Written by: Raymart V. Maruquez

On 6-7 February 2025, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) conducted a series of consultations and initiated partnerships with key stakeholders in Laguna and Quezon as input for the finalization of its priority thrust for 2025. It engaged existing partners and prospective partners in the higher education subsector and local government units to bolster volunteerism initiatives and forge stronger partnerships.

UPLB: A Hub of Volunteerism

The PNVSCA delegation, led by Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe and Deputy Executive Director Ela Sarmago, conducted simultaneous meetings with officials and key offices of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), a key partner especially in implementing the international component of the National Volunteer Service Program. ED Gawe’s group met with Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr., Vice Chancellor Agham Cuevas and Key Officials handling international partnerships and Gender and Development. Chancellor Camacho emphasized UPLB’s deep commitment to public service as evidenced by its existing volunteer programs such as the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, various extension services, technical assistance to various sectors, effective implementation of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), among others. He also highlighted some successful initiatives of the university like the Dunong Program, a reading comprehension remediation program in partnership with the Department of Education, partnership with various organizations which now totals to 81, among others.

The PNVSCA team noted that the briefing/presentation of the University validates the PNVSCA’s priority thrust of including the HEIs as strategic partners as through their various services they can be effective change movers. PNVSCA proposed entering into Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between PNVSCA and the UPLB to cover possible collaborations along all the functions of the University. At this juncture, Chancellor Camacho expressed the University’s support for the formalization of the partnerships as he is optimistic that the current initiatives of the University along instruction, extension, research and administration can still be enhanced. PNVSCA proposed establishing UPLB as a Volunteerism Local Learning Hub, a training center for partners and a benchmark for neighboring regions. The potential for research collaboration was also explored, with UPLB sharing that they had recently completed a study on public perception of volunteerism. The insightful meeting was capped with a photo opportunity and awarding of token of appreciation.

Meanwhile, the team led by Chief VSO Kenneth Siruelo and Chief Administrative Officer Rudy Carlos visited the UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungod. The meeting focused on the volunteering initiatives of UPLB Pahinungod, with particular emphasis on their recruitment process and the mobilization of volunteers. Mr. Limbay, the Director of UPLB Pahinungod, also proposed the idea of establishing a tripartite partnership with PNVSCA and the local governments in Laguna to create a comprehensive database tracking volunteers engaged in the various programs, projects, and activities of UPLB Pahinungod.

The PNVSCA team also visited the UPLB Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) to gather feedback on the volunteer-assisted project with US Peace Corps Response Volunteer (USPCRV) Russell Edward McMahon, who was lauded for his contributions to enhancing the computing aspect of the undergraduate and graduate courses.  As shared by the volunteer counterpart worker UPLB InStat Director Nancy Tandang, USPCRV McMahon’s work, including seminar-workshops on data visualization, was highly praised by faculty and staff.

Strengthening Volunteerism and Gender Link

The team proceeded to the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) to explore potential collaboration activities particularly on GAD and volunteerism. Dr. Ruby Brion, the Director of GAD Center and Volunteerism Focal Person for the University, provided an update on their GAD and volunteerism initiatives. As a member of RDC IV-A’s Regional GAD Committee (RGADC), she also shared plans for LSPU’s celebration of International Women’s Day and the regional celebration of National Women’s Month (NWM).

During the discussion, both parties thought of organizing a National Summit on Gender and Volunteerism in conjunction with NWM to highlight the need to recognize the link between gender and volunteerism. Due to time constraints, the first national summit will be held in April or May, with hopes that subsequent conferences will align with the March celebration. ED Gawe expressed his hope that RGADC and LSPU will assist PNVSCA in hosting the inaugural national conference.

While at LSPU, each of the PNVSCA team members took time to reflect on his/her learning for the day and how the learning can be used in firming up the office’s priorities for the year. Through the PNVSCA Employees Association, team-building activities were conducted to cap the day.

To get the perspectives of other sectors, the team continued the consultations with local government units and a local university.  

Mainstreaming Volunteerism in Local Governance: San Pablo City A consultation meeting with the City Government of San Pablo was simultaneously held, where PNVSCA representatives outlined their mission and discussed the importance of designating a VFP within the local government unit. City Information Office Senior Staff, Mr. Nickson Dionglay, pledged his support and confirmed the city’s active engagement of volunteers, particularly in events like Coco Festival and disaster relief efforts.

Mainstreaming Volunteerism in Local Governance: Tiaong, Quezon

The PNVSCA team also visited Tiaong, Quezon, for a consultation meeting with the municipal officials. Municipal Administrator Atty. Sergio T. Eulogio expressed his support for PNVSCA’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of volunteerism in creating long-term, sustainable solutions. He shared insights on Supreme Court’s Rules on Unified Legal Aid Service, which mandates pro bono legal aid. Atty. Eulogio recognized the value of institutionalizing volunteerism through local ordinances and pledged to endorse the draft ordinance to the Sangguniang Bayan.

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo

PNVSCA held a meeting with officials from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo (PLSP). Interim University President, Retired Judge Agripino G. Morga, informed the team that he has reviewed the proposed MOA and appointed Ms. Luzviminda Bantian, NSTP Director, as the university’s volunteerism focal person (VFP). The President also shared that the MOA will be presented to the Board of Regents and subsequently to the Sanggunian Panglungsod to obtain the necessary authorization for the City Mayor to enter into the agreement.

The series of visits underscores PNVSCA’s dedication to fostering a culture of volunteerism and building strong collaborative networks across various sectors.

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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.