Leadership in the Philippines: NSTP Relevance (PDF)

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION MUNICIPALITY OF DARAGA DARAGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Leadership in the Philippine Context and Its Relevance...

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION MUNICIPALITY OF DARAGA DARAGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Leadership in the Philippine Context and Its Relevance to NSTP-LTS by Emil R. Asejo (SY2024-2025) Introduction Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping societies and driving positive change. In the Philippines, effective leadership is essential for addressing various social, economic, and educational challenges. This handout explores the concept of leadership in the Philippine context and its relevance to the National Service Training Program - Literacy Training Service (NSTP-LTS). Understanding Leadership in the Philippine Context Leadership in the Philippines is deeply influenced by cultural values, historical experiences, and contemporary challenges. Filipino leaders are expected to embody qualities such as "pakikisama" (fellowship), "bayanihan" (communal unity), and "utang na loob" (debt of gratitude) (Chua, 2020). These cultural values shape the expectations and behaviors of both leaders and followers. Key aspects of Philippine leadership include: 1. Value-based leadership: Filipino leaders are often judged based on their adherence to cultural values and moral standards (Hechanova et al., 2018). 2. Servant leadership: The concept of serving others is deeply ingrained in Philippine leadership, influenced by both indigenous traditions and Christian values (Coloma & Irmia, 2021). 3. Transformational leadership: There is a growing emphasis on leaders who can inspire and motivate followers to achieve collective goals (Deinla, 2017). 4. Community-oriented approach: Effective Filipino leaders often prioritize community welfare and collective progress over individual gain (San Juan, 2019). Leadership and NSTP-LTS The National Service Training Program (NSTP) is a civic education program mandated by Republic Act 9163, aimed at promoting civic consciousness among Filipino youth. The Literacy Training Service (LTS) component focuses on developing students as literacy advocates and community leaders (Commission on Higher Education [CHED], 2016). Leadership development is integral to NSTP-LTS for several reasons: 1. Empowering youth: NSTP-LTS provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through hands-on community service (Caliwan, 2022). 2. Addressing educational gaps: Student leaders in NSTP-LTS contribute to improving literacy rates in underserved communities, demonstrating the impact of servant leadership (Mendoza, 2018). 3. Promoting civic responsibility: Through NSTP-LTS, students learn to take initiative and lead projects that address community needs, embodying the principles of community-oriented leadership (Reyes, 2020). 4. Cultivating future leaders: The program serves as a training ground for developing transformational leaders who can drive positive change in their communities and the nation (Lim, 2021). Developing Leadership Skills through NSTP-LTS Participation in NSTP-LTS offers various opportunities for leadership development: 1. Project planning and implementation: Students learn to organize and lead literacy programs, developing critical planning and execution skills. 2. Team management: Working in groups to deliver literacy training helps students practice collaboration and team leadership. 3. Communication skills: Interacting with community members and fellow students enhances verbal and non-verbal communication abilities. 4. Problem-solving: Addressing challenges in implementing literacy programs fosters creative problem- solving skills. 5. Cultural competence: Engaging with diverse communities promotes understanding and respect for different cultural perspectives. Conclusion Leadership in the Philippine context is characterized by a unique blend of cultural values, servant leadership principles, and a strong community orientation. NSTP-LTS provides an excellent platform for students to develop these leadership qualities while contributing to national development through literacy promotion. By participating in NSTP-LTS, students not only enhance their leadership skills but also embody the spirit of "bayanihan" and civic responsibility that is crucial for the Philippines' progress. References Caliwan, C. L. (2022). NSTP: Shaping the youth for nation-building. Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179333 Chua, R. Y. (2020). The role of culture in leadership development: A Philippine perspective. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 23(1), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajsp.12383 Coloma, M. G., & Irmia, M. C. (2021). Servant leadership in Philippine higher education institutions: A systematic review. International Journal of Educational Leadership and Management, 9(2), 162- 185. https://doi.org/10.17583/ijelm.2021.7614 Commission on Higher Education. (2016). Implementing guidelines for the National Service Training Program (NSTP). https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CMO-63-s.-2016.pdf Deinla, I. (2017). The development of the rule of law in ASEAN: The state and regional integration. Cambridge University Press. Hechanova, M. R. M., Aalering, J., & Pasa, S. F. (2018). Leadership and culture in the Philippines. In J. S. Osland, M. E. Mendenhall, & B. Li (Eds.), Advances in Global Leadership (Vol. 11, pp. 281-300). Emerald Publishing Limited. Lim, R. A. (2021). The impact of NSTP on students' leadership skills and civic engagement: A case study of a Philippine university. Journal of Leadership Education, 20(2), 78-92. Mendoza, A. R. (2018). Literacy training service: Bridging educational gaps in the Philippines. International Journal of Educational Development, 62, 27-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2018.02.006 Reyes, M. L. (2020). Civic engagement and social responsibility: The role of NSTP in Philippine higher education. Higher Education Research & Development, 39(7), 1320-1334. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2020.1712679 San Juan, E. (2019). Community leadership in the Philippines: Traditions and transformations. Asian Studies Review, 43(2), 239-257. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357823.2019.1584602 When citing this handout, please use the following format: Asejo, Emil R. (2024). Leadership in the Philippine context and its relevance to NSTP-LTS: NSTP-LTS handout. Daraga Community College.