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OVERVIEW – “A good citizen takes responsibility for helping home, school, and
community to be a good place for everyone.” - Anonymous

Historical and Legal Bases of National Service Training Program

(NSTP)

The Philippine constitution provides for the “The sate recognizes the vital role
state's protection to be a primary responsibility of the of the youth in nation-building
government and the people. By statute, all people may be and shall promote and protect
forced to render personal military or civil service in their physical, moral, spiritual,
fulfillment of this obligation. It further states that it is the intellectual, and social well-
responsibility of the citizen to contribute in the being. It shall inculcate in the
achievement and maintenance of a justly ordered society youth patriotism, and encourage
to the growth of our country. The National Service their involvement in public and
Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001 mandates all civic affairs.”
citizens, both male and female, to fulfill this civic duty. The 1987 Philippine Constitution

In response to the urgent needs of our developing world today and in the near
future, the production and enhancement of civic awareness among the young generation
is equally essential in order to ensure national security and growth. The National Service
Training Program (NSTP) therefore helps young people to be inspired, developed and
used as the most valuable resource in the Philippine nation to be motivated, developed
and utilized in regard to their responsibilities as a citizens and in fulfillment of their civil
obligations.

The imposition of the National Youth Service and Training Program in the
Philippines began with the creation of Commonwealth Act No. 1, otherwise referred to
as the 1935 National Defense Act. It is a legislative act which provides the basis for the
country's national defense.

The National Defense Act was amended in 1980 to give effect to Presidential
Decree No. 1706, otherwise known as the Law of National Services. It made compulsory
national service mandatory for all Filipino citizens. 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
among these components in compliance with this requirement for tertiary education.

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Under the authority of former President Corazon C. Aquino, the enforcement of

the National Service Law, except the provision of the Military Service, was suspended by
Presidential Memorandum Order No. 1, paving the way for the conceptualization of the
basic Reserve Officers ' Training Corps (ROTC), embodied under RA 7077, effective
school year 1986–1987.

The ROTC curriculum aimed at fulfilling the constitutional mandate of creating a

strong civilian based in the nation's defense system to complement the skilled military.
It was designed to introduce the ROTC trainees into the rudiments of soldiership, to
instill discipline in them and to correct deportation. The objective of the said program
was to train all able-bodied tertiary students for military skills in case of war.

In the course of the school year 2001-2002, ROTC was only made optional under
the National Service Program (NSP), conceiving the so-called Expanded ROTC (E-ROTC),
in order to offer an alternative in neutralizing people's aversion to this military
program. The E-ROTC was characterized by deviation from the rigid tactical training
offering alternatives like rendering civil auxiliary sources in the form of helping
maintain law and order, assisting socio-economic development projects and delivery of
basic health services or aiding in addressing local insurgency.

Many, if not all higher education institution, found the enforcement of NSP
confusing and unmanageable though. Hence, in December 2001, the NSTP Act
envisioned to address the public clamor for reforms in the ROTC and NSP Programs, was
signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The National Service Training Program (NSTP) Law or RA 9163 also known as
“An Act Establishing the National Service Training Program (NSTP) for tertiary level
students, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 7077 and Presidential Decree No.
1706, and for other purposes.” was approved last January 23, 2002 to amend the
Expanded ROTC. This Act shall be known as the “National Service Training Program
(NSTP) Act of 2001”.

“National Service Training Program ( NSTP)” 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NSTP

What is NSTP Law?

- NSTP Law or Republic Act 9163 a program aimed at enhancing 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 of Filipinos.

What are the Program Components of the NSTP?

a. Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

- designed to provide military training to tertiary level students in order to
motivate, train, organize, and mobilize them for national defense
preparedness.

b. Literacy Training Service (LTS)

- designed to train the students to teach literacy and numeracy skills to
children out-of-school-youth and other segments of society in need of their
services

c. Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS)

- refers to program or activities contributory to the general welfare and the
betterment of life for the members of the community or the enhancement of
its facilities, especially those developed to improving health, education,
environment, entrepreneurship, safety, recreation and morals of the
citizenry.

