Law Summary: Revised IRR of RA 9163

The Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9163, known as the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, aims to enhance civic consciousness and defense preparedness among the youth. The law mandates that all incoming first-year students in higher education institutions (HEIs) complete one of the NSTP components—namely, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), or Literacy Training Service (LTS)—as a prerequisite for graduation. This initiative emphasizes the role of the youth in nation-building and the importance of civic engagement and military training.

Under the IRR, educational institutions are required to provide a structured program that includes a common module covering essential topics such as citizenship training, disaster risk reduction, and environmental protection. This module aims to instill values of patriotism, volunteerism, and social responsibility. Institutions must also ensure adequate supervision and support for students enrolled in these programs, including health and accident insurance coverage.

Moreover, the IRR outlines the financial framework for the NSTP, stipulating that no fees should be charged aside from basic tuition, which cannot exceed 50% of institutional charges. Funds collected for the NSTP will be allocated to a Trust Fund specifically for its implementation and related activities. The law further provides for the establishment of the National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC), composed of graduates from the CWTS and LTS components, which can be mobilized for community service and disaster response efforts.

To ensure the effectiveness and compliance of the NSTP, the IRR establishes monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Regular inspections and evaluations will be conducted by various government agencies, including the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of National Defense (DND). These evaluations will assess the implementation of NSTP components and provide a framework for continuous improvement, thereby fulfilling the law's objectives of enhancing the youth's active contribution to society.