Report by Caryl Be Trabadillo
Photo by Angel Frances T Borres
More than 1,800 Xavier students were recognized for having completed the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and were challenged to contribute to the protection of our environment.
“To our dear students, we are happy to have journeyed with you as we explored together how we can make our common home a better place to stay. I congratulate you, and I hope you continue to share and give your best,” XU vice-president for Mission and Ministry Irene Guitarte said in her message to the NSTP students.
With the theme “Generations of Excellence Forming Leaders of Character: We make it happen,” the event was held on March 5 at the XU gym.
“With NSTP, we made our contribution to our common home. We set to give our best,” Guitarte said.
NSTP is a one-year formative process which adopts a two-pronged approach: classroom sessions with reflection sessions, and area work experience. NSTP has three components: the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and the Literacy Training Service (LTS).
“At first, we thought NSTP was just a requirement, something that needed to be accomplished. Later on, we realized that NSTP is more than just a requirement. NSTP has taught us to become good and responsible citizens,” shared student Mauriz C Militante, who served as the graduation speaker.
“Indeed, our generation today is a generation of future leaders and NSTP has molded us, the students, to be aware of our responsibility to our country. NSTP has awakened the leader within us,” she continued.
On behalf of the NSTP graduates, Militante said that “NSTP was there to remind us of our responsibilities and [why we need to] engage with different communities. Lahi na ang mga batan-on karon (Young people today are different) but in front of me are responsible and future leaders of our country.”
Dr Kathleen M Morales, assistant to the Academic Vice President for Curriculum Development, declared the students as official NSTP graduates, followed by the distribution of certificates to the team leaders, contact persons and special awards to outstanding NSTP students.
The XU-NSTP department invited Professor Mario Aguja from Mindanao State University in General Santos City as the keynote speaker of the graduation.
“No man is an island. We are made to be with others. We are also responsible to our fellow citizens,” he said. “We must be aware of our surroundings and not only of ourselves. We must be brave enough to make a difference.”
Students shared how NSTP has honed their leadership skills and developed their consciousness when it comes to societal challenges.
“I’m so happy and proud because we surpassed all the challenges and requirements of our NSTP!” said a Crop Science student and CWTS section leader Leslie Añasco. “I want to become an instrument of nation building by being a community leader.”
Development Communication student Ariel Besagar said that through NSTP-LTS, he was able to find the meaning of being an Atenean: being a “man for others.”
“The program had me leave behind my prejudices and I was able to practice my skills as a communicator for development. I am aware of the pressing realities that threaten the welfare of our fellow Kagay-anons.”
Prior to the NSTP culmination, universities and colleges across Cagayan de Oro City collaborated on a city-wide clean-up activity on February 20, as a contribution of NSTP students for a cleaner and more livable community.