Enverga University, Philippine Coast Guard forge partnership for NSTP-CWTS, youth development

Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation and the Philippine Coast Guard formalized a partnership on June 22, 2026, at the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog headquarters in Batangas City to strengthen the university’s National Service Training Program-Civic Welfare Training Service and youth development initiatives for the College of Maritime Education.

The agreement, anchored in Republic Act 9163, or the NSTP Act of 2001, and Republic Act 9993, or the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009, aims to promote disaster risk reduction and management, marine environmental protection, leadership development and community service among students.

The ceremony opened with an invocation led by Lt. Fr. Alejo Serrano of the Philippine Coast Guard, followed by the welcome remarks of Capt. Airland Lapitan, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and government agencies in developing responsible and service-oriented citizens.

Representing MSEUF President and Chief Operating Officer Naila Enverga-Leveriza, Celso Jaballa, vice president for external relations, signed the agreement with Capt. Crispino Portes, associate dean of the College of Maritime Education. Representing the Philippine Coast Guard were Commodore Feronimo Tuvilla, district commander of Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog, and Lapitan.

In his message, Jaballa described the partnership as more than a ceremonial agreement. He said it reflected a shared commitment to develop young Filipinos who are physically fit, morally upright, spiritually grounded, intellectually competent, socially responsible and committed to nation-building.

Tuvilla shared his personal connection with MSEUF, recalling his visits to the university during his college years at De La Salle University-Dasmarinas as a taekwondo athlete representing Cavite Province in the Regional PRISAA competitions.

“Being able to compete and win at the regional PRISAA held at Enverga University year after year was an honor and a privilege. It remains one of the unforgettable highlights of my youth,” Tuvilla said.

He also highlighted the Philippine Coast Guard’s training practices for young people and future leaders. He said PCG training programs help trainees reach their full potential by instilling discipline, resilience, teamwork, integrity and a strong sense of public service.

Tuvilla said the Coast Guard’s training philosophy goes beyond physical preparedness. It also develops mental toughness, critical decision-making, leadership under pressure, environmental stewardship and readiness to respond during emergencies and disasters.

He expressed optimism that the partnership with MSEUF would provide students with meaningful opportunities to learn the principles of service, patriotism, environmental protection and disaster preparedness.

Before the program, Jaballa and Portes received military honors upon their arrival at the Coast Guard facility. After the signing ceremony, the Philippine Coast Guard hosted a fellowship luncheon for the guests and participants.

University officials expressed confidence that the partnership will provide valuable learning experiences for students while strengthening community engagement and nation-building efforts.

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The partnership aligned with Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation’s mission of producing graduates with leadership, professionalism and a strong sense of service. It also reflected the core values of Service, Excellence, Unity and Fortitude by preparing students to become disciplined, responsible and community-oriented citizens.

• SDG 4: Quality Education – The partnership will strengthen experiential learning, civic training and leadership development among maritime students.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The initiative will support disaster preparedness, community service and safer local communities.

• SDG 13: Climate Action – The agreement will promote environmental awareness and disaster risk reduction through student training and community engagement.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The partnership will encourage marine environmental protection and stewardship among future maritime professionals.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The collaboration between MSEUF and the Philippine Coast Guard will advance shared goals in education, public service and youth development.