations, discussions, and additional resources, the event clarified the various paths students can pursue under the NSTP and highlighted their roles as young citizens with a significant responsibility in building a prosperous and safe community.
By: Marielle M. Lagulay, Senior Project Assistant for Training & Education at NSTP Diliman
Pride March: Rampa, Kweens! Tungo sa Kaligtasan, Kalusugan, Kalayaan
This year, the NSTP Diliman Office, in partnership with the UP Diliman Gender Office, proudly joined the celebration of UP Diliman Pride, organizing a Pride March and related activities. This collaboration aimed not only to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community but also to amplify the campaign for LGBTQ+ rights and create an inclusive space that values gender equality—one of the core themes of NSTP’s Common Module.
In keeping with its mission to foster civic consciousness and social awareness among students, NSTP views the Pride celebration as a vital opportunity to promote gender awareness and social development. By participating in UP Diliman Pride, the NSTP helped bring LGBTQ+ rights to the forefront of campus life, aligning with its mission to educate students on pressing social issues and encourage proactive involvement in social justice causes.
Through the Pride March and other activities, students mobilized and organized around various causes, championing not only LGBTQ+ rights but also intersecting issues such as mental health, gender-based violence, and discrimination in all its forms. This active involvement empowered students to raise awareness, drive conversations, and promote advocacy for inclusivity, acceptance, and equality—topics that are timely and crucial in shaping the next generation of social leaders.
The students and staff of NSTP played a hands-on role in preparing posters, banners, and other materials carrying messages of hope, pride, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. These creative contributions embodied a powerful statement of support, reinforcing the university’s commitment to inclusivity and equality.
The NSTP’s active role in organizing and supporting these events underscored its commitment to fostering a socially aware and inclusive campus culture. Through activities like UP Diliman Pride, the NSTP strengthens its dedication to building a learning environment that respects diversity, cultivates compassion, and prepares students to lead in a society that values inclusivity and equal rights for all.
In the end, this collaboration with UP Diliman Pride served as more than just a celebration; it became a platform for social change, highlighting the essential values of the NSTP while reinforcing the university’s commitment to inclusivity, equality, and social justice.
By: Marielle M. Lagulay, Senior Project Assistant for Training & Education at NSTP Diliman
NSRC Reservists Mobilize for Disaster Relief at UP Diliman
The National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC), composed of graduates from the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and Literacy Training Service (LTS) tracks of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), was established under the NSTP Act of 2001 (RA 9163). The NSRC’s purpose is to equip and inspire an organized reserve force that can be utilized by the State for disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), civic welfare, literacy, national emergencies, environmental protection, and other nation-building initiatives.
For Academic Year 2023-2024, NSRC reservists were called upon to support relief efforts following Super Typhoon Carina, which had devastating effects on communities across the country. In response to the call for aid issued by the University Student Council (USC) of UP Diliman, NSRC reservists gathered at the Student Union Building on July 25 and 26, 2024, to assist in organizing and repacking relief goods.
These mobilization efforts represented a unified response to a national crisis, with volunteers efficiently coordinating to assemble essential supplies for those affected by the typhoon. NSRC reservists worked tirelessly alongside student volunteers, contributing their time and skills to ensure that relief goods were ready for distribution to communities in need. The relief packages contained basic necessities, including food, water, hygiene products, and emergency supplies—vital resources for those experiencing the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
The efforts of the NSRC and USC underscored the power of civic engagement and solidarity within the UP Diliman community. The mobilization also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of national service and the readiness of young citizens to respond to critical situations. This initiative not only provided immediate relief but also reinforced the enduring value of service among NSRC members and NSTP graduates, reminding them of their commitment to community welfare, disaster response, and nation-building.
Through their work, the NSRC reservists demonstrated the transformative potential of civic service and collective action, showcasing the invaluable role of the NSRC in supporting communities during times of crisis.
By: Marielle M. Lagulay, Senior Project Assistant for Training & Education at NSTP Diliman
Celebrating Two Decades of Service and Community Impact: 20th Anniversary of NSTP at UP Diliman
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the NSTP Diliman Office organized a week-long series of activities aimed at honoring its legacy, showcasing milestones, and inspiring future contributions to nation-building. The events reflected NSTP’s unwavering commitment to cultivating socially responsible and empowered youth through impactful programs and initiatives.
A Visual and Interactive Journey Through NSTP History: Exhibit at Palma Hall Lobby
The week-long exhibit served as a gateway to the rich history and achievements of the NSTP community in UP Diliman. Featuring a blend of visual and interactive elements, the exhibit showcased significant milestones, community projects from various colleges, and cherished memorabilia. Photos and artifacts from the past two decades brought to life NSTP’s transformative impact on both students and communities.
