Law Summary: Republic Act No. 9163

Republic Act No. 9163, known as the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, aims to enhance the civic consciousness and defense preparedness of the Filipino youth. The government recognizes the critical role of the youth in nation-building and emphasizes their responsibility to contribute to the state's security. To fulfill this, the NSTP was established to motivate, organize, and mobilize students in various forms of service that promote patriotism and nationalism.

The NSTP comprises three main components: the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Literacy Training Service, and Civic Welfare Training Service. The ROTC program, designed to instill military training, is optional and focuses on discipline, respect for civilian rights, and adherence to the Constitution. Meanwhile, the Literacy Training Service targets students to teach literacy and numeracy to marginalized sectors, while the Civic Welfare Training Service involves activities that improve community welfare and empower citizen participation.

All higher education and technical-vocational institutions in the Philippines are required to offer at least one of the NSTP components as a requisite for graduation. The curriculum for these programs must align with the guidelines set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), who are responsible for overseeing the implementation of the NSTP. These institutions are also mandated to provide students with group insurance for health and accidents while enrolled in said programs.

The NSTP also encourages partnerships between schools and accredited non-government organizations to enhance the training modules. Upon completion, graduates of the non-ROTC components will form the National Service Reserve Corps, available for community service, while ROTC graduates will be integrated into the Citizens' Armed Force. This legislation underscores the collaboration between public institutions and private entities to foster a spirit of volunteerism and civic duty among the youth, essential in nurturing a committed and active citizenry.