by Carl G. FernandezCarl served as COSCA-NSTP's Team Leader for the past 3 years. Prior to this, he alsoserved as Community Service Coordinator for 3 years and NSTP Class Facilitator for 3 years, respectively. Annually, the National Service Training Program - Civic Welfare Training Service and Literacy Training Service (NSTP-CWTS & LTS) under the supervision of the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) conducts the NSTP Partners and Facilitators Formation and Assembly. For several years now, the activity became a venue to acquaint with one another and to strengthen partnership and camaraderie among program stakeholders in pursuit of communion in mission amidst various challenges and changes. Over the years, NSTP's experiences at De La Salle University (DLSU) made remarkable impact among the students and partner communities in the course of community engagement and project implementation. The community partners in particular, have dedicated themselves to the program’s mission of raising Lasallians’ social awareness and involvement. Thus, COSCA was able to initiate meaningful activities, such as this, that value the active participation of all stakeholders and intensify their support and dedication to the program. This year, the gathering allowed the participants to learn from one another and deepen their understanding on the topics that include 'Fostering Communion in Mission' and 'Learning How to Effectively Deal with Lasallians' in the context of DLSU-NSTP (CWTS & LTS). The activity was conducted last June 24-25, 2017 at the Canyon Woods Resort Club, Barangay San Gregorio, Laurel, Batangas and was attended by around 30 NSTP Class Facilitators and 60 NSTP Community/Area Coordinators from various non-government organizations, people’s organization and the like. Through the activity, the following objectives were achieved: (i) Recognize the efforts and significant contributions of our Lasallian Formators and Partners in student formation and community development; (ii) Offer opportunities to intensify collaboration among NSTP Partner Organizations and Stakeholders; and (iii) Deepen their commitment to the Lasallian Mission. Ms. Ma. Lourdes F. Melegrito (COSCA Director) gave her welcome message wich dwelt on the importance of partnership and cooperation in program implementation. She acknowledged the vital contributions of class facilitators and area coordinators in the successful work of student formation and community development. More so, Atty. Jocelyn P. Cruz (External Affairs Director, RVR-COB) served as the resource person on the topic entitled “Dealing with Lasallians: Tips for Effective Classroom Session and Project Implementation in the context of DLSU-NSTP.” The second part of the assembly was a combination of getting to know activities, fun games, wellness activities, dyad sharing, group reflections and perspective-setting for the next academic year. The event also became a venue to discuss the changes and the new program setup for the coming year. For AY 2017-2018, NSTP will be under the supervision of the Dean of Student Affairs while the partner organizations will remain under the management of COSCA. The new setup paves the way for the planned merger of all NSTP components (CWTS, LTS, ROTC) under Student Affairs. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (Social Engagement, Advocacy and Formation) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568
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Over the years, De La Salle University’s (DLSU) National Service Training Program – Civic Welfare Training Service and Literacy Training Service (NSTP-CWTS/LTS) have overcome a lot of challenges in its administrative and operational milieu. The full implementation of the K-12 program led to a significant decrease in the number of NSTP enrolees. From an average of 3,000 first year students, only 1,200 enrolled this year. As a result, NSTP-CWTS/LTS sections were reduced from more than a hundred to 31 sections this year. Class load for NSTP Facilitators was also reduced. Facilitators were only given one section every Saturday morning. Afternoon sessions were no longer offered. Partner organizations (POs) were also reduced from 36 to 11, with proximity to the university as the main consideration in the selection process. POs located in Manila, Malabon, Caloocan (South) and Quezon City were prioritized as deployment sites. Making matters worse, an accident last February involving NSTP students from Bestlink College of the Philippines in Novaliches, Quezon City prompted CHED to Impose a Moratorium on Field Trips, Educational Tours and other similar activities.* Due to this, DLSU’s NSTP-CWTS/LTS program decided to conduct alternative activities inside the campus from March to June of AY 2016-2017. With all these changes and challenges, the NSTP-CWTS/LTS team initiated the Pagtatasa and Paghahabi, a program evaluation and curriculum development activity, which sought to gather the experiences of both class facilitators and partner organizations. It aimed to collectively identify challenges and enhancement opportunites in program operations and curriculum content. The evaluation process revealed that community immersion is essential for the formation and holistic development of Lasallian students. However, due to CHED's Moratorium on Field Trips, all program stakeholders agreed to implement their proposed projects within the campus. They also agreed to give students sufficient time to conduct their resource mobilization activities. As a matter of fact, NSTP (CWTS/LTS) Week was conducted for the first time last May 29 to June 3, 2017. The event allowed the students to inititiate their own resource mobilization activities to support their approved project and to promote their partner organization's cause. In addition to the adjustments made in program implementation, two key modules were also highlighted in the curriculum this year. To support the government's campaign against drug abuse, Drug Abuse Prevention and Education (DAPE) was incorporated in one of the NSTP sessions. A new module on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) was also implemented. Efforts to integrate all NSTP components (CWTS, LTS and ROTC) under one unified program and unit are also on the way. Center for Social Concern and Action 2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (NSTP and CE) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568 *As of August 4, 2017, CHED has already lifted the moratorium on the conduct of field trips and other off-campus activities in public and private higher education institutions in the country.
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