Written by: Maribel F. Larracochea
Quezon City – The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) Executive Director, Mr. Donald James D. Gawe, appeared before the Civil Service Commission (CSC) central office’s officials and staff to speak about patriotism during the agency’s flag raising convocation on March 20, 2022 as part of CSC’s Public Service Values Program.
Director Gawe presented simple ways of demonstrating patriotism such as buying local products, supporting local tourism, and speaking our local language among others, but highlighted engaging in volunteerism as may be one of the best ways to show one’s love of country and service to its people.
He stressed that, “the essence of volunteerism is to help people in need” and added that “it is a way to make an impact in someone else’s life.” The PNVSCA Head believes that since volunteerism is a way to support the people of one’s country, value one another and give each other a chance to succeed, it is therefore a clear manifestation of patriotism. He also emphasized that volunteerism and patriotism have similar attributes as both involve service, and to a certain extent, sacrifice without expecting any personal and financial gains.
Referring to some studies and an article/report from the United Nations Volunteers, Director Gawe underscored the important contributions of volunteering to society’s growth, such as enhancing the social connection between different sectors and/or communities; helping to build a more cohesive, safer, and stronger community; facilitating access to basic social services; enhancing knowledge and skills of local partner institutions and community partners; helping to eliminate poverty; combating social exclusion; helping people understand what they need to do to develop/improve their own economy; and promoting people to be more active in civic engagement and concerned citizenship. He believes that “being an instrument in a country’s development, as well as the development of its people, is a true testament of patriotism”.
The PNVSCA Executive Director enjoins all the government employees to take the lead in demonstrating patriotism and serve as role models of responsible citizenship and excellent services. He reminded everyone that patriotism is among the norms of conduct for public officials and employees as stipulated in Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Director Gawe also encouraged the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to provide a platform for its employees to volunteer and help their fellow Filipinos in need. He further encouraged the CSC employees to engage in volunteer work and start by finding a cause that they believe in, be it inside the CSC compound, in their respective barangays, or in other areas, and extend services to those in need. He stressed that patriotism can be demonstrated with simple positive actions or activities.
Citing an excerpt from the Speech of President Carlos P. Garcia delivered during the commencement exercises of the Manila Law College in March 1957, Director Gawe urged everyone to “continue to preserve our love for country with education and information, the practice of honesty and the observance of honor – above all – and through constructive action often driven by what is known as civic conscience.”
He ended his message by calling everyone to commit themselves to service and sacrifice by reiterating John F. Kennedy’s famous quote, “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country…and its people.”
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The author is currently the Senior Volunteer Service Officer (VSO) of the Policy, Advocacy and Technical Services Division (PATSD) of the 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.