The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) signed on Wednesday, June 8, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the National Service Training Program (NSTP12 Bigkis).
The NSTP 12 Bigkis Program is part of ADMU’s Integrated Ateneo Formation Program, which intends to provide their students with opportunities to respond to the needs of the marginalized communities or organizations through service e-learning research or projects.
Under the agreement, the DSWD will provide service learning opportunities to the ADMU students by applying classroom education and real-life experiences to the mandate of the department through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
The partnership also aims at inculcating in the student-participants a deeper sense of interest in public service and participation in good governance, as it will bridge the gap between theory in service to real practice.
In turn, the SLP implementers and beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to improve their capacities through interaction with the students’ fresh ideas and creativity.
DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista said the partnership with ADMU will “undoubtedly be a catalyst in the development of a deeper sense of nationalism and interest in public sector work among the Ateneo students.”
He added: “This is one of the best initiatives in nation-building, with the government engaging the youth in active governance through exposure in the actual implementation of programs and interaction with actual beneficiaries.”
Bautista emphasized the importance of the youth, as the sector has the gift of the future, new ideas, and fresh opportunities.
“Soon it will be time for us to pass on the baton as core nation builders to the next generation,” he said.