March 29, 2024

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – In line with its goal to promote volunteerism as a way of life of every Filipino  and  in every community, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) is continuously expanding its partners for volunteerism advocacy.

The PNVSCA headed by Executive Director Donald James Gawe signed a memorandum of understanding with the City Government of Baguio, La Trinidad municipal government in Benguet, Mariano Marcos State University, and Tarlac State University during the culminating program of the 2022 National Volunteers Month at  the Benguet State University on Dec. 28, 2022.

The MOU formalizes the collaboration between the PNVSCA and its new partners in the promotion and advocacy of volunteerism in nation building and development, which includes mainstreaming volunteerism and the conduct of volunteering – related initiatives in Baguio City, La Trinidad and the two state

As of Dec. 28, 2022, the PNVSA has 19 partners that signed MOUs for such collaboration – seven national government agencies, four LGUs, seven higher academic institutions and one civil society organization.

Gawe said volunteerism is inherent among Filipinos given the spirit of bayanihan has long been benefitting families, communities and society as a whole.

“The Philippines is a country that takes pride in its rich history of volunteerism through the bayanihan, the tradition of helping one another to promote family, community and society’s welfare,” he said.

He said the Filipino brand of volunteerism has evolved through time to engage all sectors including the government, non-government organizations, academic institutions, international organizations, and corporate groups in volunteer service for development.

“We volunteer for a wide range of causes including helping to eliminate poverty and improve basic health and education, providing safe water and sanitation, addressing environmental issues and climate change, reducing the risk and impact of natural disasters and combating social exclusion and violent conflict. In each of these fields, volunteerism generates wellbeing for individuals and communities, thereby making a unique contribution,” he said,

Another highlight of the NVM culminating program was the “Voluntalks: Once a volunteer, always a volunteer” featuring the year’s Search for Outstanding Volunteer winners.

The awardees included Councilor Artemio Andaya Jr. of Jose Panganiban Camarines Norte; Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc.   Knowledge Management Officer Vivien Christi Trocio; Agricultural and Fishery Youthpreneur Council Chairperson Marlon Balunsat; Mr. Delivery PH Chief Executive Officer Marlon Balunsat, and PH Adventist Medical Aviation Services Inc. president Capt. Dwayne Harris and Director Granny Mary Quieng.

The PNVSCA also awarded certificates of recognition to its valuable partners in volunteerism advocacy programs and activities. – Carlito Dar