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21 June 2010 PNVSCA FORGED ALLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENT RETIREES
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the Civil Service Commission Retirees Association, Inc. (CSCRAI) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last 11 June 2010 at the CSC Complex in Quezon City. The signing signals the participation of the CSC retirees to the Bayanihang Bayan Program of the government and establishes working relationship between PNVSCA and CSCRAI to promote wider participation of volunteers and volunteer organizations in the National Volunteer Service Program (NVSP) and enhance exchange and sharing of information, technology, skills and other resources on volunteerism. CSCRAI is the volunteer arm of the CSC retirees formed in the year 2000 with a current membership of 200 where 100 members are retirees from CSC Central Office. It focuses on strengthening relationships between government agencies and communities through volunteerism. Its members are involved in various advocacies such as legal quasi-judicial services, human resource development, public sector unionism, support to the Philippine National Red Cross. The alliance through the Bayanihang Bayan Program which is being coordinated by the PNVSCA will bolster government employee volunteerism specially the retirees from the government
4 June 2010 KOV and JOCV TAKES IN NEW VOLUNTEERS THIS MAY PNVSCA in partnership with Korea Overseas Volunteers (KOV) and the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) recently held the traditional Turn-Over Ceremony at the PNVSCA office last 4 and 14 May 2010, respectively. The activity is the culmination of program cooperation between the PNVSCA, KOV and JOCV which started from the identification of projects for volunteers support, volunteer recruitment and training and deployment. The ceremony is a symbolic gesture of forging commitments from the recipient agencies and the continuing efforts of PNVSCA to highlights the importance of volunteer management among the host organizations.
JOCV Batch 144 is composed of 12 volunteers in the field of rural community development, one in automotive maintenance, early childhood education, china ware pottery, animal husbandry, youth development, design and Japanese language The volunteers will be posted to the following local partner organizations : Bicol University Legaspi City, DepEd – Tagbilaran City, LGU-Baybay, Leyte, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte and Babatngon, Leyte, Provincial Government of Bohol, Banate Bay Resource Mgt. Council, Inc., Banate, Iloilo, Ifugao State College of Agriculture and Forestry, Lamut Ifugao, Central Visayas State College of Agriculture, Tagbilaran City, Socio Pastoral Action Center Foundation Inc., Camabugan, Daet, Adamson University, Manila and Tacloban City Cooperative- Cancabato Inc., San Jose, Tacloban City.
12 May 2010 2010 VOLUNTEER SHARING SESSION HELD IN CEBU AND TAGAYTAY
PNVSCA held the annual Volunteer Sharing Session last 24-26 March 2010 at El Salvador Resort, Danao City, Cebu for all the Visayas and Mindanao volunteers and in Hotel Kimberly, Tagaytay City last 21-23 April 2010 for all Luzon-based volunteers The event is the Agency’s way of providing volunteers a venue for sharing their experiences, develop cultural exchange, build network and strengthen coordination among their peers, the Agency and foreign and local volunteer organizations. A total of 82 local and foreign volunteers joined the sessions. This year’s gathering centered on the discussion of Republic Act 9418 otherwise known as the “Volunteer Act of 2007”. The volunteers discussed their roles in achieving the goals of RA 9418, reforms to strengthen the voluntary sector in the Philippines and measures to deepen the meaning of volunteerism as a development strategy. The participants also had sectoral and geographical /regional workshops to determine what are their contributions to the sector and how they could further assist and support the sector; ways to collaborate with each other and contribute to the National Volunteer Month (NVM) and (IVD) celebration.The volunteers major contributions to the sector clustered on the upgrading of the information system and computer literacy, livelihood and resource generation, technology and skills transfer, education curriculum development.To improve the volunteers collaboration, the participants suggested the use of Facebook for social networking and to link with each in addition to the idea of a regular meeting of volunteers The participants conveyed their support to the NVM/IVD celebration by organizing events such as forum, seminar, concerts, etc, and to generate media attention to raise awareness on the celebration and encourage more volunteers to join the celebration. 14 April 2010 DOH GETS TB PROGRAM BOOST FROM KOICA-KOV