The exhibit’s design was a collaborative effort led by L. Arch. Brito from the College of Architecture (Arki), IDr. Lizza Magdalena E. Juarez, PIID from the College of Home Economics (CHE), and NSTP Coordinator for the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), Asst. Prof. Blanco. Their work was supervised by NSTP Director Asst. Prof. Olivia Alma Sicam.
The exhibit’s opening ceremony welcomed over 800 NSTP students from different colleges.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official start of NSTP Diliman’s 20th-anniversary celebration. Distinguished speakers graced the event, including:
- Chancellor Edgardo Carlo Vistan, PhD
- Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Maria Vanessa Lusung-Oyzon, PhD
- Former NSTP Director and current Office of Field Activities Director Asst. Prof. Arlyn P. Macapinlac
NSTP faculty also delivered inspiring messages:
- Col. Allan Peter D. Rudio, Commandant of the ROTC
- Asst. Prof. Sarah Candelario from the College of Education (EDUK)
- Asst. Prof. Ronualdo Dizer, Dean of the College of Human Kinetics (CHK)
A heartfelt message from NSTP Director Asst. Prof. Sicam set the tone for the week’s events, underscoring the program’s commitment to shaping future leaders dedicated to community service and development.
The exhibit not only celebrated two decades of success but also set the stage for the next chapter of NSTP’s impactful journey.
Reliving Filipino Heritage: Larong Pinoy Campus Tour
On October 14, 2024, the Larong Pinoy Campus Tour brought the vibrant spirit of traditional Filipino games to the University of the Philippines Diliman. Organized under the leadership of Sir Ian Lawrence Logan, Deputy Coordinator of NSTP at the College of Human Kinetics (CHK), the event offered a joyful experience featuring games such as Chinese Garter, Sipa, Sawsaw Suka, Luksong Lubid, Bato-Bato Pick, Luksong Baka, Kadang-Kadang, and Pitik Bulag. These activities transformed various campus locations into lively hubs of culture and community.
The event aimed to reintroduce traditional Filipino games to today’s youth, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s cultural heritage while encouraging unity among students, faculty, and alumni. Each game symbolized an aspect of Filipino history and traditions, reminding participants of the values and practices that shape their identity.
Feedback from participants highlighted the meaningful and enjoyable experience the Larong Pinoy Campus Tour provided. The activity successfully reinforced cultural awareness and pride while promoting camaraderie within the university community. It stood as a testament to the enduring relevance of Filipino heritage and its power to bring people together.
This event, alongside the exhibit, exemplified NSTP Diliman’s dedication to celebrating and preserving Filipino culture as part of its milestone anniversary.
By: Marielle M. Lagulay, Senior Project Assistant for Training & Education at NSTP Diliman
2023
West Philippine Sea Donation Drive: Courage Runs in Our Veins
Last December, the University of the Philippines National Service Training Program (NSTP) Diliman Office, in partnership with the UP Diliman ROTC Unit and the UP ROTC Corps of Sponsors (Diliman), organized an initiative to provide care packages in a project titled “Courage Runs in Our Veins: Blood Donation Drive and West Philippine Sea (WPS) Project.” The drive brought together various organizations, including UP Vanguard Incorporated (UPVI) – Makati Chapter, the UP Vanguard Fraternity, UP-MMDA-Vanguard (UPMV) K9 Corps, UPVI Gun Club, and the UP Cadet Alumni Organization (UPCAO). Together, they successfully delivered 600 boxes of care packages to the Western Command (WESCOM) for troops on the frontlines, their families, and residents of the Kalayaan municipality in the West Philippine Sea.
This project exemplified the university’s commitment to national service, civic engagement, and solidarity with those defending the nation’s sovereignty. The care packages were filled with essential items, such as non-perishable food, hygiene supplies, and personal notes of support and gratitude, aimed at uplifting the morale of both the service members stationed at the West Philippine Sea and the local residents of Kalayaan. Beyond material assistance, the donation drive served as a message of unity and appreciation for those upholding national security in challenging and often dangerous circumstances.
The involvement of organizations like UPVI, UPMV K9 Corps, and other alumni associations further underscored the power of collaboration between student groups and alumni organizations in advancing meaningful causes. Their joint efforts in sourcing, assembling, and delivering the packages were a testament to their shared commitment to the country and a tribute to the courage displayed by those at the West Philippine Sea.
In a display of patriotism and community spirit, the initiative not only provided material support but also fostered a sense of connectedness between the university community and the nation’s defenders. This project stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to civic duty and national pride, showing that courage indeed runs in their veins. Through their collective efforts, UP NSTP, UP ROTC, and their partner organizations demonstrated how education and civic responsibility can come together to make a difference in the lives of those serving the nation.
By: Marielle M. Lagulay, Senior Project Assistant for Training & Education at NSTP Diliman
Academic Year 2023-2024
Academic Year 2022 – 2023