Written by: Alyssa Marie Villa
International Volunteer Day (IVD), established by the United Nations in 1985, is celebrated worldwide every December 5 to honor the transformative contributions of volunteers in promoting peace, development, and community resilience. This global observance highlights the collective power of voluntary action in addressing pressing challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In the Philippines, the significance of IVD was underscored by President Corazon C. Aquino through Proclamation No. 194, issued on December 7, 1987, officially declaring December 5 as “IVD for Economic and Social Development.”
By celebrating IVD, the nation reaffirms its commitment to fostering the spirit of volunteerism, both locally and globally, as a vital force for achieving sustainable progress and uplifting communities.
The 2024 national International Volunteer Day (IVD) celebration event took place at the Ayala Museum, with Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) as a key partner in organizing the event. PNVSCA, in collaboration with AFI, provided an inspiring avenue for the celebration, bringing together volunteers, community leaders, and organizations from across the country to recognize and honor the selfless contributions of volunteers in creating positive change.

PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe delivered a thoughtful message and shared a video that highlighted the rich history of international volunteering in the Philippines. He recognized how both local and international volunteers have contributed their skills and knowledge over the years to address key challenges, support development, and build lasting connections across borders.
Executive Director Gawe emphasized the important role that international volunteers and Filipinos abroad play in global development, underscoring the Philippines’ commitment to development cooperation and the growth of human capital. This exchange of expertise and compassion strengthens local communities and fosters a global sense of solidarity.
Messages of inspiration and support were given by distinguished leaders, including Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, PhD, of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); Secretary Enrique A. Manalo of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Virgilio B. Tabbu, Vice President for Student Services and Community Development at the University of Makati; and a recorded message from UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner.
Additionally, testimonies on the benefits of international volunteerism were shared by key partners, including Hon. Gilberto F. Magallon, Mayor of Alegria, Cebu; Engr. Constantino Panes, Jr., Center Administrator at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – RTCKPVTC, Davao City; Ms. Amelia Tuquero, Executive Director of Rehoboth’s Children’s Home; and Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno of the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA). These messages highlighted the transformative power of volunteerism and its impact on local and international communities.
The celebration also featured compelling testimonies from international volunteers, local partner institutions, and returned Filipino volunteers, who shared firsthand experiences of how volunteerism has transformed lives and communities.
Further calls for collaboration came from Hon. Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” B. Biazon, Mayor of Muntinlupa City, and Ms. Victoria V. Wieneke, President of Kabisig ng Kalahi, Inc. and Civil Society Organization Representative in the PNVSCA Multisectoral Advisory Body (MSAB). Their messages highlighted the importance of partnerships in volunteer-driven initiatives, emphasizing that volunteers are key to driving meaningful social change and that continued support for their efforts is vital. The event was also honored by the presence of distinguished guests and valued partners, including the Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines; the German Embassy Manila, and the Australian Embassy. It was also graced by heads and representatives from International Volunteer Service Organizations (IVSOs), such as Australian Volunteers Program (AVP), France Volontaires (FV), Global Initiatives for Exchange and Development, Inc. (GIED), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), United States Peace Corps (USPC), and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).

Additional support came from a wide range of partner agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs – United Nations and International Organizations (DFA-UNIO), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community Participation, Bureau of Immigration, Commission on Higher Education – Office of Student Development and Services (CHED-OSDS), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC). Also in attendance were the City Governments of Muntinlupa and Quezon, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), FEU Institute of Technology, National University (NU)-Manila, Bulacan State University, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, National Teachers College, and corporate institutions such as SMART Communications, Inc., PLDT, TELUS, and Coral Bay Nickel Corporation. Other notable organizations included the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCI), iVolunteer, National Youth Volunteers’ Coalition (NYVC), World Wide Fund (WWF), Phinma Foundation, and Jesuit Volunteers Philippines Foundation.

A key highlight of the national IVD event was the awards ceremony of outstanding international volunteers and local partners organized by PNVSCA in collaboration with partner international volunteer service organizations to recognize good practices in international volunteer engagement.
The Outstanding International Volunteers awards were presented to: ForumZFD, Ms. Zineb Naini; FV, Mr. Michel Besse; KOICA-KOV, Ms. You Hyun Mi; and GIED, Mr. Nicolas Alexander Horn.

