HTC-CWTS Completes DOH Validation for Best NSTP Implementer

HTC-CWTS Completes DOH Validation for Best NSTP Implementer

Holy Trinity College of General Santos City, through its Civic Welfare Training Service (HTC-CWTS), successfully completed the Department of Health (DOH) validation for the Best NSTP Implementer on August 10, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the institution and its community-based health promotion initiatives.

Among higher education institutions in Region XII, only five schools advanced to the face-to-face validation. In General Santos City, Holy Trinity College of General Santos City was the only institution able to submit its Letter of Intent and proceed with the validation process.

Headed by Meljie Servito, M.EdL, LPT, CWTS Director, HTC-CWTS presented its programs and initiatives demonstrating how health promotion is integrated into the National Service Training Program-Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS).

The validation highlighted the important role of higher education institutions and young people in addressing public health concerns across SOCCSKSARGEN, including unhealthy lifestyles, vaccine hesitancy, mental health concerns, substance use, environmental risks, and health inequities affecting underserved communities.

By integrating health promotion into NSTP-CWTS, students are given opportunities to translate national health priorities into meaningful community action while developing leadership, responsibility, and greater awareness of public health needs.

HTC-CWTS was assessed based on five major criteria: Innovation and Creativity; Sustainability and Institutional Support; Impacts and Outcomes; Stakeholder and Community Engagement; and Alignment with the Health Promotion Framework Strategy (HPFS) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The validation sought to ensure that the integration of health promotion into NSTP remains meaningful, responsive to national health priorities, sustainable, and capable of producing measurable impacts within communities. These efforts are anchored on Republic Act No. 9163 or the NSTP Act of 2001, Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, and the DOH Health Promotion Framework Strategy.

The achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of CWTS Director Meljie Servito, M.EdL, LPT, together with CWTS instructors Daryl Kieth Barade, LPT; Chris Baltero; Mishare Samboang; Jayrald Torrejos, RSW; Marjulous Ugarte, LPT; and Jysller Oliveros, LPT, as well as the officers of Batch Hiraya.

HTC also expressed its appreciation to the DOH Region XII validation team, led by Arjohn C. Gangoso, RN, MPH, MNE, HEPO III, for their guidance and expertise throughout the validation process.