Legarda proposes National Public Service College to train future leaders

Senator Loren Legarda has filed the National Public Service College Act of 2025, proposing the establishment of the National Public Service College (NPSC) to develop ethical and technically skilled government leaders.

Unlike traditional academic institutions, the NPSC will offer a curriculum designed by key government agencies, equipping students with administrative, technical, and leadership skills tailored for public service.

“The youth are often seen as the future of our nation, and we must harness their energy, innovation, and leadership potential by providing them with sufficient tools and real opportunities to shape governance. This bill seeks to establish a structured, merit-based pathway for young Filipinos who are eager to serve in government,” Legarda said.

According to the Civil Service Commission (CSC), as of June 2024, employees aged 18-25 years old comprised only 1.56 percent of the government workforce, while those aged 26-35 made up 29.63 percent. Despite their presence in government service, the 18-35 age group holds only 16.74 percent of elected positions, while the 36-65 age group dominates decision-making roles, accounting for 83.26 percent of elective positions.

The bill seeks to address gaps in technical expertise, ethics, and leadership by producing at least 200 leadership-ready graduates annually, who will be required to serve in government for a specified number of years. Graduates will automatically receive Civil Service Commission Level II Eligibility, streamlining their entry into public service.

The proposed curriculum will cover constitutional and legal frameworks, including the 1987 Constitution, Administrative Code, and Local Government Code. Core subjects will focus on strategic planning, budgeting, procurement, implementation, digital governance, monitoring and evaluation, futures thinking, and public policy development. Specialized courses will also be offered, including foreign affairs, social work, and disaster risk management. Ethics in public service will be a priority, ensuring students understand and uphold anti-corruption laws.

All professors must have at least 10 years of government experience and be free from political affiliations, ensuring an impartial, skills-focused education.

To support students, the NPSC will provide free tuition, monthly living stipends, and an apprenticeship salary during mandatory government internships.

“This is not just an investment in education but an investment in governance itself,” Legarda said. “By equipping young civil servants with the right tools and ethical foundations, we are strengthening the entire public service system for generations to come.”

Once implemented, the bill mandates the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to explore integrating NPSC courses into private and state universities to expand its reach.

Legarda expressed confidence that institutionalizing a leadership pipeline will enhance efficiency, professionalism, and ethical governance. “This is a vote of confidence — let’s empower them to take a greater role in shaping their own future,” she said.

If passed, the NPSC is expected to begin operations within five years, admitting its first batch of students through a nationwide entrance examination.