Awarded in the Outstanding Local Partner Institutions (LPI) category were: from FV – E & V Water and Life Philippines, Inc.; from GIED – Local Government of Alegria, Cebu; and from KOICA-KOV – Mag-aba National High School.

The Outstanding International Volunteer and LPI Supervisor Tandem award was given to: KOICA – KOV Mr. Kim In Sun and his supervisor Mr. Noriel Ramos from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Cordillera State Institute of Technical Education (TESDA-CSITE) Main Campus.

To wrap up the event, Ms. Celerina Amores, Senior Director for Corporate Citizenship and Volunteerism at Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI), delivered a heartfelt closing message on behalf of Mr. Antonio Joselito G. Lambino II, President of AFI. She expressed deep gratitude to PNVSCA for the successful collaboration, noting that while AFI has long been a leader in volunteerism, this partnership has helped elevate and institutionalize their efforts. With a goal of 190,000 volunteering hours within the Ayala Group in 2024, AFI exceeded expectations by logging nearly 350,000 hours. Ms. Amores shared their excitement to expand their reach even further, looking forward to more impactful partnerships and initiatives ahead.

The national event, coupled with IVD celebrations across the country, was an unforgettable showcase of passion, purpose, and progress. Led by PNVSCA partner higher education institutions, these vibrant celebrations united communities to ignite the spirit of volunteerism, underscoring the powerful role volunteers play in driving social change and building meaningful connections.

In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Saint Louis University hosted the event, focusing on the challenges and rewards of international volunteering. The celebration emphasized the importance of cultural exchange, global cooperation, and the lasting positive changes that volunteer efforts can bring. In the National Capital Region (NCR), the University of Makati led the celebration, sharing innovative volunteer initiatives and best practices that set the standard for social good.
Saint Louis College in Region I highlighted the pivotal role of volunteers in strengthening local societies, while Tarlac State University in Region III emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration to drive community empowerment.



Laguna State Polytechnic University in Region IV-A exemplified how volunteerism fosters social responsibility, resilience, and global engagement.

In MIMAROPA, Mindoro State University celebrated the value of volunteerism, while Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Region V reaffirmed its mission of community empowerment through volunteer-driven leadership. Over in Region VI, West Visayas State University (WVSU) showed how volunteerism can address societal challenges and build global connections; and in Region VII, the University of San Carlos showcased how volunteerism promotes inclusivity and a sense of belonging.



The celebrations were made even more impactful by the participation of foreign volunteers from organizations such as the Australian Volunteer Program (AVP), France Volontaires (FV), Global Initiative for Exchange and Development (GIED), Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), KOICA Overseas Volunteers (KOV), and United States Peace Corps (USPC), along with returned Filipino international volunteers of the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and GIED. These volunteers shared their personal journeys, giving us a deeper understanding of the powerful influence of volunteerism in creating a more connected, compassionate, and resilient world.
PNVSCA, through its Executive Director, reminds everyone that through the 2024 IVD celebration, we honor the unwavering dedication of volunteers who continue to shape a more compassionate world. He further encouraged everyone to stay committed to amplifying the spirit of volunteerism—expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and fostering understanding across borders. Lastly, he expressed that everyone has the power to inspire meaningful, lasting change and to honor the selfless contributions that create a better, more compassionate world for everyone.
See similar posts:
National IVD Celebration at Ayala Museum: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BffB6k5y9/
Saint Louis University IVD Celebration: https://www.slu.edu.ph/2024/12/09/slu-hosts-the-international-volunteers-day-2024-celebration-in-car/
Saint Louis College IVD Celebration: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1047987573794244&id=100057490328494
Tarlac State University IVD Celebration: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1As1FvoUsL/
University of Makati (Umak) IVD Celebration: https://www.facebook.com/UMakPH/videos/international-volunteer-day/1263809521503484
Laguna State Polytechnic University IVD Celebration: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122170310834049388&id=61551481642293&_rdr
Mindoro State University IVD Celebration: https://www.facebook.com/TheMinSUOfficial/videos/international-volunteer-day-2024-celebration/1210704633363525
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) IVD Celebration: CBSUA HOSTS INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY CELEBRATION FOR BICOL REGION – CBSUA
West Visayas State University (WVSU) IVD Celebration: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14fm2YXEAf/
University of San Carlos IVD Celebration: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DvNGfEvBR/
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The author is currently the Volunteer Service Officer II 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.