The city government of Baguio will be given a Citation Award by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) for achieving a volunteerism mainstreaming score that qualifies the city government to be given the recognition.
In a letter dated Nov. 28, PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe congratulated Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong for the institutionalization of volunteerism as a good governance strategy.
Awarding ceremony for the Search for Outstanding Volunteer (SOV), where the Citation Award will be conferred on Dec. 12 in Manila.
Through the submitted means of verification or documentary evidences by the participants, the PNVSCA was able to validate that the city government of Baguio is actively implementing volunteer-engaging programs, projects, and activities that promote the participation of civil society organizations and volunteer individuals in local governance.
“Your (Baguio City’s) notable performance reflects your commitment and dedication to fostering a culture of volunteerism in your PPAs toward inclusive and sustainable development,” Gawe said.
As an LGU with Citation Award, Baguio City through the mayor will be sharing knowledge and best practices with other government units and communities across the country while further improving the mainstreaming process in the local governance framework.
The mayor is very grateful to all the volunteers in the city who are willingly collaborating with the LGU in strengthening the advocacy for volunteerism to drive positive change.
Per record of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, there are 32 individuals and three groups accredited by the city called the Baguio Disaster Volunteer Management Unit.
The SOV was launched on June 15 and serves as the centerpiece of National Volunteer Month, which is observed every December.
The search aims to recognize and appreciate exceptional Filipino volunteers and volunteer organizations for their remarkable achievements in empowering communities and cultivating a culture of volunteerism that contributes to the nation’s progress.
“One of the SOV’s categories is a citation to local government units that stood out in advancing volunteerism as a development strategy while promoting strong citizen participation among their constituents,” Gawe said in his letter. – Jess Marly P. Samidan
