THE ATENEO de Manila University partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the implementation of the National Service Training Program or NSTP12 Bigkis Program.

A memorandum of agreement was signed by the two institutions on Wednesday, June 8.

“This partnership with ADMU will undoubtedly be a catalyst in the development of a deeper sense of nationalism and interest in public sector work among the Ateneo students,” DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista said.

“This is one of the best initiatives in nation-building, with the government engaging the youth in active governance through exposure in the actual implementation of programs and interaction with actual beneficiaries,” he added.

The NSTP 12 Bigkis Program is part of ADMU’s Integrated Ateneo Formation Program which aims to provide students with opportunities to respond to the needs of the marginalized communities or organizations through service e-learning research or projects.

Under the agreement, the DSWD will provide service learning opportunities to the ADMU students by applying classroom education and real-life experiences to the mandate of the Department through the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The partnership aims to inculcate a deeper sense of interest in public service and participation in good governance. It will bridge the gap between theory in service to real practice.

In turn, the SLP implementers and beneficiaries will have the opportunity to improve their capacities through interaction with youth brimming with fresh ideas and creativity.

Bautista emphasized the importance of the youth as the sector “has the gift of the future, new ideas, and fresh opportunities.”

“Soon it will be time for us to pass on the baton as core nation builders to the next generation,” he said. “The current leaders and public services have the duty to engage the youth so that at the exploratory stage of their lives, they may find their place in doing sincere and compassionate public service.”