The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC), through its General Education Department and National Service Training Program–Civil Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS), honored the nearly 400 student completers from various academic programs during the NSTP-CWTS Completion Rites 2026, recognizing their successful completion of the course and their commitment to community service, civic responsibility, and nation-building.
The completion rites served as the culminating activity for first-year and second-year students who fulfilled the requirements of the NSTP-CWTS program, a mandatory component of tertiary education under Republic Act No. 9163 or the National Service Training Program Act of 2001. Held at the UBLC Muti-purpose Hall, the ceremony celebrated the students’ dedication to community immersion, civic welfare initiatives, disaster preparedness, health promotion, and environmental sustainability projects implemented in partner communities across Lipa City.
Serving as keynote speaker was 2LT Abegail D. Leonor, PAF, a proud alumna of the University of Batangas Lipa City under the College of Engineering and Architecture. A graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering program, Class of 2022, and a Latin honor awardee, Leonor now serves as a Second Lieutenant in the Philippine Air Force stationed at Clark Air Base. In her address, she emphasized the importance of nation-building, public service, and leadership, reflecting on how the values and education she received from the university helped shape her journey as a public servant and member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The event was also graced by General Education Department Head Dr. Precious Naj Alcantara, who delivered the opening remarks. She reminded the completers that despite the complex social challenges faced by the nation, they must remain grounded in the values, character, and moral principles instilled by both the university and the country. She encouraged students to carry these ideals into their communities as responsible and engaged citizens.
A significant highlight of the program was the recognition of students for their dedication and service to their adopted partner communities in Lipa City. Through a two-year Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Batangas Lipa City and the City Government of Lipa, NSTP-CWTS students are provided opportunities to conduct community immersion and service-learning activities. The partnership grants the university and its students the autonomy to identify community needs and implement development initiatives while maintaining the support and assistance of the local government when necessary.
The NSTP-CWTS program continues to play a vital role in preparing students for active citizenship. The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), which focuses on military training, discipline, and national defense, CWTS centers on civic engagement, social welfare, and community development. Upon completion of the program, students become members of the National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC), a reserve force that may be mobilized during calamities, national emergencies, and civic welfare initiatives.
Beyond fulfilling an academic requirement, the completion rites underscored the university’s commitment to developing socially responsible graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to contribute meaningfully to society. The event reflected the institution’s continuing efforts to cultivate leadership, volunteerism, community engagement, and a strong sense of national identity among its students.
The initiative directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by promoting holistic learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and develop civic competencies, ethical leadership, and lifelong social responsibility. It likewise advances SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by encouraging active citizenship, community participation, volunteerism, and service-oriented leadership that contribute to peaceful, inclusive, and resilient communities.
As the higher education sector continues to face discussions on possible amendments and reforms in the General Education curriculum, the University of Batangas Lipa City remains steadfast in upholding the fundamental principles of General Education. Established by the Commission on Higher Education, the curriculum seeks to develop critical thinkers, responsible citizens, and individuals with strong civic and ethical foundations. At a time when society faces increasing social, cultural, and technological challenges, the role of General Education and NSTP remains indispensable. More than producing degree holders, these programs nurture thoughtful, humane, principled, and socially conscious graduates capable of contributing to nation-building and strengthening democratic institutions – qualities that the country needs now more than ever.