The Philippine Society of NSTP Educators and Implementers, Inc. (PSNEI), Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), and Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) spearheaded a National Capability Enhancement Training for NSTP at The Selah Pods Hotel Manila FB Harisson, Pasay City last October 27 -28, 2022 with the theme NSTP and the Reservists in the New Normal and Beyond.
Objectives of the training include forum for discussion on issues and concerns relative to NSTP implementation, operationalization of reserve units and mobilization or reservists in the new normal and beyond, orienting, equipping, and capacitating implementers and operators on the latest updates on NSTP, NSRC, and CAF, also to intensify appreciation and understanding on the value of NSTP and the Reservists in keeping with their mandates in relation to the full realization of the program.
In pursuit of the training objectives, the management/ organizers employed the following strategies such as plenary sessions, sharing experiences and best practices, interactive lectures, participatory discussions, and brainstorming.
Dr. Editha V. Pillo, president of EARIST, gave a welcoming address during the opening program, while Dr. Florida C. Labuguen, executive director of PSNEI, welcomed and introduced the participants and visitors and provided an outline of the training. In addition, Dr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, President of the Technological University of the Philippines delivered the Message of Goodwill.
Cebu Technological University adheres to the call and supports the programs mandated by PSNEI as it allows its Assistant University Director for Community Welfare, Engr. Asuncion Monsanto together with NSTP educators and implementers across CTU campuses join the said training.
The two-day capability training is jam-packed with insightful discussions led by eloquent speakers from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM), Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command (AFPRESCOM), Office of the Civil Defense, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).
A workshop on the drafting of outline indicators for the NSRC Manual of Operations was done on the second day. After the session, the presentation of the workshop’s outputs was made, and two panels—BGEN Quirino S. Calonzo (Ret) Ph.D., a former Commander of AFPRESCOM, and BGEN Ramon G. Santos (Ret) Ph.D., a former RD, ARMM, and OCD—provided their opinions and recommendations. At the end of the undertaking, a draft outline of indicators in making the NSRC Manual of Operations has been crafted by the participants in fulfillment of the aims of the training.
The PSNEI Officers, Dr. Florida C. Labuguen, and Maj Hermes P. Pava PA (RES) all contributed to organizing the closing ceremony and certificate presentations. The PSNEI-NCR Regional Director, Dr. Giovanni L. Ahunin, also provided the closing remarks. The final song, “If We Hold on Together,” was sung to conclude the training.
Words by Sarah Jane Colina/ ICPA Danao