For college students, education becomes more meaningful when learning moves beyond grades and classrooms and into communities that need service, compassion and action.
La Consolation College Bacolod received the Award for Excellence in National Service Training Program from the Commission on Higher Education Region XVIII-Negros Island Region during the 2nd Regional Quality Awards held May 26 in Bacolod City.
The award was received by LCC Bacolod President Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA; NSTP Coordinator Bernadette T. Tupas; Rejay Y. Alvarado, head of the Research Office; and Felix Adrian D. Dalida, head of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Office.
CHED-NIR officials, led by Regional Director Raul C. Alvarez Jr., presented the award during the ceremony, which recognized higher education institutions for achievements in board performance, research, institutional systems, community engagement and student formation. CHED-NIR listed LCC Bacolod among the institutions chosen to receive the Award for Excellence in National Service Training Program as part of its 2nd Regional Quality Awards.
For LCC Bacolod, the recognition highlights the role of NSTP in forming students who are not only academically prepared, but socially aware and ready to contribute to the common good. Through NSTP, students are introduced to civic responsibility, disaster preparedness, environmental action, literacy work, community service and leadership grounded in real social needs.
“This recognition reminds us that service is central to the education we offer,” Catungal said. “Our students learn that leadership begins with concern for others and that every act of service, no matter how simple, can help build a more caring community.”
Catungal said the award reflects the school’s Augustinian mission to form students whose knowledge is guided by love, humility and responsibility.
“In Augustinian education, we do not separate learning from service,” she said. “We form young people to see their gifts as instruments for helping others, especially those who need support, accompaniment and hope.”
Tupas said the award affirms the commitment of NSTP faculty, facilitators and students who have worked with communities through various formation and outreach activities.
“NSTP gives students a concrete experience of citizenship,” Tupas said. “It helps them understand that community problems are not distant issues. They are realities that call for participation, compassion and responsible action.”
She said the program also helps students develop practical skills that matter beyond college, including teamwork, communication, planning, empathy and problem-solving.
“When students serve, they also grow,” Tupas said. “They learn to listen, to work with others and to appreciate the dignity of every person they encounter.”
The recognition comes at a time when higher education institutions are expected to prepare graduates not only for employment, but for active and ethical participation in society. For students and parents, the award shows the value of an education that develops both competence and character. For partner communities, it affirms the school’s continuing commitment to engagement that is grounded in respect and service.
For LCC Bacolod, the award is a reminder that the measure of formation is not only what students know, but how they use what they know to serve others. Through NSTP, the institution continues to help students discover that citizenship is practiced through presence, responsibility and care for the community.