Written by: Raymart V. Maruquez

To celebrate National Volunteer Month 2024, PNVSCA hosted a Webinar Series on Volunteerism in December, aiming to raise awareness, foster voluntary action, and recognize volunteers as partners in development. In partnership with academic institutions, these engaging sessions attracted thousands of viewers on social media and nearly a thousand active participants, creating a platform for education, inspiration, and connection. By promoting the spirit of volunteerism, the webinars encouraged ongoing commitment to community service and meaningful engagement.

The 2024 webinar series highlighted six key themes that showcase the diverse impact of volunteerism: education, lifelong commitment to volunteering, tourism, child rights, climate change and environmental protection, and wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Each session offered a platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and sparking engaging discussions among volunteers, coordinators, and advocates dedicated to making a positive difference.

Webinar Series 1: Higher Education Institution Brigada Pagbasa Initiative para sa Bagong Pilipinas (HEI-BPI)

The NVM webinar series kicked off on December 11 with the “Higher Education Institution Brigada Pagbasa Initiative para sa Bagong Pilipinas (HEI-BPI)” webinar, in partnership with World Vision Philippines. The webinar focused on the crucial role of volunteerism in promoting literacy and bridging educational gaps.

In its efforts to enhance volunteerism within educational institutions, PNVSCA has formed partnerships with 74 colleges and universities, 66 of which provide courses in education, an entry point for volunteering in enhancing literacy among Filipino learners. To maximize these collaborations, PNVSCA endorses the use of Brigada Pagbasa as the volunteer initiative aimed at addressing literacy challenges.

Mr. Geomel Jetonzo, esteemed author and Program Director of the Brigada Pagbasa Movement under the World Vision Philippines, delivered an inspiring presentation on the Brigada Pagbasa Program, an initiative designed to promote literacy among Filipino children.

He emphasized the program’s mission to unite advocates, educators, parents, and volunteers in enhancing the reading skills of Filipino youth. Mr. Jetonzo highlighted the vital role of education in nation-building and the need for collective action to address literacy challenges. By bridging educational gaps and fostering strong reading abilities, the program aims to empower children and contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future.

His talk inspired the audience to view themselves as crucial contributors to this effort, encouraging collaboration to create a transformative impact on the lives of Filipino children.

Ms. Maria Cristina G. Baroso of the Department of Education Region V, in her presentation of the HEI-BPI Program, emphasized that their afterschool reading program initiative has effectively utilized the dedication of over 80,000 volunteer teachers, facilitators, and tutors to significantly enhance the reading skills of Bicolano children.

On the other hand, PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe highlighted the importance of Brigada Pagbasa as one vital platform for promoting volunteerism within the community. The launch of the HEI-BPI initiative marked a significant step in mobilizing higher education institutions for educational change. The online session was attended by around 140 representatives from partner HEIs nationwide.

Webinar Series 2: Once a Volunteer, Always a Volunteer (OVAV)

Since its inception in 2001, the Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) has celebrated over 200 individuals for their selfless dedication to service. In 2020, recognizing the need for a platform to connect and inspire volunteers, the “Once a Volunteer, Always a Volunteer (OVAV)” webinar was introduced. The inaugural event emphasized the importance of a space for volunteers to share insights into good volunteering practices.

Building on its success, the 2nd OVAV webinar in 2022 became a hybrid talk show, featuring inspiring SOV 2022 awardees who shared their journeys to motivate others to embrace volunteerism.

Continuing the tradition, PNVSCA hosted the 3rd OVAV webinar on December 16, 2024, attracting over 800 online participants, including passionate volunteers and those eager to learn more about the power of volunteering.

The 2024 OVAV webinar featured inspiring stories of SOV awardees including Mr. Rod Charlie Delos Reyes (2023), Ms. Aliah Adam (2019), Mr. Mark Cerezo (2014), and Mr. Carlito Amalla (2008), along with newest 2024 awardees – Mr. Sheen Milger Ochavo and Mr. Fernando Fajardo. These esteemed individuals shared their personal journeys and valuable insights, showcasing the transformative power of volunteerism and inspiring others to embrace a life of service.

A true advocate for youth and environmental stewardship, Mr. Ochavo has demonstrated the power of youth engagement in addressing critical societal challenges. His initiatives, such as PadyaKalikasan, Kabataan sa Halalan, GrowGreen, and #SabadoTudlo, have not only inspired youth involvement but also empowered them to become influential change-makers in education, climate resilience, and civic participation.

On the other hand, Mr. Fajardo, a recipient of the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award 2024, is a testament to the enduring impact of dedicated service. His lifelong commitment to community development is evident in his diverse initiatives that he shared, ranging from disaster relief to sustainable livelihood programs. Mr. Fajardo’s hands-on approach prioritizes community empowerment, and he has successfully facilitated crucial partnerships between public and private sector organizations to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of community-driven solutions, particularly within farming communities.

Webinar Series 3: Volunteering for Child Rights

To extend the celebration of National Children’s Month, a webinar on Volunteering for Child Rights was held on December 19th, spotlighting the impactful work of the 2024 Search for Outstanding Volunteer (SOV) Awardees – the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, I-SAVED, and Mr. Jorjani Sinsuat. The session emphasized the vital role volunteers play in advocating for child rights and fostering safe, nurturing environments for all children. The webinar garnered significant online traction, achieving nearly 1k views on Facebook.