The Project will place 30 Korea Overseas Volunteers (KOV) for two-year assignment across the country’s 14 Center For Health Development (CHD) in Regions I, II, III, IV, V, VI VII, VIII, X,XI, CAR and CARAGA including one KOV based at the National TB Reference Laboratory of the Department of Health. In his speech, KOICA Resident Representative Kim Jinoh said that “By the time the project is completed, we aim to meet the international standards of proficiency testing, and that all laboratories across all regions shall become 100% Quality Assured TB Laboratories. Early and accurate detection is an important component of our fight against TB. Through this project, we hope that the Philippines could finally overcome the scourge of TB”. The KOICA official added that this is not the first time that KOICA has partnered with the RITM. “Previously, we supported the establishment of the New Biologicals and Vaccine Production Plant by providing equipment, conducting trainings for RITM staff and dispatching experts from Korea to serve as consultants,”. He added that the new project “is a sign of KOICA’s continuing commitment to equip the RITM with the latest technologies and techniques to improve the health and well-being of Filipinos across the country.” The signing of the MOA was held at the Research Institute For Tropical Medicine in Filinvest Corp City, Alabang, Muntinlupa last March 26, 2010 attended by the parties representing the WHO, DOH, KOICA and the PNVSCA. 25 January 2010 NATIONAL FORUM ON VOLUNTEERISM SET
The National Forum aims to concretize the intent of the recently enacted Republic Act 9418 otherwise known as the “Volunteer Act of 2007” – An Act Institutionalizing Strategy for Rural Development, Strengthening Volunteerism and For Other Purposes. RA 9418 provides the legislative framework to harness and harmonize the broad and diverse efforts of the voluntary sector in the country into an integrative and effective partnership for local and national development as well as international cooperation and understanding. Hon. Arrel R. Olaño, the Committee Chair and principal author of the bill on volunteerism is the key sponsor and host of the National Forum. He seizes the opportunity to make it an appropriate occasion to launch the law on volunteerism as his legacy to the country and to propel the various sector to move forward a common development agenda in the spirit of volunteerism. Various representatives from the academe, national government agencies, local government units, foreign volunteer organizations, non-government organizations, corporate foundations and entities and individual volunteers are invited to the event. The Forum will present the proposed Roadmap/Strategic Action Plan for the Voluntary Sector to a wider audience of stakeholders using volunteerism as a development strategy. It will also provide an opportunity for participating volunteer organizations to identify entry points for bilateral or strategic institutional collaboration among themselves, as well as measures to sustain such collaborations. The outputs of the series of sectoral Focus Group Discussions done last year as preparatory to the forum will be presented for final validation and affirmation by the participants. The forum will culminate in the signing of a declaration of commitment in the form of a Covenant, to affirm their commitment and support to the plan of action. The last part of the event is the Special Congressional Recognition to the Outstanding Volunteers in 2009 who served as models and inspiration to our countrymen for their heroism and selflessness, one of which is Efren Peñaflorida, the CNN Hero of the Year Awardee. The congressional award will be conferred by the Committee on Rural Development led by Congressman Olaño.
2009 NATIONAL OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED IN MALACAÑANG Volunteerism is one of our country’s greatest resource and stands as one of the important social values that can contribute to achieving both local, regional and national development. Volunteerism as a mode of civic engagement is an example how ordinary people can contribute to achieve extraordinary changes in society . Volunteers are the silent heroes that works in quiet oblivion and deserved to be honored and recognized. This year, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo presented the 2009 National Outstanding Volunteer Awards to nine (9) individuals and eight (8) organizations in a memorable awarding ceremony at Malacanang last December 10. The awarding rites served as the highlight of the National Volunteer Month (NVM) which is celebrated every December. As a way of recognition, the government through the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the National Volunteer Month Steering Committee (NVMSC) conducts the annual Search For Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) which brings to public attention exemplary volunteer works and best practices in volunteerism around the country. The 2009 SOV crop of awardees include two retirees who show the world that volunteerism cuts across the limits of age. They are Mrs. Marita G. Bumatay, a 71-year old volunteer teacher in the Muslim communities in Cavite and Celestino F. Desamito, a 69-year old retired colonel of the Philippine Army who helps the local government of Koronadal City, North Cotabato in the development of land use and solid waste management plans and other local governance initiatives. They are joined by three (3) organizations that demonstrated organized volunteering as a collective modality for social change - the Tuklasan at Ugnayan ng Kultura, Lahi at Sining ng mga Katutubo (Tuklas Katutubo) that advocates the