Written by: Kenneth C. Siruelo

As part of the Agency’s technical assistance in engaging volunteers, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) served as resource speaker in a Webinar for Volunteerism organized by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) last 16 February 2021.

The Webinar was organized to provide PHIVOLCS officials and employees basic knowledge on volunteerism. In his Welcome Message, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Undersecretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Officer-In-Charge of PHIVOLCS, emphasized that the practice of volunteerism should be embraced by every Filipino and strengthened by all sectors, just as what has happened in the more developed countries. He added that volunteerism is often practiced during times of disaster but it is also important that volunteerism should be harnessed in pre-disaster activities. He also encouraged PHIVOLCS employees to organize purposive and employee engaging volunteer activities.

Mr. Kenneth C. Siruelo, Officer-In-Charge of the Policy, Advocacy and Technical Services Division (PATSD) of the PNVSCA presented the basic concepts and forms of volunteerism, motivations for volunteering and the benefits of volunteering to the individual, the institution and the community.

For its next steps, PHIVOLCS is planning to conduct an engagement survey among its employees which could help them plan moving forward and through the assistance of the PNVSCA. Ms. Ma. Mylene M. Villegas, Chief, Geologic Disaster Awareness & Preparedness Division (GDAPD) acted as the host and facilitator of the Webinar attended by more than 120 participants.

The author is currently the Officer-In-Charge, Policy, Advocacy and Technical Services Division (PATSD), Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency.

Visit PNVSCA website (www.pnvsca.gov.ph) and PNVSCA Facebook (facebook.com/PNVSCA) for other stories and information on volunteering.