The Tarlac State University National Service Training Program (NSTP) conferred 6,191 graduates during its graduation ceremony held on June 29, 2026, at the TSU Gymnasium.
With the theme "Serving with Purpose, Leading with Heart," the ceremony recognized 5,179 graduates from the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and 1,012 graduates from the Literacy Training Service (LTS) across 105 sections.
Guest speaker Hon. Arron L. Villaflor, Board Member of the 2nd District of Tarlac, encouraged graduates to embrace failure as part of growth and personal development.
“Never [be] afraid to fail. It is the reason for us to be stronger; to grow as humans and as individuals…Dito tayo nagiging malakas. Dito tayo nagiging matalino. Ito ang mga pagkakataon na hindi natin dapat ikinahihiya," he said.
Hon. Villaflor also shared how his journey to becoming a public figure began from humble beginnings, emphasizing that success is built through perseverance, continuous self-improvement, and resilience.
The ceremony continued with the recognition of 45 outstanding students from various colleges with the Leadership Award, followed by the presentation of certificates of completion.
Meanwhile, TSU NSTP Director Prof. Rodel Macasaquit emphasized that the NSTP is more than just a course that students take to pass during his opening message.
“Over the past months, our graduates learned that service is not merely an academic requirement or another subject to pass. It is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and in our communities,” the director said.
He also added that true leadership begins with compassion and that genuine service comes from the heart.
Representing the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ms. Diona D. Macasaquit, Executive Assistant to Dr. Brendalyn A. Manzano, emphasized NSTP's role in shaping compassionate, service-oriented citizens.
“Paglabas ninyo rito, ano ba ang makikita ng mga tao sa bawat mukha ng mga estudyante ng Tarlac State University? Mukha ng may malasakit. Mukha ng may integridad. Mukha na may puso. Hindi mo sila kilala, but because of NSTP, you were taught how to serve the public and be humble enough to experience, to lead, [and] to interact with countless people that you will encounter once in your entire life,” she shared.
Additionaly, CWTS University Coordinator Ms. Cynthia M. Bognot urged graduates to continue serving their communities—not because it is required, but because it is the right thing to do.
Also present during the ceremony were Presidential Assistant Atty. Brigido Corpuz, representing TSU President Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza, and the whole TSU NSTP faculty.
The graduation ceremony was held in accordance with Republic Act No. 9163, or the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, which promotes civic consciousness, patriotism, and youth participation in nation-building.
Photo by: Justine Kurt Cubacub, Josephine Marie Magday, David Josh Datuin (OPA Interns)