Having worked with UNICEF’s special project on the Third Country Program for Children during his early years at NEDA, PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe provided valuable insights on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. He discussed key aspects such as the definition of a child, the four general principles of the UNCRC, and the importance of Early Childhood Care and Development.

Dr. Anton Mari Lim, founder of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, shared how the organization provides children in remote, poverty-stricken areas across the Philippines access to education. Inspired by the concept of the yellow school bus, they introduced “yellow boats” to safely transport children to and from school, overcoming geographical challenges.

Established in 2016, I-SAVED made remarkable strides in improving the lives of children in indigenous communities. As shared by its Founder, Mr. John Mauro Manuel, I-SAVED provides essential school supplies, runs a sustainable feeding program, and offers literacy sessions, ensuring that children have access to quality education and essential resources.

Mr. Sinsuat’s notable work includes Project Saguna, which provides vital psychosocial support to children affected by armed conflict.

Webinar Series 4: Voluntourism

On December 20th, the Voluntourism webinar, hosted in partnership with National University (NU) Dasmariñas, attracted over 100 participants on Microsoft Teams and nearly 2k views on Facebook, highlighting the growing interest in responsible and sustainable voluntourism. This collaboration showcased NU Dasmariñas’ dedication to promoting impactful volunteerism. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Gelena Asis-Dimpas, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Tourism – Region 7, who provided an insightful overview of the “State of Voluntourism in the Philippines”; Ms. Jolly Joyce Tibay, OIC-Tourism Officer of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, who shared valuable “Case Studies and Best Practices on Voluntourism” implemented in CARAGA region; and Prof. Richard Philip Gonzalo from the UP Asian Institute of Tourism, who discussed “Managing Voluntourism: Towards Enriching and Responsible Voluntourism in the Philippines.”

Webinar Series 5: Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Volunteering

Committed to advancing environmental volunteerism in the region and recognizing the Philippines’ heightened vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, Caraga State University (CSU) hosted a webinar on Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Volunteering on December 23^rd that was attended by over 200 participants and with 33K views on Facebook. Faculty members from the College of Forestry and Environmental Science (CoFES) at CSU specializing in climate adaptation and environmental issues emphasized the crucial role of volunteerism in building climate resilience during discussions on the following key topics:

• “Weathering the Future: Climate Adaptation Essentials”: Ms. Lizlit Cabag provided a comprehensive overview of the essential principles and strategies for adapting to the impacts of climate change;
• “Adaptation as a Function of Mitigation, Carbon Sink Enhancement Program and Low Carbon Transportation Initiative”: Mr. Vincent N. Cotoron highlighted the interconnectedness of mitigation and adaptation efforts;
• “Research and Extension Efforts of Caraga State University towards Climate Change Adaptation”: Dr. Chime M. Garcia, who is also the Extension Coordinator, showcased the university’s commitment to addressing pressing issues on climate change; and
• “Environmental Volunteering and Response to Climate-induced Disasters”: Ms. Lady Kathleen E. Abecia, a dedicated Student Volunteer with the CSU Caraga Environmental Advocates Society and the CSU NSRC Emergency Response Team, discussed the importance of environmental volunteering in responding to climate-induced disasters.

Webinar Series 6: The Role of Volunteers in Wildlife Conservation and Animal Protection

As the grand finale, on December 26th, Central Mindanao University (CMU) hosted a webinar on the Role of Volunteers in Wildlife Conservation and Animal Protection via Zoom, attracting 1,000 participants and earning an impressive 37.1k views on Facebook.

The webinar’s panel of experts highlighted the crucial role volunteers play in preserving wildlife and protecting animals. Dr. Florfe M. Acma, Director of Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao (CEBREM), delivered a presentation on “Wildlife Conservation and Animal Protection: The Urgent Call for Volunteers and Community Involvement” where she emphasized the critical role of public engagement in safeguarding wildlife. On the other hand, Ms. Lea M. Camangeg, Faculty member from the College of Sciences at Palawan State University (PSU), shared valuable insights on “Wildlife Initiatives of PSU: A Collaborative and Volunteer-Based Effort,” showcasing successful examples of community-driven conservation programs; Mr. Koushik “Venky” Subramanian, Program and Sustainability Manager at Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA), presented “CURMA’s Initiatives and Call to Action,” highlighting the organization’s efforts in marine conservation and the importance of volunteer participation; and Ms. Rheanmarie Dauing, Ecosystem Management Specialist at Olango Island Sanctuary, discussed “Olango Island Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Initiatives and Volunteer Engagement,” providing a case study on successful volunteer programs in a protected area.

The webinar is a collaborative effort brought together by PSU, CURMA, and CEBREM of CMU.

This series of webinars became a powerful catalyst for change, offering a platform to share knowledge, ignite action, and highlight the profound impact of volunteerism in tackling some of the most urgent social and environmental challenges.

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

Links to NVM Webinar videos uploaded by PNVSCA and host HEIs:

Webinar Series 2: Once a Volunteer, Always a Volunteer (OVAV): https://www.facebook.com/PNVSCA/videos/2279703372414120
Webinar Series 3: Volunteering for Child Rights:https://www.facebook.com/PNVSCA/videos/1998860930612126
Webinar Series 4: Voluntourism (hosted by National University Dasmariñas): https://fb.watch/x8qcE4X2mz/
Webinar Series 5: Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Volunteering (hosted by Caraga State University): https://fb.watch/x8qFqWIT4B/
Webinar Series 6: The Role of Volunteers in Wildlife Conservation and Animal Protection (hosted by Central Mindanao University): https://fb.watch/x8pMDpXXVg/

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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.