Republic of the Philippines TERTIARY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Region 4A , Division of Quezon Masalukot I, Candelaria, Quezon 4323

Tel. No. 042 585 8723
GRABSUM School Inc.

NSTP 1
Module 1

THE NSTP LAW

Goals:

 Familiarize yourselves with the provisions and policies of Republic Act No. 9163-the NSTP Act No.
2001; and other related act to NSTP such as: REPUBLIC ACT 9418 – VOLUNTEER ACT OF 2007
and REPUBLIC ACT 7722 – HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1994
 Apply the NSTP Curricular Program and other Related in-and off-campus services and activities;
 Familiarize with the provisions and policies of REPUBLIC ACT 8491 – FLAG HERALDIC CODE OF
THE PHILIPPINES.

THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM [R.A. 9163]

1. What is the legal basis of the National Service Training Program (NSTP)?

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 enacted last January 2002 to
amend the Expanded ROTC. This program aimed to enhance 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.

2. What are the components of the NSTP?

a. Reserve Officer’s Training Corps [ROTC] - refers to the program component, institutionalized under
Section 38 and 39 of Republic Act No. 7077, designed to provide military training to motivate, train
organize and mobilize them for national defense preparedness.

b. Civic Welfare Training Service [CWTS] - refers to the program component 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 devoted to improving health, education, environment, entrepreneurship, safety,
recreation and moral of the citizenry and other social welfare services.

c. Literacy Training Service [LTS] - refers to the program component designed to train the students to teach
literacy and numeracy skills to school children, out-of-school youth and other segments of society in need of
their services.
Who are covered by the NSTP Law?

A. All incoming freshmen students, male, female, starting school year (SY) 2002-2003, enrolled in any
baccalaureate and in at least two (2) year technical- vocational or associate courses, are required to complete
one (1) NSTP component of their choice, as a graduation requirement;

B. All higher and technical-vocational education institutions must at least offer one (1) of the NSTP
components.

C. State universities and colleges (SUC‟s), shall offer the ROTC component and at least one (1) other NSTP
component.

D. The Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), Philippine
National Police Academy (PNPA), and other SUC‟s of similar nature, in view of the special character of
these institutions, are exempted from the NSTP.

E. Private higher education and technical-vocational education institutions with at least 350 student cadets
may offer the ROTC component and consequently establish / maintain a Department Of Military Science
and Tactics (DMST), subject to the existing rules and regulations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP

3. What is the duration and equivalent course unit of each of the NSTP Component?

Each of the NSTP components shall be undertaken for an academic period of two (2) semesters for 54 to 90
training hours per semester. It shall be credited for three (3) units per semester.

4. What fees shall be charged to students taking any of the NSTP components?

No other fees shall be collected except basic tuition fees, which should not be more than 50% of the charges
of the school per academic unit.

5. Who are covered by the suspension of the ROTC requirement?

The completion of ROTC training as a requisite for graduation is set aside for students who have completed
all their academic requirements for their respective courses as certified by the school on or before the
effectivity of the NSTP Act of 2001, which is March 23, 2002. The concerned students may apply for
graduation in their respective schools.

6. What happens to male students who are currently enrolled and have not taken nor completed the
ROTC requirements for graduation?

a. Male students who are not covered by Section 12 of this Rule and are currently enrolled but have not
taken any of the Military Service (MS), Civic Welfare Service (CWS) or Law Enforcement Service (LES)
shall be covered by the NSTP Law.

b. Male students who have completed two semesters of the Expanded ROTC (E-ROTC) / National Service
Program (NSP) are deemed to have complied with the NSTP requirement.

c. Male students who are not covered by Section 12 of these Rules and have taken only one (1) semester of
Basic ROTC or E-ROTC/NSP shall take any of the NSTP components to qualify for graduation.
d. Students who want to qualify for enlistment in the Reserve Force or attend the advance ROTC program
shall undertake a special program for this purpose.

7. How are Clustering and Cross-Enrollment done?

a. Clustering of students from different education institutions during semestral or summer periods
may be done for any of the NSTP component, taking into account logistics, branch of service and
geographical locations. The host school shall be responsible in managing the Program.

b. Schools that do not meet the required number of students to maintain the optional ROTC and any
of the NSTP components, or do not offer the component chosen by the student shall allow their
students to cross-enroll in other schools irrespective of whether such school is under CHED or
TESDA; and in the case the students taking the ROTC component irrespective of whether the two
semesters shall be taken from different schools whose ROTC is managed by different branches of
service of the Armed forces of the Philippines(AFP).

8. What is NSTP-One Summer Program (NSTP-OSP)?

NSTP-OSP is created under RA 9163 or the NSTP Act of 2001, especially Section 6 and jointly devised,
formulated and adopted by DND, CHED and TESDA – NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM 4
NSTP-OSP is established for the three (3) components: ROTC, CWTS and LTS. This is intended for
graduating students in baccalaureate or at least two-year technical-vocational or associate courses, who have
yet to comply with the NSTP as a requirement for graduation, as well as for students, thus allow them to
concentrate on the academic subjects and other co- curricular concerns.

