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Written by: Raymart V. Maruquez

In pursuit of their common vision to promote volunteerism as a tool for nation building, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) conducted on-site monitoring and stakeholder engagement activities in Davao region from September 10 to 12, 2024. No less than the heads of agencies, Country Director Kim Eunsub for KOICA and Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe, CESO III for PNVSCA led the delegation.

The activity commenced on September 10, 2024, with a monitoring visit of the KOICA WFK Program which has deployed over 700 Korean overseas volunteers (KOVs) to various local partner institutions across the country, including academic institutions, government agencies, and NGOs since its inception in 1990. The volunteers have worked in a wide range of fields, such as education, agriculture, healthcare, and community development.

Joint Monitoring of Volunteer-assisted Projects at TESDA Regional Training Center XI with KOICA Officials, volunteers’ supervisors and KOVs

Currently, two KOVs, Messrs. Yoon Kwan Seok and Shim-Dong-Yeol are deployed at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Training Center – Philippine Korea Training Center. While the two KOVs started their volunteer work in TESDA only in June this year, their work has already shown positive results. Per report of TESDA RTC Davao Officials, Mr. Janxent M. Basalo, a student guided by KOV Yoon, emerged as champion in the Provincial and Regional Skills Competition on Automotive Technology in 2023. Mr. Basalo is now set to compete at the national level. TESDA RTC Davao wishes to have KOVs for their other programs to improve their trainer and trainees’ skills in agriculture and biosystems engineering, civil engineering, information technology, among others.

A candid shot of KOV Yoon with his trainee, Mr. Janxent M. Basalo who hailed as champion in automotive technology at the provincial and regional skills competition in Davao in 2023

On the same day, the delegation met with the Korean Community Association Davao to explore potential collaborations in supporting volunteerism and development initiatives. KOICA introduced its WFK program to the association members and discussed the possibility of establishing a Korean Volunteer Program to provide a platform for Koreans residing in the region to volunteer.

Exploratory Meeting with Korean Community Association Davao organized by KOICA.

On September 12, the team visited the project site of KOICA’s partner, the Center for Asian Mission for the Poor (CAMP) Asia. CAMP Asia is working to strengthen the agribusiness industry in Mindanao, particularly by supporting durian producers in Davao. The organization expressed interest in PNVSCA’s support in maximizing their operations through volunteer engagement.

Site Visit at the Center for Asian Mission for the Poor (CAMP) Asia’s Sustainable Agricultural Environment Establishment through Durian Producers Cooperative Organization Project assisted by KOICA.

PNVSCA and the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on September 10 to mainstream volunteerism in the academic sector. Among the suggestions include establishing USeP as a center of cassava research and explore potential collaborations with KOICA in areas such as conservation and climate change initiatives.

MOA Signing between PNVSCA and University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) joined by KOICA.
MOA Signing between PNVSCA and University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) joined by KOICA.
(L-R) With Executive Director Donald James Gawe, KOICA Country Director Kim Eunsub and University of Southeastern Philippines Officials: President Dr. Bonifacio Gabales, VP for Research, Development and Extension Dr. Roger Montepio and Extension Director and VFP Dr. Robby Pagong.

On September 11, PNVSCA participated in a consultation with the City Government of Davao to refine its volunteerism ordinance. The agency provided input and suggestions, including citing the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, creating a Volunteerism Council, and engaging non-government organizations.

Consultation Meeting with LGU Davao City Key Department Head and Representatives on the proposed Volunteerism Ordinance presided by Honorable Councilor Pilar Braga (5th from right)

On September 13, the delegation visited LGU Panabo City and met with Mayor Jose Relampagos and City Legal Officer and Volunteerism Focal Person Atty. Chervin Paculanang. During the meeting, Paculanang shared the LGU’s efforts to provide insurance for engaged volunteers and discussed the need for a harmonized coordination mechanism among volunteer groups and program coordinators.

Courtesy Visit and Consultation Meeting at LGU Panabo Cuty with Honorable Mayor Jose E. Relampagos (2nd from right) together with City Legal Officer and VFP Atty. Chervin Paculanang.

The delegation also visited LGU Tagum City to discuss volunteerism initiatives and explore potential collaborations. PNVSCA suggested utilizing volunteer engagement in the implementation of the LGU’s Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs).

Maximizing our time in Davao City by meeting with the Tagum City Planning and Development Office Representatives.

As part of its continued partnership review and consultation with HEIs, PNVSCA visited the University of Mindanao on September 12 and Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) on September 13. The agency discussed the Regional Development Council XI Resolution on institutionalizing volunteerism and proposed interventions for mainstreaming volunteerism within the academic pillars of the universities.

Partnership Review between PNVSCA and University of Mindanao – Davao City facilitated by AVP for Extension Rogaiya “Sitti” Apadan and Extension Coordinator Dr. Alger Dura.
Partnership Meeting at Davao Del Norte State College headed by SUC President Dr. Joy M. Sorrosa together with other College Officials and Representatives.

PNVSCA also monitored volunteer-assisted projects of ForumZFD in Davao City. Two ForumZFD volunteers, Ms. Yvet Voppen and Mr. Alex Mwangi, have been assigned to assist in peace advocacy and media and peace building projects.

Monitoring of Volunteer-assisted Projects at ForumZFD Davao with Country Director Dirgha Raj Sigeel (3rd from right), volunteers’ supervisors and ForumZFD volunteers Ms. Yvet Voppen (leftmost) and Mr. Alex Mwangi (rightmost).
Facility visit at ForumZFD Davao

Joining the delegation team are KOICA Program Manager Ms. Choi Youngeun and Senior Volunteer Service Officer Mr. Raymart V. Maruquez of PNVSCA.

The collaboration between KOICA and PNVSCA demonstrates their commitment to promoting volunteerism and sustainable development in the Philippines. Through joint efforts, they are empowering communities and contributing to positive social change.

For details on becoming a partner with PNVSCA and requesting volunteer support, send an email expressing your interest to [email protected]

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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.