Students of Western Philippines University (WPU) will receive humanitarian training as part of their National Service Training Program (NSTP) after the university signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)–Palawan Chapter.
The agreement integrates Philippine Red Cross programs into the specialization component of the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), allowing students to undergo training in humanitarian service and disaster preparedness.
Under the partnership, students will be introduced to blood donation advocacy, psychosocial support, disaster risk reduction and management, HIV awareness, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), basic first aid, and International Humanitarian Law, among other Red Cross programs.
The collaboration also seeks to expand Red Cross Youth membership within the university and establish Red Cross Youth Councils across WPU campuses.
“This partnership is a significant step toward empowering our students to become compassionate, skilled, and socially responsible leaders who are ready to serve communities in times of need,” WPU said in a statement.
“Through this collaboration, we hope to inspire more young people to embrace volunteerism and become advocates of humanity in their respective communities,” the statement added.
The memorandum of agreement was signed by WPU President Dr. Amabel S. Liao, who also serves as Membership Committee chairperson of the PRC Palawan Chapter, together with Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lota Creencia, NSTP Director Dr. Joel Becira, PRC Palawan OIC Agnes Melinda Beronio, RMT, and PRC Palawan Chapter Board Chairperson Maria Nancy Socrates.
