Baguio City – February 5, 2025

Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) Executive Director, Mr. Donald James D. Gawe, delivered a compelling keynote address to over 350 student leaders and Student Affairs and Services (SAS) practitioners who attended the 16th Interactive Youth Forum (IYF) hosted by the Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services, Inc. (PAPSAS) at the Venus Parkview Hotel. The event, themed “Volunteerism: Passion, Compassion, and Action,” underscored the vital role of youth in driving change through volunteerism.

ED Gawe stated that “the passion of young volunteers fuels their commitment to serve, their compassion drives them to help others, and most importantly, their action transforms good intentions into meaningful change.”

ED Gawe illustrated his message with inspiring stories of outstanding youth volunteers whose initiatives have positively impacted numerous communities. He urged participants to channel their passion and compassion into action, reinforcing the importance of sustained engagement in volunteerism.

Highlighting volunteerism as a powerful tool for sustainable development, ED Gawe pointed out that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes volunteer groups as key stakeholders in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He cited data from the United Nations Volunteers (UNV), revealing that one in three young people globally engage in volunteer work, contributing over $35 billion in volunteer hours annually.

Citing several studies, Director Gawe went on to share the many positive impacts of youth volunteerism, such as helping to expand the mission and reach of the host organization, helping to improve the organization’s image and increase public support, and bringing energy, fresh ideas, and additional resources. Moreover, youth volunteerism allows communities to meet their needs, builds young people’s social capital and citizenship, and hones the youth to become not only as productive citizens but as change agents. Volunteering also supports young people to become active leaders and citizens, helps build intergenerational cooperation and learning, provides an opportunity to meet new friends, expand network and advance one’s career, helps to develop self-confidence, and helps to reduce anxiety and combat depression.

Despite its significant contributions, challenges hinder youth participation in volunteer work, including limited access to information and opportunities, inadequate volunteer management resources, and a lack of capacity-building initiatives. To address these barriers, ED Gawe highlighted PNVSCA’s efforts, such as organizing webinars and forums, featuring youth volunteers on advocacy platforms, and collaborating with various organizations to expand volunteer opportunities. He also emphasized the agency’s annual Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV), which recognizes exceptional youth volunteers nationwide.

ED Gawe lauded PAPSAS for organizing forums like the 16th IYF, emphasizing that higher education institutions can be a strong ally in promoting volunteerism among the youth. He encouraged the SAS practitioners to mainstream volunteerism as a development strategy in the academe by continuing to provide a platform or opportunities for volunteerism for students, integrating volunteerism in SAS programs, projects, and activities, recognizing student volunteers and volunteer organizations, and engaging student volunteers in the implementation of their various initiatives. He expressed that they can always tap PNVSCA should they need guidance or assistance in their volunteering journey.

Closing his message with the famous words of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” ED Gawe challenged the youth to take action, use their passion to drive change, and uphold their role as the nation’s hope for a better future.

The forum also featured distinguished speakers, including Ms. Leah Czarina Guevarra, NSTP Coordinator of Miriam College and Chair of the Philippine Coalition on Volunteerism, Inc., and Ms. Charmaine Mendoza, Director for Community Extension and Outreach Programs of Saint Louis University, Baguio City. They discussed key topics such as the Philippine Standard on Volunteering for Development and student volunteerism. The three-day event included a panel discussion on the SDGs and interactive workshops on strengthening youth volunteer engagement.

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For more information on the article, please contact Ms. Maribel F. Larracochea, Senior Volunteer Service Officer of the Policy, Advocacy and Technical Services Division (PATSD), Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, through email at [email protected] or mobile/viber number: 0921-5796759.

Visit PNVSCA website (www.pnvsca.gov.ph) and PNVSCA Facebook (facebook.com/PNVSCA) for other stories and information on volunteering.