preservation of indigenous culture; Mag-uugmad Foundation whose innovative farming technologies assist marginalized farmers in Cebu, and Philex Mining Corporation of Baguio City that has established its volunteering niche in search and rescue operations as part of its corporate social responsibility. Dr. Ledevina V. Cariño of the University of the Philippines (UP) also received the posthumous Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA) for her pioneering work in the establishment and management of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, UP’s volunteer program while the Voluntary Service Overseas- Philippines (VSOP), a foreign volunteer organization and partner of PNVSCA received the Special Citation in International Volunteerism. VSOP started sending foreign volunteers in the Philippines in 1968 and will complete its assistance in the country in March 2010. A significant element of this year’s recognition rites is the presentation of Special Commendations to volunteers who represent the countless and nameless individuals and groups who selflessly offered time, energies, resources including their lives during the onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. Among those cited were Muelmar Magallanes who saved 30 people in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, Pfc. Venancio Ancheta, Jr. and Cpl. Adriano Regua of the Philippine Army who saved flood victims in Famy and Mabitac, Laguna and Sr. Fire Officer II Richard T. Balusdan, Sr., Sr. Fire Officer II Siegfred B. Ngolovan and Bgy. Kagawad Rex Mang-oy who saved lives of victims of landslides in Bgy. Buyagan, La Trinidad, Benguet. All of them perished in the course of their heroic acts. The ABS-CBN Sagip-Kapamilya, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Oplan Sagip Bayan and the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) also received distinctions for their leadership in mobilizing volunteers that provided vital support and assistance in the rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts during and after the disaster. PNRC Board Chair and Senator Richard J. Gordon received the award for PNRC. Assisting the President in presenting the awards were 2009 NVM Honorary Chair Mr. Ricky Reyes, Acting Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning and NEDA Director-General Augusto B. Santos and PNVSCA Executive Director Joselito C. de Vera. Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) 26 November 20092008 SOV AWARDEE TOPS CNN 2009 HERO OF THE YEAR AWARD
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A Lifetime of Volunteering: Mrs. Amelia Juico-Gordon
“She is the Number One Volunteer”, recalled Senator Richard J. Gordon to Director Joselito C. de Vera, when the latter visited the wake of Mrs. Gordon in Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City. As Mrs. Gordon’s son, it is no surprise that Senator Gordon, who himself is known as Mr. Volunteer, has exemplified the same passion for volunteerism and public service. Mrs. Gordon’s contributions to the upliftment of the lives of people and communities through her volunteer works has been recognized by the P Mrs. Gordon was the wife of the late James Gordon who was considered the father of Olongapo City. When Mayor Gordon was assassinated in 1967, Mrs. Gordon was thrown into full-time public service. As city mayor, she completed the first Master Plan for the city through the Olongapo Land Development and Urban Planning Authority - an interdisciplinary planning group of resident professionals and government officials. After her term as mayor ended in 1971, she served as Assemblywoman in the Batasang Pambansa. She sponsored a congressional act that enabled the proceeds from the sales of titled land within Olongapo to be retained in the city treasury as the community’s development fund. She built new settlements and extended the city’s public service to the residents of formerly underserved communities. She also founded the Iba-Olongapo Catholic Women’s League, the Olongapo Red Cross and the Olongapo Civic Action Group. One of Mrs. Gordon’s life-long commitment is the welfare of children especially those who are orphaned and abandoned. She has been a mother to countless unwanted young people, legally adopting around 60 children raising them as her own. Their home became a nursery. Together with her husband, they set up the Boys’ Town and Girls’ Home for orphaned children of Filipino-American parents. Today, these children have grown to be responsible successful adults. PNVSCA and the volunteer community in the Philippines extend its sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Gordon. She was an extraordinary mother, a great leader and the number one volunteer. |
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15 October 2009
A series of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the voluntary sector on the RA 9418 will be conducted by PNVSCA, in partnership with the Committee on Rural Development of the House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines, starting October 19, 2009. This is in preparation to the National Forum on Volunteerism as a Development Strategy: Towards the Formulation of a Roadmap or Strategic Action Plan for the Voluntary Sector to be held on December 2, 2009.