9. What is the National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC)?

NSRC is created under Section 11 of RA 9163 or the NSTP Act of 2001, composed of graduates of the
nonROTC components: the CWTS and LTS. Members of this Corps maybe tapped by the State for literacy
and civic welfare activities, through the joint efforts of DND, CHED, and TESDA.

REPUBLIC ACT 8491 – FLAG HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

For the implementation of the Flag Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the NSTP should be guided with the
following provisions:

Sec.2 states that it is the policy of the state to prescribe the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-
of-Arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines, ensure the promotion and implementation

of its corresponding rules and regulations, and adopt effective administrative, regulatory, coordinative and
supervisory programs and activities, where appropriate, in conformity with national government policies.

Sec. 4 the Flag Heraldic Code of the Philippines will promote or sustain reverence and respect for the flag,
the anthem and other national symbols, and those which symbolizes the national ideals and traditions.

Definition of Terms
These are the terminologies used in these rules:
Military – means all the branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines including the Philippine National
Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection

Festoon – to hang in a curved shape between two points as a decoration

National Flag – is the National Flag and Ensign of the Philippines, use on land and sea by public, private
and the military and shall refer to the flag or any other design that resembles it as likely to cause any person
to believe that it is the flag or design stated

Fly – is the part of the flag outside the hoist or length Symbol – any conventional sign that shows man’s
achievement and heroism, identification, authority and a sign of dignity

Half-mast – is the lowering of the flag to the middle of the pole

Halyard – the long rope used for raising and lowering the flag

Inclement Weather – when there is a typhoon signal raised in a locality

National Anthem – the “Lupang Hinirang”, Philippine National Anthem

Official Residences – is Malacanang and other government-owned structures where the President lives, and
other structures occupied by the Philippine Consulate or Embassies abroad

Places of Frivolity – places of hilarity marked by or providing boisterous merriment or recreation

Advertisement or Infomercial – these are any information material, printed or through radio, television and
electronic media which seeks to promote individuals, products or services, political purposes or information
campaigns

Heraldic Items and Devices – are coat-of-arms, seals, logos, insignia, badges, flashes, patches, orders and
decorations, medals, stars, citations, lapel pins, trophies, dry, wax or wet seals, and imprints on letterheads,
envelops and cards

Government Entities – all branches of government, its bureaus and attached agencies, constitutional
offices, government owned and/or controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state
universities and colleges, Armed Forces of the Philippines and its basic units

Vexillary Items – national, local house flags or administrative and corporate organization’s banner

Half-Mast
Sec. 27 The National Flag should be at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all the buildings and places where
it is displayed on the official day of announcement of the death of the following officials:

a. The President or former President (10 days);

b. The Vice-President, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the President of the Senate and the
Speaker of the House of Representatives (7 days);

c. Cabinet Secretaries, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Members of the Senate and House
of Representatives, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Director-
General of the Philippine National Police (5 days);

d. Head of National Government Agencies, including Government Owned and Control

Corporations and Government Financial Institutions (3 days)

e. The Commanding Generals of the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Army and the Flag
Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy (3 days)

f. Governors, Vice-Governors, city and municipal Mayor, city and municipal Vice-Mayors (3
days)

g. Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan

(on the day of interment)

h. Barangay Chairmen and Barangay Councilmen on the day of interment

i. Former National or Local Government Officials, appointive or elective

j. Regional Directors, Superintendents, Supervisors, Principals, Teachers and other school officials

During calamities and disasters, National Flag shall also be flown at half-mast.

Casket

Sec. 28 The National Flag may be used to cover the caskets of the dead honored men (military, veterans of
previous wars, National Artists and other civilians) who rendered noble service to our nation. It should not
touch the ground but must be folded solemnly and handed it to the heirs of the deceased. No object must be
placed on top of it except for the religious objects that symbolizes “God above the country”.

Pledge to the National Flag

Sec. 29 The following shall be the Pledge of Allegiance to the National Flag:

Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas

Ako ay Pilipino
 Buong Katapatang nanunumpa
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, Katarungan at Kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos
Maka-Tao
Makakalikasan at Makabansa.

This pledge should be recited right after singing the National Anthem with right palm open and shoulder
raised high.

Prohibited Acts

Sec. 39 it is prohibited:
a. To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on, cast contempt, or commit any act or omission casting
dishonor or ridicule upon the National Flag or over its surface;

b. To dip the National Flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute;

c. To use National Flag

1. As drapery, festoon, tablecloth;
2. As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects;
3. As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles;
4. As a staff or whip;
5. For unveiling monuments or statues; and
6. As trademarks, or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs.

d. To display the National Flag:

1. Under any painting or picture;
2. Horizontally. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall freely;
3. Below any platform; or

4. In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or
where frivolity prevails.

e. To wear the National Flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform;

f. To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisement, or imprint of any nature
on the National Flag;

g To print, paint or attach representation of the National Flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions,
and articles of merchandise;

H. To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic establishments,
and in offices of international organizations;

i. To use or display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial; and

 k. To display the National Flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.

