Written by: Maribel F. Larracochea
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), under the leadership of Executive Director Mr. Donald James D. Gawe, CESO III, participated in the first-ever Volunteerism Exhibit in the Central Visayas Region, initiated by the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7, on September 27 at SM Seaside, Cebu City.
The one-day event showcased the diverse volunteerism initiatives of various organizations within and outside the region, which are geared towards promoting volunteerism as a strategy for nation-building. Exhibitors include the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF), Department of Justice – Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) in Dumaguete City, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7, Department of Tourism (DOT) 7, Global Initiative for Exchange and Development (GIED), Pangasinan State University (PSU), Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Cebu Chapter, Provincial Government of La Union, University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), and PNVSCA.
Attended by more than 300 participants including students from different colleges and universities, representatives from various organizations and agencies, and the general public; the Volunteerism Exhibit provided a platform for volunteers, organizations, and the pubic to connect, learn, and inspire each other in building a culture of volunteerism in the region.
NEDA 7 Regional Director Jennifer C. Bretaña, EnP, highlighted in her opening message how the event marks a momentous milestone in NEDA and RDC’s advocacy efforts to institutionalize volunteerism as a development strategy in the region, which the RDC hopes to sustain through the public’s support and cooperation. RD Bretaña also shared that the RDC passed Resolution No. 72 enjoining local government units (LGUs), regional line agencies (RLAs), and state universities and colleges (SUCs) to institutionalize volunteerism as a development strategy in their respective organizations. In closing, she encouraged everyone to inculcate volunteerism as a way of life, reflecting the time-honored tradition of bayanihan, to foster a Sustainable and Inclusive Development propelled by an Empowering and Technology-driven Economy with Transparency and Accountability in Central Visayas or SIETE TA!
Mr. Donald James D. Gawe led the ribbon-cutting and served as the Keynote Speaker during the event. In his message, ED Gawe conveyed his appreciation to NEDA Region 7, CHED, DILG, DSWD, DTI, and the Philippine Red Cross Cebu Chapter for organizing the activity that paved the way for a deeper and more meaningful engagement in nation-building. Dir. Gawe underscored how volunteerism brings out the best in humanity and how it nurtures the values of compassion, empathy, and civic duty that are essential in building a more resilient and inclusive society. He added that volunteerism is the very embodiment of bayanihan – the collective effort of Filipinos to help one another in times of need, which drives us forward in our pursuit of sustainable development and progress. He also urged everyone to renew their commitment to volunteerism and active citizenship, and to work together in making a difference and building stronger, more vibrant communities. He noted that while almost all Regional Development Councils in the country passed resolutions on mainstreaming volunteerism as a tool for development, Region 7 is the first to conduct a regional volunteerism expo.
Answering Director Gawe’s call were several participants who voluntarily donated blood on the spot in the bloodletting activity conducted as part of the program. The event was further enlivened by the presence of the Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) 2023 Regional awardees, Mr. Salvador R. Sanchez, Atty. Rester John L. Nonato, and Ms. Therese Erlyn B. Napuli, who shared their volunteering experiences in a Couch Q&A session. Participants also enjoyed performances by the DepEd Cebu Province Quartet, DepEd Cebu Province Performing Arts, and the DOT’s Filipino Martial Arts Program, along with games, prizes, and giveaways from the organizers and exhibitors.
The first ever Central Visayas Volunteerism Exhibit is part of the 2024 RDC Week celebration with the theme, “Asa ka, kung di sa SIETE TA!”, which underscores the importance of the RDCs and their role in promoting sustainable and inclusive development across the region. The celebration which consists of a series of activities, began on September 23 and will conclude on October 7.
The event concluded with an inspiring and message of thanks by ARD Evelyn N. Castro of NEDA 7.
For more information on the RDC Week celebration, please visit the NRO 7 website and Facebook page.
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The author is currently the Senior Volunteer Service Officer of the 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.