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Written by: Anthony K. Bagano Jr.

The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) honored the remarkable contributions of individuals, organizations, and media practitioners at the 2024 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) and Bayanihan Media Awards (BMA) ceremony, held on December 12, 2024, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

Established in 2021, the SOV is the centerpiece activity of the National Volunteer Month (NVM), to recognize and honor volunteers who have made significant impacts across various development sectors, promoting volunteerism as a vital tool for sustainable development.

Additionally, the BMA continues to honor media practitioners and organizations for promoting volunteerism and its role in national development, inspiring the public to embrace volunteerism as a way of life.

The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including national government agencies, regional line agencies, local government units, international volunteer service organizations, civil society organizations, development partners, and media practitioners.

Program Highlights

The ceremony began with the Entrance of Colors performed by the Philippine Public Safety Academy, followed by the Philippine National Anthem and a heartfelt prayer rendered by the National Teachers College Himig Tanglaw, setting a tone of unity and service. Mr. Bernan Joseph R. Corpuz, Deputy Executive Director for Operations, representing Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), delivered a warm welcome and highlighted the awardees’ contributions in embodying the true essence of being Filipino through compassion and respect.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, in his Inspirational Message, recognized the vital role of volunteers in building resilient communities and fostering inclusive growth. He highlighted how volunteer efforts align seamlessly with the country’s broader development goals. Furthermore, he emphasized that volunteers are the lifeblood of progress, with their selfless acts creating ripples of change that uplift entire communities far beyond personal gain.

The Congratulatory Message from NEDA Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo O. Abad Santos highlighted the invaluable contributions of volunteers and reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to promoting volunteerism as a crucial tool for nation-building. He emphasized that each individual has a vital role to play in fostering lasting peace and sustainable development.

“Volunteerism operates much like the concept of compound interest in economics. A single act of kindness, much like a small initial investment, can grow exponentially over time, generating a chain reaction of positive change that touches countless lives,” he remarked. He further explained that through small actions, sustained efforts, and the collective participation of others, the impact becomes transformative—shaping communities and building a better society.

Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda “Angging” Quibranza-Dimaporo, Chair of the Regional Development Council 10, delivered a compelling keynote address, highlighting the vital role of volunteers in promoting peace, sustainable development, and inclusivity. She also expressed pride in the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte’s recognition for successfully integrating volunteerism into local governance, underscoring the critical role of local leadership in advancing volunteer initiatives.

Honoring the 2024 SOV and BMA Awardees

The ceremony honored exemplary volunteers and trailblazers from various sectors:

  • Individual Awardees:
    • Mr. Isidro C. Tulisiana (Region VII), Adult Category
    • Mr. Sheen Milger A. Ochavo (Region XIII) and Mr. Jorjani S. Sinsuat (BARMM), Youth Category
  • Organizational Awardees:
    • Not-for-Profit Category: Coastal Underwater Resources Management Actions (CURMA, Region I), I-SAVED Organization (Region II), and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation (Region IX)
    • Corporate Category: FDN Integrated Farm (Region II)
  • Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Awardee:
    • Mr. Fernando Fajardo (Region II), whose lifelong dedication to volunteerism has left a lasting legacy in his community.
  • Local Government Units (LGUs):
    • Recognized for integrating volunteerism into their development plans: Quezon City, Cagayan de Oro, Bacnotan (La Union), Sablayan (Occidental Mindoro), Pampanga, and Lanao del Norte.

The Bayanihan Media Awards highlighted the power of storytelling in driving positive change:

  • Individual Winners: Ms. Rojean Grace Patumbon (Print Media, Region XI), Ms. Lynd-C Joy Bade (Radio, Region VI), and Mr. Berchan Louie A. Angchay (Online Media, Region XI)
  • Media Organizations: PTV News Mindanao (TV Program, Region XI) and Pampanga News Now (Online Media Organization, Region III) were celebrated for their contributions to media advocacy.

Philippine Information Director-General Katherine Chloe S. de Castro delivered her message of congratulations to the 2024 BMA Awardees. In her message, she mentioned that volunteers do not necessarily have all the time in the world but because they have big hearts. DG de Castro believes that besides from Overseas Filipino Workers, Filipino volunteers are the unsung heroes of the nation. Moreover, she encouraged all media practitioners and colleagues to share the courageous acts of the Filipino volunteers.

The event concluded with a closing message from PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe, who expressed his gratitude to all the awardees, partners, and volunteers for their unwavering dedication and service. He reaffirmed PNVSCA’s commitment to supporting volunteer-driven initiatives nationwide and pledged continued collaboration with all stakeholders to further institutionalize volunteerism as a key component of national development.

Swearing-In of the National Volunteerism Resource Pool (NVRP)

Another significant moment of the ceremony was the swearing-in of the National Volunteerism Resource Pool (NVRP) members. The NVRP consists of individuals from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Private Sector, all of whom will play a critical role in supporting the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA). These dedicated volunteers will contribute their expertise and resources to strengthen volunteer programs nationwide and ensure the success of future volunteer initiatives.

A Call to Action

As we celebrated National Volunteer Month this December, the ceremony highlighted the enduring need for volunteerism in addressing the social challenges we continue to face. PNVSCA, with the support of local governments, media, civil society organizations, and international partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating a culture of volunteerism and ensuring the necessary support and opportunities to expand its influence and impact nationwide.

Mabuhay ang boluntarismo! Mabuhay ang bayanihan tungo sa maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas!