La Consolacion College Bacolod and the Philippine Coast Guard-Coast Guard District Southern Visayas signed a memorandum of agreement May 28 to implement a PCG-oriented National Service Training Program-Civic Welfare Training Service program for LCC students.
The agreement, signed during a 3 p.m. ceremony, formalizes a partnership that will bring Coast Guard-led instruction into the college’s NSTP-CWTS program, with modules on disaster risk reduction and management awareness, marine environmental protection, leadership training and community service.
Representing the Philippine Coast Guard was Commodore Christopher D. Auro PCG, commander of Coast Guard District Southern Visayas, while LCC was represented by Sr. Flolyn S. Catungal, OSA, school president. The program also included messages from Director Raul C. Alvarez Jr., regional director of CHED Regional Office-Negros Island Region, and Auro, followed by a solidarity message from Catungal.
Alvarez said the partnership reflects the continuing need for higher education institutions to make civic education more responsive to present community realities.
“CHED welcomes initiatives that strengthen the National Service Training Program as a platform for meaningful youth formation,” Alvarez said. “Through this partnership, students are given opportunities to develop discipline, leadership, preparedness and a stronger sense of responsibility to the communities they are called to serve.”
The agreement is anchored on Republic Act 9163, or the NSTP Act of 2001, which promotes civic consciousness, patriotism and youth involvement in public and civic affairs. It also recognizes the Coast Guard’s mandate under Republic Act 9993, which covers maritime search and rescue, maritime safety, maritime environmental protection, maritime law enforcement and maritime security.
Auro said the program will allow students to understand public service through practical learning experiences guided by Coast Guard personnel.
“The Philippine Coast Guard is honored to work with La Consolacion College in forming young people who are prepared, disciplined and service-oriented,” Auro said. “Through this program, students will not only learn about safety, environmental protection and community service; they will also understand the value of teamwork, readiness and love of country.”
For LCC, the partnership expands student formation beyond compliance with NSTP requirements. Through Coast Guard-oriented instruction, students are expected to gain practical exposure to discipline, leadership, emergency preparedness, environmental stewardship and community engagement — competencies that are increasingly important in communities vulnerable to disasters and environmental challenges.
“This partnership allows our students to see service not only as a requirement, but as a way of life,” Catungal said. “Through the guidance of the Philippine Coast Guard, our students will learn that love of country is lived through discipline, preparedness, care for the environment and readiness to serve others.”
Under the MOA, PCG-CGDSV will provide qualified NSTP instructors and implement the program of instruction, while LCC will facilitate student enrollment, support program implementation and ensure student welfare and safety. The agreement also provides for coordination on community activities outside the campus, subject to school approval, safety protocols, proper supervision and required permits.
Catungal said the collaboration reflects LCC’s Augustinian mission of forming students who are not only competent in their fields but also committed to the common good.
“At LCC, education must lead our students to become persons for others,” she said. “This agreement strengthens that mission by giving our students meaningful opportunities to serve communities, protect creation and respond responsibly to the needs of society.”
The program will be implemented in coordination with PCG-CGDSV, with regular assessment and feedback mechanisms to improve instruction and student formation. The agreement will remain in force for one year upon signing unless terminated earlier by mutual written agreement.