Written by: Maribel F. Larracochea

In collaboration with three prominent academe-based organizations, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) successfully conducted training sessions to strengthen volunteerism as a cornerstone of development. These organizations—the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementers, Inc. (PAEPI), the Philippine Society of National Service Training Program (NSTP) Educators and Implementers, Inc. (PSNEI), and the Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services, Inc. (PAPSAS)—partnered with the City Government of Cagayan de Oro to host the events from December 1 to 3. The training sessions were integral to celebrating National Volunteer Month (NVM) 2024 and drew participants from various provinces nationwide.

The first training, themed “Igniting Change: Volunteerism and Gender Equity in Extension Services,” co-organized with PAEPI X in partnership with Ayala Foundation and BPI Foundation, explored how volunteerism can serve as a sustainable strategy for extension programs. Participants delved into topics such as gender-sensitive volunteerism, sustainable program design, and financial literacy. More than 140 attendees, including extension directors, faculty, student leaders, and volunteers, gained hands-on experience through an open book reading program in partnership with Ayala Foundation primary schools. This activity underscored the importance of integrating gender equity into volunteer-driven initiatives.

The second training, co-organized with PSNEI in coordination with Liceo De Cagayan University, was titled as “Training the Trainers on Volunteer Management for Effective NSTP/NSRC Implementation in Developing the Youth for Nation Building.”The activity aimed to assess the NSTP as a mechanism to instill the value of volunteerism among the youth and recommend action steps to strengthen it as a channel towards the voluntary sector’s vision that volunteerism becomes a way of life of every Filipino.

Sessions focused on the basic concepts and paradigms of volunteerism, Philippine Standard on Volunteering for Development, introduction to service learning in the context of volunteerism in NSTP, volunteering in NSTP as an effective service-learning delivery mechanism, innovative strategies for integrating volunteerism in NSTP, volunteerism and NSTP/NSRC implementation, and opportunities for collaboration. A validation workshop was also conducted where an enhanced draft of the existing volunteerism module in NSTP was developed. About 120 NSTP coordinators and implementers from different HEIs throughout the country attended the activity. They shared their enthusiasm as they look forward to a better implementation of the NSTP where volunteerism will be further and strongly integrated into the module.

PAPSAS facilitated the third training, “Strengthening Volunteerism: Empowering the Youth of Today,” which centered on equipping student leaders with the skills and motivation to drive societal change. Among the topics discussed include basic concepts and paradigms of volunteerism, principles of volunteerism, volunteer management, and opportunities for collaboration. Several student organizations presented their volunteering initiatives, as well as their challenges encountered and best practices. A workshop was also conducted to enhance the capacity of school-based organizations as seedbeds for volunteerism culture. At the end of the training, several student organizations expressed their interest in working with organizations from other HEIs in the implementation of their volunteering projects and activities. More than 80 participants, mostly student leaders representing various HEIs in the country accompanied by SAS practitioners, attended the training.

In all three activities, the participants shared that the learnings they gathered from the sessions further motivated them to engage in volunteering and make a meaningful impact in their communities. 

These initiatives underline the pivotal role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in fostering a culture of volunteerism. By integrating volunteerism into their curricula and extracurricular activities, HEIs cultivate leadership, civic engagement, and social responsibility among the youth. As mandated by Republic Act 9418 or the Volunteer Act of 2007, integrating volunteerism into the basic and higher education curriculum is essential for raising consciousness and nurturing a nation of engaged citizens.

The training sessions exemplify PNVSCA’s commitment to empowering stakeholders to drive meaningful change. The agency recognizes HEIs as key players in embedding volunteerism into the fabric of Philippine society, ensuring that it becomes a way of life for current and future generations.

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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.