Written by: Pia P. Castillo

Cebu City, Philippines – From September 24-26, under the auspices of the U.S. Peace Corps, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), held a transformative consultation workshop aimed at Strengthening the Philippine Volunteer Service Program (PVSP).  Anchored on the Philippine Volunteerism Agenda and Framework Plan (PVAFP) 2021-2040, the event brought together leaders from Higher Education Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Local Government Units, National Government Agencies, and Private Institutions to strengthen the country’s volunteering infrastructure, fully integrate volunteerism into all sectors as a powerful driver for sustainable development.

The PVAFP serves as the country’s strategic blueprint for harnessing volunteerism to foster social cohesion, inspire collective action and empower every Filipino to contribute to the country’s sustainable development. By embedding volunteerism into the fabric of society, the plan underscores its critical role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The workshop provided a platform for participants to assess the current state of the PVSP, identify opportunities and challenges, and collaboratively developed actionable strategies for enhancement. PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe delivered a comprehensive overview of the PVAFP, highlighting its significance as a roadmap for maximizing volunteer engagement. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Jung, Host Country Volunteerism Program Specialist at the U.S. Peace Corps Headquarters, shared valuable insights from AmeriCorps and explored how lessons from the U.S. could be applied in the Philippine context.

Notable organizations such as Ayala Foundation, iVolunteer Philippines, Global Initiative for Exchange and Development, France Volontaires and United States Peace Corps Philippines presented their innovative volunteer programs, enriching the discussions and offering diverse perspectives on advancing volunteerism.

Dynamic discussions and brainstorming sessions allowed participants to exchange ideas, explore institutional volunteerism initiatives, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. These collective insights will play a pivotal role in shaping future volunteer programs and ensuring their alignment with national priorities. As the workshop concluded, participants left with a renewed commitment to harness the power of volunteerism in their respective sectors. Reflecting on the progress made, one participant aptly noted, “Malayo pa pero malayo na”—the journey is long, but we have already made great strides. This workshop not only broke down silos but also reinforced the importance of collective action in making volunteerism a cornerstone of the national development strategy. It marks a significant step toward realizing a future where Filipinos actively volunteer for sustainable development.

1_EDGawe Presenting PVAFP
2_Ms Jung-Americorps
3_sharing HEIs with psnei
4_Spectrum wall-CSO
5_sharingwith Ayala
6_sharing LGU
7_Commitmetn setting Mam Raze
8_Commitment setting
DSC_0689
DSC_0783
sharing HEIs
All participants
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1_EDGawe Presenting PVAFP
2_Ms Jung-Americorps
3_sharing HEIs with psnei
4_Spectrum wall-CSO
5_sharingwith Ayala
6_sharing LGU
7_Commitmetn setting Mam Raze
8_Commitment setting
DSC_0689
DSC_0783
sharing HEIs
All participants
previous arrow
next arrow

The author is currently the Senior Volunteer Service Officer of the Program Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PCMED), 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.