Volunteerism refers to an act involving a wide range of activities, including traditional forms of mutual aid and developmental interventions that provides an enabling and empowering environment both on the part of the beneficiary receiving, and the volunteer rendering the act, undertaken for reasons arising from socio-developmental, business or corporate orientation, commitment or conviction for the attainment of the public good and where monetary and other incentives or reward are not the primary motivating factors.

Volunteerism is a social value in the Philippines more popularly known as “Bayanihan” which translates into “getting into the act of helping being a hero for the community.”

Bayanihan is oftentimes depicted in the collaboration among community members as they carry on their shoulders a house to be transferred to another place. Other forms of bayanihan are expressed during harvest time, mourning and birthing with service to others and the community as the underlying motive.

The government plays a strategic role in volunteering by providing an enabling environment that will encourage the promotion of volunteerism and participation of all sectors of society in volunteering.

The Philippine government has recognized the important role of volunteers in national development. Particularly, it has included volunteering as a modality in the implementation of priority programs and projects and sustains a strong linkage with volunteer groups.

PNVSCA is the government agency mandated to coordinate the volunteer service program for national development. Its major functions include policy and plan formulation, coordinating and networking with and among local and foreign volunteer organizations, implementing platform programs on volunteering, promotion, advocacy and recognition of volunteers.

PNVSCA is undertaking a registration of volunteer organizations toward establishing a registry and national network that will promote and enhance professionalism, facilitation and recognition for volunteer service organizations and workers. Foreign volunteer organizations must register and coordinate the implementation of their volunteer programs in the Philippines with PNVSCA.

An agency/organization may avail of the services of a VIDA or foreign volunteer by submitting a Request for Volunteer Form to PNVSCA.

A foreign national should be a member or recruited by a foreign volunteer organization registered with PNVSCA. He/she should possess qualities and skills needed by the project requesting for volunteer assistance.

Filipinos can volunteer through PNVSCA’s Volunteers for Information and Development Assistance (VIDA), the Bayanihang Bayan (BB) and the National United Nations Volunteers (NUNV). They may also contact any local volunteer organization or PNVSCA for a referral.

Filipinos can volunteer overseas through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and VSO-Bahaginan programs.