Question & AnswerQ&A (CHED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM , APRIL 10, 2002)
The NSTP aims to enhance civil consciousness and defense preparedness among the youth by developing a sense of service and patriotism through training in one of its three program components designed to contribute actively to the general welfare.
The three components are: 1) Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), 2) Literacy Training Service (LTS), and 3) Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS).
All incoming freshmen students, male and female, starting School Year 2002-2003, enrolled in any baccalaureate or at least two-year technical-vocational or associate courses are required to complete one NSTP component as a graduation requirement.
No. All higher and technical-vocational education institutions must offer at least one of the NSTP components. State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) must offer ROTC and at least one other component.
No. The PMA, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), and other similarly special SUCs are exempted from the NSTP due to their specialized nature.
No fees shall be collected for any NSTP component except basic tuition fees, which must not exceed 50% of the school's charges per academic unit.
They belong to the National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) and may be tapped by the State for literacy and civic welfare activities through coordination among government agencies.
The completion of ROTC as a graduation requisite was set aside for students who completed all academic requirements before March 23, 2002. New students are covered by the NSTP law requirements.
Each NSTP component lasts for two semesters and is credited three units per semester, covering 54 to 90 training hours per semester. A one-summer program equivalent may be adopted under certain conditions.
Clustering allows grouping students from different institutions taking the same NSTP component under one host school for better management. Cross-enrollment permits students to enroll in NSTP components offered by other schools if their own do not offer the program or lack sufficient students.