President Ponce Urges Completers to Champion Volunteerism
“Your NSTP graduation may feel like the end of your free weekends—I thought the same when I completed ROTC,” said Dr. Roy G. Ponce, President of Davao Oriental State University, as he addressed 2,452 CWTS and LTS completers during the NSTP Completion Ceremony for Academic Year 2024–2025 held today, June 2. “But in truth, this is a signal that you are moving up the academic ladder and into greater responsibility.”
Dr. Ponce emphasized that the real success of DORSU’s NSTP program lies in what happens after graduation. “The measure of this achievement is not just attendance or completion but whether real acts of volunteerism follow—whether you act alone or with a team of friends.”
“Volunteerism isn’t something that’s ordered, mandated, or paid,” he added. “It’s a conscious choice to offer your time, skills, and effort to improve something around you—whether that’s helping address plastic pollution, forest degradation, misinformation, or the growing lack of physical activity among children.”
He challenged the graduates to make their service simple, doable, and even enjoyable. “Turn it into your barkada’s time out. Integrate it with joy. In our mountaineering community, we gather children for micro-environmental lectures, games, and snacks. Every two weeks, we collect plastic. It’s not grand, but it’s consistent.”
He further encouraged students to take the lead. “Create a platform so others can join. Train younger volunteers. If you are in the Sangguniang Kabataan, you’re in a prime position. Make your purok an activity hub.”
Ending his message with a story, Dr. Ponce shared, “Like the child who saved a single starfish washed ashore, your small effort can make a world of difference—for one person, one cause, or one community. Let this NSTP exposure be your launchpad for impact.” (DOrSU PIO).