The National Anthem

Sec. 40 It is entitled Lupang Hinirang

Sec. 41 the lyrics of the National Anthem:

Bayang Magiliw
Perlas ng Silanganan,
Alab ng puso
Sa Dibdib mo’y buhay.
Lupang Hinirang
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig. Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
Tagumpay na nagniningning
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa may di magdidilim.
Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

The National Anthem should be interpreted in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of
Julian Felipe with its original lyrics and tempo.

The National Motto

Sec. 45 The Philippine National Motto is “MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT

MAKABANSA.”

National Coat-of-Arms (Sagisag ng Pilipinas)

Sec. 46 The National Coat-of-Arms shall have: Paleways of two (2) pieces, azure and
gules; a chief argent studded with three (3) mullets equidistant from each other; and, in
point of honor, ovoid argent over all the sun rayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays.
Beneath shall be the scroll with the words “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS,” inscribed
thereon.

The eight-rayed sun symbolizes the eight provinces (Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Manila, Laguna, Nueva
Ecija, Pampanga and Tarlac) which were placed under martial law by Governor-General Ramón Blanco
during the Philippine Revolution, and the three five-pointed stars representing the three primary geographic
regions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Great Seal

The Great Seal should be in circular form with the same descriptions with the National
Coat-of-Arms but without the scroll and the inscription “Republika ng Pilipinas”. It
should be surrounded by a double marginal circle which “Republika ng Pilipinas” should
appear. The Great Seal should also bear the National Motto.

Penalties

Failure or refusal to adhere to the provisions of this act, and/or any violations of these Rules shall be
penalized as stipulated in R.A. 8491.

REPUBLIC ACT 9418 – VOLUNTEER ACT OF 2007

It should be the policy of the state to promote the participation of the different sectors of the society,
international and foreign volunteer organizations in public and civic affairs, and adopt and strengthen the
practice of volunteerism as an approach in order to reach national development and international
understanding. Every Filipino should be educated of volunteerism to foster social justice, solidarity and
sustainable development.

Goals

To achieve attainment, here are the goals and objectives of the policy:
a. To provide the policy framework that shall underscore the fundamental principles necessary to
harmonize the broad and diverse efforts of the voluntary sector,

b. To provide a conducive and enabling environment for the mobilization and nurturance of
volunteers and volunteer organizations,

c. To strengthen the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) as an

effective institution to support volunteerism in the country.

Definition of Terms

Volunteerism - act that involves different activities which includes traditional form of mutual aid and
interventions to provide an enabling and empowering both on the part of the beneficiary and the volunteer, -
a powerful means for bringing more people into the fold. It strengthens civic engagement, safeguards social
inclusion, deepens solidarity and solidifies ownership of development results. It simply is not possible to
attain the SDGs without a wide range of people engaged at all stages, at all levels, at all times.

Volunteer - an individual or group who contribute time, service and resources whether on full-time or
parttime basis to a just and essential social development cause, mission or endeavor in the belief that their
activity is mutually meaningful and beneficial to public interest as well as to themselves
Volunteer Service Organization - a local or foreign group that recruits, trains, deploys and supports
volunteer workers to programs and projects implemented by them or by other organizations or any group
that provides services and resources, information, capability building, advocacy and networking for the
attainment of the common good

Voluntary Sector - those sectors of Philippine society that organizes themselves into volunteers to take
advocacy and action primarily for local and national development as well as international cooperation and
understanding

Roles and Modalities of Volunteerism in Private Sector

a. Volunteerism in academe encourage academic institutions to continuously devise ways to

effectively teach and practice the value of volunteerism. Such integration provides students with
the volunteering arena by which they can channel their idealism and vigor into something
worthwhile.

b. In corporate sector, volunteerism serves as an expression of corporate social responsibility and

citizenship, which refers to the activities recognized by the company, where give their time, skills
and resources in the service of the company’s internal and/or external communities

The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA)

PNVSCA was created under the Executive Order No. 134 to review and provide policies and guidelines
regarding the national volunteer service program. It establishes and maintains a national network of
volunteer organizations and serves as liaison between and among local.

Recognizing the important contributions of volunteerism in nation-building, the Philippine National

Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) leads the promotion and coordination volunteer
programs and services in the Philippines, to maximize the benefits that may be derived from volunteer
assistance and properly gauge the contributions of volunteers to national development and international
cooperation.

MultiSectoral Advisory Body (MSAB)

It was created under the Executive Order No. 365 to assist the PNVSCA. It composed of different
government agencies (NEDA, DepED, DFA, DOJ, DILG, DSWD, CHED and PMS) and representative
from the corporate sector, private academe sector and from the not-for-profit sector.

MSAB functions to provide advice in the formulation of policies and guidelines for the national volunteer
service program, provide consultative and technical advisory services on volunteer matters, and serves as
forum to enhance and strengthen linkages between and among volunteer groups and communities.

REPUBLIC ACT 7722 – HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1994

Republic Act 7722 is the act creating the Commission on Higher Education which covers both the public
and private institutions of higher education as well as degree-granting programs in all post-secondary
educational institutions, be it public or private.

One of the powers and functions of this act which is in line with the goal of National Service Training
Program [NSTP] is to identify, support and develop potential centers of excellence in program areas needed
for the development of world-class scholarship, nation building and national development.