Mountain Province State University (MPSU)-Bontoc, through its National Service Training Program (NSTP) Unit, conducted the seminar, “Gender-Responsive Civic Action: Shaping Inclusive Pathways for Drug Education, Peace, and National Security,” for Batch 1 yesterday, August 1, 2026, at the University Auditorium.
In the opening program, Bontoc Campus Administrator Dr. Arel B. Sia-ed, represented by Dr. Annie Grail F. Ekid, Dean of the College of Teacher Education, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of empowering students with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to become responsible citizens and advocates of peace, security, and community development.
Sharing her inspirational message, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Geraldine L. Madjaco encouraged students to become active, compassionate, and responsible citizens, reminding them that, “The journey to a drug-free, peaceful, and secure Philippines begins with you. It begins with the choices you make today. It begins with the courage to stand up, speak out, and serve.”
The activity gathered students from the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) to deepen their understanding of drug education, peacebuilding, national security, and gender-responsive civic responsibility in preparation for their community engagement.
The seminar featured lectures from representatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army. PCPT Peter B. Apangcay, Assistant Chief of the Police Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU) of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office (MPPPO), discussed National Security Concerns and Role of Youth in National Security. Meanwhile, MSg Marlon A. Calvario (Inf) PA of the 1403rd Community Defense Center, RESCOM PA, talked on Peace Education, while PSSg Caleb Zimran F. Filog of the PCADU-MPPPO shared his lecture on Drug Education (R.A. 9165) and Role of Youth in Drug Detection.
Advance ROTC officers also shared their experiences and perspectives on joining the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), encouraging students to embrace the program as an avenue for developing leadership, discipline, integrity, patriotism, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Said seminar will also be conducted for Batch 2 and Batch 3 on August 8 and August 15, respectively, as part of MPSU’s continuing commitment to developing socially responsible and service-oriented NSTP students.