Who are covered by the NSTP Law?

- All incoming freshmen students, male, female, starting school year (SY) 2002-
2003, enrolled in any baccalaureate and in at least two (2) year technical-

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vocational or associate courses, are required to complete one (1) NSTP

component of their choice, as a graduation requirement; • All higher and
technical-vocational education institutions must at least offer one (1) of the
NSTP components.

How to take NSTP?

- Each of the NSTP components is undertaken for an academic period of two (2)
semesters and is credited for the three (3) units per semester with fifty-four
(54) to ninety (90) training hours per semester.
-
What if I cannot take the NSTP during the regular semester?

- A one-semester program in lieu of the two (2)-semester program, and may be

designed, formulated, and adopted by Department of National Defense (DND),
Commission on Higher education(CHED), and Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA), subject to capability of the school and the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to handle the same.

What if the NSTP component of my choice is not offered in my school?

- Students can cross enroll to other schools, irrespective of whether that school is
under CHED or TESDA, for ROTC, whether they are managed by different AFP
Branches of Service.
- Student are subjected to the existing rules and regulations of their original
school and the accepting school

Are currently-enrolled students covered by the NSTP Law?

- Male and Female students currently enrolled but have not taken any program
component of the previous Expanded ROTC (E-ROTC)/ National Service
Program (NSP) are covered by the NSTP.

Will a student who has completed all his academic requirements except ROTC be
allowed to graduate?

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- A student who has completed all his academic requirements except for ROTC
will be allowed to graduate provided that he is a certified candidate by the
school on or before the affectivity of the NSTP which is on March 23, 2002.

What will become of NSTP graduates?

- Graduates of non-ROTC components –belong to the National Service Reserve

Corps (NSRC) which could be tapped by the State for literacy and civic welfare
activities.
- Graduates of ROTC – shall form part of the AFP Citizen Armed Force, subject to
DND requirements

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Module I

GOOD CITIZENSHIP

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LESSON 1:
The Bill of Rights of Filipinos

Intended Learning Outcomes

 Understand the Bill of Rights of the Philippine Constitution and its
importance.
 Understand the principles underpinning good citizenship, rights and
responsibilities of citizens, service and volunteerism for national government;
 Describe and analyze issues that relate to the good citizenship values, rights and
responsibilities of student-citizens in the country;
 Make reasonable decisions, address issue, explain concepts and/or solve
problems using relevant examples pertaining to exercise of rights; and
 Appreciate the significance of good citizenship towards the attainment of
national development

Introduction

The citizenship education topic of the National Service Programs (NSTP) affords
the implementing institutions the opportunity to develop consciousness not only in
national terms, but also in terms of global civic rights and responsibilities. The program
components of NSTP are structured in a way that the student/trainee’s notion of the
relationship between the State and the people has changed and the service
opportunities have been a core means for learning how citizenship is applied.

The NSTP Law is a legislation that cease the youth as partners of the State in
promoting civic consciousness, and aims to develop their physical, moral, spiritual,

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intellectual and social well-being through civic service. In so doing, inculcates patriotism
and nationalism in the youth, and advance their involvement in civic and public affairs.

Vocabulary List

Bill - a formal statement of a planned new law that is discussed by a government or

legislature before being voted on

Constitution - the set of political principles by which a state or organization is

governed, especially in relation to the rights of the people it governs

Rights - the legal authority to publish, copy, or make available a work

Activate prior Knowledge:

 Before going through the pages, find the following words in the given
jumbled letters below, it can be horizontally, vertically, slanting and even
inverted form. Encircle it :

CONSTITUTION LIBERTY SERVICE RIGHT CITIZENSHIP

GOVERNMENT PEOPLE FREEDOM BILL SECURITY

T O G O H E L P O E P N O S
I M E O T H E I R O O M P E
M O V E V E R Y B I T E E C
E V E C U E R I T E N S N U
M O T I R O R U G H R E I R
E O F V E I T N I T E T T I
L I D R E I G U M B L E Y T
I L I E T O U H I E N S O Y
F A L S E A M A T E N C U E
E N N I R R O O F I N T T T
R O V E B I F I R E L Y H I
C O O P I H S N E Z I T I C

Acquire New Knowledge:

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Article 3 of the Philippine Constitution is the Bill of Rights. It establishes the

relationship of the individual to the state and defines the rights of the individual by
limiting the lawful powers of the State.

