University News

NSTP ignites campus spirit in dynamic Advocacy Week

Heildenberg Dimarucot, News, Communication Management Office

The National Service Training Program (NSTP) Advocacy Week, held on June 16 to 20, 2025, energized the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) with its vibrant blend of civic purpose and student-led initiatives. Organized by the NSTP Office in collaboration with PUP Sandiwa and dedicated student volunteers, the annual event combined environmental action, cultural celebration, and community outreach to cultivate civic responsibility among the next generation of leaders.

The week-long celebration commenced on June 16 with the ceremonial turnover of cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, and emergency preparedness kits to the university administration. This symbolic gesture underscored the program’s commitment to collective stewardship of campus spaces, highlighting students’ active role in maintaining a clean, safe, and resilient environment. That afternoon, over 200 volunteers took part in a university-wide clean-up drive, an active initiative in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 13, which focus on Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action.

On June 17 and 18, the annual EcoWalk charted Anonas Street, Magsaysay Boulevard, Old Sta. Mesa Street, and Teresa Street. Over 250 participants engaged local residents through conversations and flyers, raising awareness on environmental preservation and climate responsibility.

Midweek, a ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurated two advocacy exhibits focused on ‘Life Below Water’ and ‘Gender Equality,’ which transformed the South Wing Bridge of the Main Building into an interactive gallery highlighting marine conservation and women’s empowerment.

Cultural advocacy took the spotlight on June 19 with “Musika ng Adbokasiya: A Day of Celebration of Advocacies through Musical Concert.” In partnership with the University Center for Culture and the Arts, the event featured performances that fused Filipino musical traditions with themes such as mental health awareness, environmental protection, and peace education. Ensembles like Bagong Himig Serenata and Polysound Band turned advocacy into art, engaging audiences on emotional and intellectual levels.

The week culminated on June 20 with a donation drive benefiting PUP’s affiliated elementary schools. Staff, student leaders, faculty, and volunteers distributed school supplies, such as notebooks, pencils, and art materials, proven to enhance academic engagement and morale. Research shows that back-to-school drives not only alleviate financial strain for families but also foster a stronger sense of community, leading to improved attendance and classroom participation. Aligned with initiatives like the Black Pencil Project, the University’s NSTP programs demonstrate that sustained access to school supplies can significantly reduce dropout rates and improve learning outcomes.

At the heart of Advocacy Week is NSTP itself. The Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) component of NSTP, established by Republic Act No. 9163 on January 23, 2002, immerses tertiary students in community service while cultivating leadership skills and civic consciousness through experiential learning. By anchoring the week-long celebration in the NSTP curriculum, PUP ensures that advocacy is not an extracurricular activity, but a core component of students’ academic and personal growth.

NSTP Advocacy Week 2025 ultimately demonstrated how structured civic engagement, grounded in legal mandate and fueled by student creativity, can inspire meaningful change on and beyond campus. As PUP’s future educators, scientists, and leaders carry these experiences forward, the lessons of Advocacy Week will continue to echo well beyond the university’s walls.

This remarkable event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the staff, student leaders, faculty, and, above all, the leadership of NSTP Director Rovelina B. Jacolbia. Their unwavering commitment to service has been instrumental in shaping an event that uplifts both volunteers and beneficiaries alike.