Written by: Maribel F. Larracochea
On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), represented by Executive Director Mr. Donald James D. Gawe, CESO III, and the City Government of Muntinlupa, represented by Hon. Mayor Ruffy B. Biazon, unveiled the Volunteerism Local Learning Hub (VLLH) marker in the presence of city officials and staff and representatives of the Civil Society and Volunteer Organizations.
This significant event followed Muntinlupa’s recognition as the first Volunteerism Local Learning Hub (VLLH) in the country during the Awarding Ceremony of the Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) in December 2023. The city has demonstrated exemplary commitment and outstanding dedication to fostering a culture of volunteerism through its programs, projects, and activities, all geared toward inclusive and sustainable development. As a VLLH, Muntinlupa is being recommended to all local government units (LGUs) and volunteer-involving organizations (VIOs) for benchmarking during the 2024-2025 period.
In his remarks, Mayor Biazon expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Muntinlupeños for receiving this prestigious recognition. He emphasized the city’s longstanding commitment to volunteerism, recognizing volunteers as vital partners in poverty alleviation and sustainable development. He acknowledged that being designated as a VLLH brings significant responsibility, urging every citizen to sustain, if not elevate, their commitment to volunteering. “Nararapat lamang na itaguyod at iukit sa bawat puso ng Muntinlupeño ang volunteerism,” he declared. Mayor Biazon concluded his message with a quote from General James Doolittle: “There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer,” encouraging all Muntinlupeños to continue promoting the spirit of volunteerism and to seek ways to enhance it as a strategy for development.
Director Gawe also highlighted in his message the importance of PNVSCA’s collaboration with LGUs like Muntinlupa, emphasizing that this partnership provides a robust volunteer platform, enabling citizens and leaders to work collaboratively for the common good. He commended the city’s remarkable efforts, which are inspiring testaments to how a well-structured volunteer platform can foster social responsibility and community engagement. Director Gawe stated that Muntinlupa’s recognition as a Volunteerism Local Learning Hub is a shining example for other LGUs aiming to strengthen their volunteer programs. He reaffirmed PNVSCA’s commitment to supporting the city in its VLLH journey and assured that the agency will continue to partner with Muntinlupa and other LGUs as they empower their communities through volunteerism.
The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that stipulates the commitment of the City to serve its role as a local learning hub on institutionalizing volunteerism as an approach to development and for PNVSCA to provide the necessary technical assistance.
Officials present in the event include City Councilors Arlene D. Hilapo and Ivee Rhea Arciaga-Tadefa who are among the sponsors of City Ordinance No. 2022-351, establishing the Munting Yakap City Program (MYCP) of Muntinlupa City as a platform to encourage participation in community service and initiatives that promote social responsibility through volunteerism. They were joined by Councilors Jedidiah R. Presnedi and Jonas Angelo L. Abadilla; as well as Ms. Rosemarie I. Geli, Acting Head of the Community Affairs and Development Office (CADO), Ms. Jan Nhette Ahya C. Dancel-Parfan, newly-designated Volunteerism Focal Person (VFP), and Atty. Camille R. Alcaraz, President and Executive Director of Lingkod Muntinlupa Foundation, representing the civil society organization (CSO) partners of the city.
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For information on the article, please contact Ms. Maribel F. Larracochea of PNVSCA through email: [email protected] or mobile/viber no: 0921-5796759.
Visit PNVSCA website (www.pnvsca.gov.ph) and PNVSCA Facebook (facebook.com/PNVSCA) for other stories and information on volunteering.