Importance of Bill of Rights

A bill of rights is a constitutional enumeration of rights and privilege guaranteed

by the State to all persons within its territory. It is the statement of individual liberties
which citizens, the residents, and sojourners in the country enjoy abuses in against the
exercise of the government power. It is the people’s shield against government abuse.

The peaceful attainment of peace will depend on our nation’s libertarian use of
freedom - freedom of thought, speech, and association. The right proclaimed in the Bill
of Rights are the “ten commandments” of our constitutional faith. They are the means of
self-government and sovereignty. That they are the means to truth. They are the means
of ends of security and survival.

The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Article III - Bill of Rights

Section 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process
of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.

Section 2. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and
effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any
purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue
except upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination
under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and
particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

Section 3. (1) The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable

except upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires
otherwise, as prescribed by law. (2) Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the
preceding section shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.

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Section 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of

the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government
for redress of grievances.

Section 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting

the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and
worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious
test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.

Section 6. The liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by
law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right to
travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public
health, as may be provided by law.

Section 7. The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be
recognized. Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official
acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for
policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be
provided by law.
Section 8. The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private
sectors, to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall
not be abridged.

Section 9. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.

Section 10. No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.

Section 11. Free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal
assistance shall not be denied to any person by reason of poverty.

Section 12. (1) Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall
have the right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent and
independent counsel preferably of his own choice. If the person cannot afford the
services of counsel, he must be provided with one. These rights cannot be waived except
in writing and in the presence of counsel. (2) No torture, force, violence, threat,
intimidation, or any other means which vitiate the free will shall be used against him.

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Secret detention places, solitary, incommunicado, or other similar forms of detention

are prohibited. (3) Any confession or admission obtained in violation of this or Section
17 hereof shall be inadmissible in evidence against him. (4) The law shall provide for
penal and civil sanctions for violations of this section as well as compensation to and
rehabilitation of victims of torture or similar practices, and their families.

Section 13. All persons, except those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion
perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong, shall, before conviction, be bailable by
sufficient sureties, or be released on recognizance as may be provided by law. The right
to bail shall not be impaired even when the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is
suspended. Excessive bail shall not be required.

Section 14. (1) No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due
process of law. (2) In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent
until the contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and counsel,
to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy,
impartial, and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory
process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence in his
behalf. However, after arraignment, trial may proceed notwithstanding the absence of
the accused provided that he has been duly notified and his failure to appear is
unjustifiable.

Section 15. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in
cases of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it.

Section 16. All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before
all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.

Section 17. No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.

Section 18. (1) No person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and
aspirations. (2) No involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a punishment
for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.

Section 19. (1) Excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhuman
punishment inflicted. Neither shall the death penalty be imposed, unless, for compelling

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reasons involving heinous crimes, the Congress hereafter provides for it. Any death
penalty already imposed shall be reduced to reclusion perpetua. (2) The employment of
physical, psychological, or degrading punishment against any prisoner or detainee or
the use of substandard or inadequate penal facilities under subhuman conditions shall
be dealt with by law.
Section 20. No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.

Section 21. No person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same
offense. If an act is punished by a law and an ordinance, conviction or acquittal under
either shall constitute a bar to another prosecution for the same act.

Section 22. No ex post fact law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.

LESSON 2:
Basic Values of the Filipinos
Introduction:
Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions.
They help us to determine what is important to us. It describes the personal qualities we
choose to embody to guide our actions; the sort of person we want to be; the manner in
which we treat ourselves and others, and our interaction with the world around us.
They provide the general guidelines for conduct.

