By: Abraham Reign Magbiro
Photo courtesy of Julia Iris Eguillano and Roni Calupitan / The LANCE
The National Service Training Program (NSTP) alongside the Letran Politicvs presents NSTP Lecture Series 2025, aiming to showcase primarily culture, gender, and governance, held at St. Vincent Ferrer Building, room AH1C, on Friday, Nov. 7.
The series kicked off with an informative forum titled “Kabataan sa Pamayanang Katutubo: The Role of Youth in Cultural Preservation and the Advancement of Indigenous Rights” to inform about the challenges faced by Indigenous People (IPs) and encourage student involvement in advocacy and awareness efforts.
The forum opened with Hon. Lance Patrick Vicher, research and administrative assistant, discusses laws such as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (RA 9513) and the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (RA 7942), noting instances where development projects have affected ancestral domains without consulting the communities involved.
He also mentioned proposals that government agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), have been working on to further protect IP rights.
Furthermore, Hon. Ryan Jacob Serquiña, member of Kabataan para sa Tribong Pilipino Youth, highlighted the issue of misrepresentation and red-tagging of Indigenous groups.
He explained that despite engaging in peaceful efforts to preserve their cultural heritage, many have been wrongfully labeled as state adversaries.
Meanwhile, Mindanao native Catherine ‘Katkat’ Dalon highlighted daily struggles of remote Indigenous communities.
She shared that the lack of access to basic social services—including healthcare, education, and social services, also contributes to low literacy rates, making them vulnerable to misinformation and exploitation.
She stressed that these systemic barriers continue to keep IPs from opportunities available in urban settings.
UP Diliman student Ephin Falyao concluded the dialogue by talking about the risks faced by environmental and land rights defenders.
She pointed out that individuals standing against exploitative activities are often portrayed as threats to political and business interests to silence their advocacy.
Speakers highlighted the crucial role of informed youth in promoting justice, cultural preservation, and people-centered governance. They emphasized that IP struggles persist and require active support.
Students tackle ethics, corruption, and good governance
The event continued in its afternoon session titled “Batas at Budhi: Strengthening Ethical and Legal Foundations in Governance”, aiming to educate about ethical and legal foundations of Philippine governance through expert-led discussions on real political issues and public accountability.
The organized seminar tackled the political state of the nation, especially how governance affects everyday Filipinos.
Speaker Zed Bisenio defines what good governance should look like and emphasized that the system often works against the lower and middle-class citizens.
“Good governance is hard to evaluate ethically, but should be viewed holistically,” Bisenio said.
He added that oligarchs remain the biggest beneficiaries, while the masses are fooled by misinformation and propaganda.
Chirstian Ashley Maliwat, a 4th year political science student echoed this sentiment, describing corruption as a major national threat.
“This is the biggest corruption scandal in the Philippines,” Maliwat said, adding that youth must act as the nation’s conscience.
Meanwhile, Divine Rafa Aragon, a 4th year political science student encouraged students to start practicing ethical governance early in life.
She added students must hold leaders accountable, demand transparency, and prepare to be responsible public servants.
The event concluded with a panel discussion where students raised concerns about issues such as transparency and Sworn Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) disclosures.
A student asked whether posting SALNs is a form of performative politics, citing discrepancies and questionable income sources among public officials.
Bisenio responded by citing political figures and recent controversies, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s statement on flood control corruption and what he would do “if he wasn’t the president”.
The speakers also urged students to remain inquisitive and critical, especially when political narratives influence public trust.
The NSTP lecture series 2025 will continue on Friday, Nov. 21, with another forum expected to further expand discussions on building safe and inclusive communities for women, children, and the LGBTQ+ sector.