UPLB plans for a more holistic NSTP
UPLB set the foundations for improving the implementation of the National Service Training Program during the 2018 UPLB-NSTP Planning Workshop and Trainors’ Training on July 23-25 at the Chateau Royale Hotel Resort and Spa in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Experts on law, disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), first aid, and group dynamics gave talks at the workshop to guide coordinators and faculty-in-charge in proposing improvements on the NSTP modules that have been used in the last five academic years.
Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Julieta A. Delos Reyes welcomed the 75 participants to the workshop and gave the activity’s overview, objectives, and points to level off their expectations.
The workshop speakers and topics reflected holistic concerns on safety, welfare, and learning of students pursuing NSTP.
Atty. Rosario Rodrigo Larracas, chief of the UPLB Legal Office, discussed the details of the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 63 s. 2017 on Policies and Guidelines on Local Off-Campus Activities. She reminded the participants to always be mindful of the policies in carrying out off-campus activities for students. She also discussed ethical guidelines on cybercrime and libel.
On the other hand, Mr. Jose Abraham “Sonny” Ongkiko, an active volunteer and former volunteer service manager of the Philippine Red Cross, discussed the International and National Foundations of DRRM in the education sector to facilitate understanding of its frameworks, conventions, and standards.
Representatives from the Philippine Army Reserve Command, Sgt. Joseph V. Gomez and Ssg. Mark Anthony B. Sabado, both of Bravo Company 1st Laguna Ready Reserve Battalion in San Pedro, Laguna, gave lectures and demonstrations on basic lifesaving and life-preserving techniques, including first aid application, treating basic wounds and minor injuries, and proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
UPLB faculty members also shared their knowledge to fellow participants. Romel A. Daya of the College of Development Communication gave a crash course on local community engagement and community dynamics. Al Kaixer G. Ancheta of the College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology, and Rocky T. Marcelino and Ralph Lauren D. Alomia of the College of Arts and Sciences facilitated the training on updated team building activities and group dynamics.
Prof. Rolando G. Panopio, director of the Revised General Education Program and former assistant to the vice chancellor for academic affairs, facilitated the planning workshop proper where participants recommended strategies to improve NSTP in UPLB. Samantha Lian DM. Magsanoc of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA) moderated the three-day activity.
During the event, the college coordinators also reported the NSTP enrollment in AY 2017-2018, accomplishments, and challenges and solutions. They also shared their plans to improve NSTP in their respective colleges to the other participants. The OVCAA organized and spearheaded the planning workshop. (Text by Agnes M. Mora and Andre Cecil A. Lopez; Photo by Samantha Lian DM. Magsanoc)
