Legarda Proposes National College to Shape Ethical and Technically Skilled Leaders

In a bid to cultivate a new generation of ethical, skilled, and competent civil servants, Senator Loren Legarda has filed the National Public Service College Act of 2025, a landmark bill that seeks to establish the National Public Service College (NPSC) as the country’s premier training ground for future government leaders.

Unlike traditional academic institutions, the NPSC will offer a curriculum designed by key government agencies to equip students with technical, administrative, 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 emphasized.

As of June 2024, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reported that employees within the youth age bracket of 18-25 years old comprised only 1.56% of the Philippine government workforce. Meanwhile, those aged 26-35 made up 29.63%. In total, 18-35 year old government employees hold 31.15% of the 2nd Level Career Service.

Despite their relatively strong presence in government personnel service, ages 18-35 hold just 16.74% of the elected positions.

In contrast, the 36-65 age group dominates decision-making, accounting for 68.81% of the workforce, 68.85% of the second level career service, and 83.26% of elective roles.

Compounding these challenges are systemic deficiencies within the Philippine civil service: a deficiency in technical expertise, ethical lapses, and a misalignment of job roles that hinder effective governance. New hires often grapple with steep learning curves, while mid and senior-level officials frequently lack essential skills in strategic planning and implementation. These shortcomings undermine efficiency, foster corruption, and erode public trust in governmental institutions.

This proposed bill seeks to infuse younger, specially trained public servants into government and expand opportunities for youth leaders to take on greater decision-making responsibilities, ensuring a more dynamic and forward-thinking public service. The NPSC seeks to gradually reverse this trend by producing at least 200 leadership-ready graduates annually, all of whom will be required to serve the government for a specified number of years. Graduates will automatically gain Civil Service Commission Level II Eligibility, streamlining their entry into government service.

The proposed curriculum will cover key areas essential for public service. It includes Constitutional and Legal Frameworks, such as the 1987 Constitution, Administrative Code, and Local Government Code. As core courses, students will study Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Procurement, Implementation, Digital Governance, Monitoring, Evaluation, Futures Thinking and Public Policy Development equipping them with tools for efficient government operations. Specialized subjects will also be offered such as Foreign Affairs, Social Work, Disaster Risk Management, among others. A strong emphasis will be placed on Integrity and Ethics in Public Service, including studying the Anti-Red Tape and other anti-corruption laws, to ensure graduates uphold accountability and professionalism.

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

To make quality governance education accessible, all accepted students will receive free tuition, monthly living stipends, and an apprenticeship salary during their mandatory government internships.

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

Upon successful implementation, the bill also mandates CHED to explore the replication of the NPSC curriculum in private and state universities to expand its impact beyond the institution itself.

The National Public Service College Act of 2025 is designed as an intergenerational policy, ensuring the sustainability of competent public servant training.
Legarda expressed confidence that institutionalizing a structured leadership pipeline will enhance efficiency, professionalism, and ethical governance in the public sector. “This is a vote of confidence – let’s empower them to take a greater role in shaping their own future,” Legarda said.

Once passed, the NPSC is expected to commence operations within five years, admitting its first batch of students through a nationwide entrance examination. (30)