The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) today, June 8, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) with Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) for the implementation of the National Service Training Program or NSTP12 Bigkis Program.
The NSTP 12 Bigkis program is part of ADMU’s Ateneo Integrated Training Program which aims to provide their students with opportunities to respond to the needs of marginalized communities or organizations through research or e-learning projects.
Under the agreement, DSWD will provide service-learning opportunities to ADMU students by applying classroom education and real-life experiences to the Department’s mandate through the Means of Sustainable Livelihoods (SLP).
The partnership also aims to instill in student-participants a deeper sense of interest in public service and participation in good governance. It will bridge the gap between theory serving real practice.
In turn, SLP implementers and beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to enhance their capacities through interaction with young people who are brimming with new ideas and creativity.
Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista said, “This partnership with ADMU will undoubtedly be a catalyst in developing a deeper sense of nationalism and interest in public sector work among students at Ateneo”.
The Secretary added that it is one of the best nation-building initiatives, with the government engaging young people in active governance by exposing them to the effective implementation of programs and interacting with beneficiaries. real.
Secretary Bautista stressed the importance of youth as the sector has the gift of the future, new ideas and new opportunities. “Soon it will be time for us to pass the baton as the builders of the central nation to the next generation,” he added.
Therefore, the Secretary said that current leaders and public services have a duty to engage young people so that in the exploratory stage of their lives, they can find their place in sincere and compassionate public service.
