Written by: Jeffrey N. Almazan
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) together with the University of the Philippines-Diliman National Service Training Program (UP Diliman-NSTP) entered into a partnership agreement last 22 June 2023 at the PNVSCA office. PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe and Director of UP Diliman NSTP Assistant Professor Dennis F. Quilala led the ceremonial signing. ED Gawe welcomed the attendees, shared his enthusiasm for the prospects of the partnership, and emphasized that PNVSCA is ready to provide support for the initiatives stipulated in the partnership agreement.
The partnership agreement was executed following a series of engagements between PNVSCA and the UP Diliman NSTP in the conduct of its Sikhay Lingkod Program. The Sikhay Lingkod Program is an annual forum that features volunteer groups from all around the country to talk about the various aspects of volunteerism as well as their groups’ advocacies towards introducing the students to various programs and projects that support the development of the different sectors of society where NSTP students may later serve and/or partner with. This is in line with the University’s thrust that its students must not only embody honor and excellence in their academics but also become agents of social transformation and volunteerism by extending help to underserved sectors of society. It also aims to promote the culture of volunteerism in the University and instill the importance of volunteerism in the students.
Asst. Professor Quilala is positive that this partnership would pave the way for creating innovative ideas on how to engage more students in the university to become volunteers and ignite their passion to involve themselves in volunteerism and public service activities. PNVSCA and UP Diliman NSTP are committed to producing volunteerism-driven Iskolar ng Bayan.
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The author is currently a Volunteer Service Officer II at 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.