The country needs more volunteers not only for social welfare, but other sectors as well, like education and disaster response.
This was highlighted Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the National Volunteers Month celebration here, with the theme “Volunteerism for Inclusive Development: Empowering Communities, Building a Just and Resilient Future.”
In an interview, Philippine National Volunteer Services Coordinating Agency executive director Donald James Gawe said they would like to align volunteerism with the development priority thrust of the government.
“There are studies that would show we have a high learning poverty. So, we need volunteers to help with literacy –reading, writing. Moreover, since we are a disaster-prone country, we need standby volunteers for response in the different areas to address the effects of disasters,” Gawe said.
He added there is also a need for volunteers to assist or capacitate those looking for jobs or embarking on livelihood activities.
Gawe said they see Iloilo as a strong model for volunteerism and are looking forward for the local government to showcase its best practices during the celebrations.
The Western Visayas Volunteerism Research Consortium, composed of higher education institutions, including the University of San Agustin (USA), West Visayas State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, St. Paul College of Iloilo, and the Central Philippine University, based in this city, helps promote volunteerism as a strategy of development, while the Iloilo Business Club strongly supports the initiative.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the progress of Iloilo City is not because of the local government alone, but through partnerships and collaborations.
“We have lots of programs that we involve our volunteers. And we continue to grow our volunteer network to make sure that whatever projects we have here in Iloilo, it will not only be effective, but we make sure that all our stakeholders are in touch with our projects,” she said in a press conference.
She added volunteerism is “very hard” because volunteers do not have salaries.
However, the city government recognized its volunteers, and they are one in vision for the greater good of the city.
Department of Economy, Planning and Development Undersecretary of the Regional Development Growth Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos said volunteerism is harnessing the private sector, communities and other sectors to be able to contribute to national development.
As part of the celebration, there will be a two-day volunteerism focal point systems summit starting Thursday, where advocates will share their experiences and how to institutionalize volunteerism in their organization.
There will also be a volunteer fair in various parts of the country; an online celebration of the International Volunteer’s Day on Dec.5; a research conference in Cebu; a consultation with upland communities in Kabakalan Negros Occidental; and the awarding of outstanding volunteers in Manila on Dec. 16. (PNA)