Intended Learning Outcomes

 Understand the Basic Filipino Values and how it is related in the Preamble of
Constitution into concrete action in building a better Philippines.

Activate prior Knowledge:

 Before going through the pages, try to look at this photo. What is the Filipino
Value do you think this photo shows? Write your answer in the box
provided below.

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Acquire New Knowledge:

Preamble is derived from the Latin word “preambulare” which means “to walk
before”. It is the introduction of the constitution. Clustered below are the good
citizenship values that are reflected in the Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution:

Preamble
Maka-Dios Makatao Makabayan
Cluster Cluster Cluster We, the sovereign Filipino
people, imploring the aid
 Faith in the  Love  Unity of Almighty God, in order
Almighty God  Freedom  Equality to build a just and humane
 Respect for  Peace  Respect for society and establish a
life  Truth the law and Government that shall
 Order  Justice government embody our ideals and
 Work  Patriotism aspirations, promote the
 Concern for  Promotion of common good, conserve
the family and common good and develop our
future patrimony, and secure to
generations ourselves and our
posterity the blessings of
independence and
democracy under the rule
Makakalikasan Cluster
of law and a regime of
 Concern for the environment truth, justice, freedom,
love, equality, and peace,
do ordain and promulgate
this Constitution.

THE MAKA-DIOS CLUSTER

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 Faith in the Almighty God - Being God-fearing and living according to what God
wanted us to be. “Faith makes things possible, not easy” Luke 1:37

 Respect for Life - Life is a gift from God and it is important to learn to value human
life.

 Order - The Bible says in Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful.”

 Work - Confucius says, “Give fish to a man, he will have food to eat for a day; teach
him how to fish and he shall have food throughout his lifetime.”

 Concern for Family and Future Generations - Family is an essential factor in the
general, social and political life. Constant living together contributes to the
development of a strong sense of duty, an aptitude heroic sacrifices, and love of
future generations of the traditional and moral conquest. (cited in
facebook.com/pages/Jose-panganiban-artist/guild/)

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THE MAKATAO CLUSTER

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 Love - Looking after one another. Including someone or people to be part of

yourself.

 Freedom - According to Pope John Paul II, “freedom consists not in doing what we
like but in having right to do what we ought.”

 Peace - The Preamble of the UNESCO Constitution reminds us that “since wars begin
in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be
constructed.

 Truth - Seek and speak of only the truth.

 Justice - Giving justice to anyone is a fair treatment to everyone.

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THE MAKABAYAN CLUSTER

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 Unity - The value of Unity can be realized by practicing the virtues of being United.
As Publius Syrus mentioned, "Where there is Unity, there is always victory."

 Equality - Treat one another as your own siblings, and be just to everyone.

 Respect for the law and government - Respect the law and support the
government.

 Patriotism - Love our country, Philippines and promote National Pride.

THE MAKAKALIKASAN CLUSTER

 Concern for the Environment – Philippines has a very rich land area and as a
citizen of this country, there is a need to develop a consistent habit of keeping the
surroundings clean, be cautious in using environmental resources. Preserve nature,
have a proper disposal to the garbage, recycle materials and practice “Leave No
Trace” principle in visiting new areas.

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THE GOOD CITIZENSHIP VALUES

By living the Good Citizenship Values Enshrined in the Constitution: Be God-fearing and live
according to His will. Work together and share with one another. Place the good of one’s country
above one’s own. Be diligent and earn an honest living. Do not engage in crime and corruption.
Recognize the absolute value of human life and the human dignity of every person. Do not inflict
harm in others. Obey the laws of the land and support government programs. Stand up for the truth
and avoid intrigue. Give everyone their due. Do not oppress or take advantage of anyone. Assert
your right to be able to do right things. Look after the good and welfare of others. Treat one another
as brother and sisters being children of one God and one nation. Live and work together in
harmony, and avoid violence as a way of settling disputes. Do not be greedy and selfish. Look after
your family and the future generations. Keep your surroundings clean and conserve natural
resources. Respect human rights and of one another and comply with your duties and
responsibilities.

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