Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito led the signing on May 12 of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to implement an integrated National Service Training Program (NSTP) that explicitly includes training pathways to become reservists and aims to boost disaster preparedness and community service among students.
The MOA binds the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, the 5th Infantry (STAR) Division of the Philippine Army, the Office of Civil Defense — Region II (OCD‑R2), the Commission on Higher Education — Region II (CHED‑RII), and Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU). Signatories included Maj. Gen. Gulliver L. Señires of the 5th ID, represented by Brig. Gen. Rhoderick L. Parallag (502nd Brigade); OCD‑R2 Regional Director Leon D.G. Rafael Jr.; CHED‑RII Regional Director Dr. Julieta M. Paras, CESO III; and NVSU’s Dr. Wilfredo Dumale.
Under the agreement, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps(ROTC), Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and Literacy Training Service (LTS) will be harmonized into a unified training framework that incorporates reservist training. The program will feature joint planning, synchronized schedules, deployment of military instructors and subject‑matter experts, disaster‑response simulations, community immersion and a prioritized database of NSTP graduates who may be tapped as reservists or disaster responders.
CHED‑RII will provide policy guidance and ensure compliance with Republic Act No. 9163 (the NSTP Act). NVSU will administer implementation, monitor student participation and maintain graduate profiles. The provincial government will embed NSTP outputs into local disaster risk reduction and management plans and coordinate community activities. The Army will supply military orientation modules, maintain reservist records and conduct periodic evaluations and trainings to ready students for possible enlistment as reservists.
Gambito likened the multi‑agency partnership to a “shotgun effect,” saying broader cooperation increases the chance of reaching their target — the youth. “We are working together toward a common goal. Like the shotgun effect, we have a better chance of hitting our target — our youth,” he said, adding the program will prepare students for natural and man‑made disasters and help strengthen civil‑military relations.
The MOA will run for three years, with an option for renewal. It includes provisions on funding, data privacy, liability and force majeure, and may be terminated by any party with 30 days’ written notice or for breach or safety concerns. /RMI
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