Return Service Agreement (RSA) is a bond that is required by many universities, including the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman), as a condition for graduation. It is a contractual agreement between the student and the university, wherein the student commits to rendering a certain number of years of service in the Philippines in exchange for the education received from the university.

The purpose of the RSA is to ensure that the education obtained by the student is put to good use in the country, particularly in the areas that need it most. It is also a way for the university to give back to the community by producing graduates who can contribute to the country`s development.

The RSA is mandated by law under Republic Act No. 9500 or the University of the Philippines Charter of 2008. The law states that any student who receives scholarship or financial assistance from UP Diliman or any of its constituent universities must sign an RSA before he or she can graduate.

The RSA requires the student to render at least two years of service for every year of scholarship or financial assistance received. This means that if a student received four years of scholarship, he or she is required to render eight years of service in the country.

The service can be in the form of employment in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or private companies that are engaged in the fields of science and technology, agriculture and fishery, healthcare, education, and social services, among others.

The RSA also provides for penalties in case the student fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the agreement. The penalties may include payment of the scholarship or financial assistance received plus interest, or imprisonment.

The RSA may seem like a burden to some students, but it is actually a privilege and a responsibility. It is a privilege because it allows the students to receive quality education without paying for it fully. It is also a responsibility because it requires the students to use their education for the benefit of the country.

In conclusion, the Return Service Agreement is a necessary component of UP Diliman`s commitment to producing graduates who are not only competent in their respective fields but also socially responsible. It is a reminder that education is not just a personal achievement but a means to contribute to the greater good of society.