The FGD is intended to discuss and flesh out issues and recommendations in the form of sub-sectoral volunteer plans, programs and project activities critical to the achievement of development goals and objectives for the voluntary sector.
There will be six (6) separate and dedicated FGD sessions (1:30 p.m.) to be convened on invitation to volunteer stakeholders on the following dates and venue:
October 19 (Monday) – with the academe sector at Congress
October 27 (Tuesday) – with the NGAs and LGUs at Congress
October 28 (Wednesday) – with the corporate sector at Congress
November 4 (Wednesday) – with Not-for-Profit organizations/NGOs at PNVSCA
November 10 (Tuesday) – with local volunteers at PNVSCA
The FGD sessions will revolve around pre-defined questions as follows:
a) Reforms in the voluntary sector
Based on your understanding of the provisions of RA 9418, what do you perceive as the top reforms in the voluntary sector?
b) Challenges and opportunities
Based on your identified reforms in the voluntary sector, what do you perceive as the challenges and opportunities for the stakeholders, including your organization?
c) Role of the voluntary sector/volunteer organization
How do you define the role of the voluntary sector in development? Of your organization? Of the other stakeholders in the sector?
d) Inputs to the Strategic Action Plan
Based on your appreciation of the reforms, challenges and opportunities in the voluntary sector, what specific programs or projects and activities will you propose to be undertaken in the next 3 to 6 years?
e) Suggestions to strengthen the voluntary sector
What measures do you suggest to further strengthen the voluntary sector?
f) Suggestions to further deepen volunteerism as a development strategy
What measures do you suggest to further deepen volunteerism as a development strategy?
KENYAN MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS OFICIALS VISIT PNVSCA.
Officials from the Kenyan Ministry of Youth and Sports held a study tour in RP to learn from the Philippine experience to build their knowledge in running a government led volunteer and youth service program. The government of Kenya hopes to set up a National Volunteering scheme that will strengthen volunteerism and contribute to community development, understanding between communities and promoting peaceful environment. The ten (10) delegates visited PNVSCA office last 23 September 2009 to learn about the country’s national volunteer service program and how the PNVSCA implements its programs and coordination with its various stakeholders.
PNVSCA presented to the group the Agency’s profile, mandates and its various local and international programs and the newly enacted law on volunteerism- RA 9418, the government’s framework on the national volunteering. The Open Forum drew the groups inquiry on policies, roles, mandates and the participation of various volunteer groups in the overall coordination function of the Agency.
Hosted by VSO Bahaginan, the study tour was conducted last September 19-28, 2009. The group was accompanied by Annet Mpabulungi- Wakabi, UNV Country Coordinator in Nairobi, Kenya and two (2) VSO- Kenya staffmembers. The group visited selected projects of the PNVSCA’s Volunteer For Information and Development Assistance (VIDA) Program in Iligan last 25-26 September to have a more concrete understanding and ground-level experience on how the VIDA program is implemented in the community.
The study-tour is part of VSO Bahaginan’s continuning advocacy to promote national volunteering as a strategy for participatory development. It support organizations with the capacity to set up and manage their own volunteer programs as a tool for alleviating poverty and disadvantage.
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7 October 2009
UP-MANILA UGNAYAN NG PAHINUNGOD CELEBRATES 16TH YEAR OF INCEPTION
Director Joselito C. de Vera of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) graced the 16th Inception Anniversary celebration of the UP Manila – Ugnayan ng Pahinungod.
In his message delivered during a simple ceremony held at the Social Hall of UP Manila last 18 September 2009, Director De Vera, touches on the challenges and opportunities presented to the academic communities given the newly enacted law on volunteerism – the Republic Act No. 9418: An Act Institutionalizing a Strategy For Development, Strengthening Volunteerism and For Other Purposes. He stressed the importance of the law on the more dynamic role of the academe in the promotion, inculcation and implementation volunteerism among the students, faculties and staff members of educational institutions across the country.
He congratulated UP Manila Ugnayan ng Pahinungod and cited for its exemplary modeling in the academic circle on how volunteerism could make a difference in the lives of students, faculties and staff and the communities it serve under its various programs namely: Educational Assistance Program (Gurong Pahinungod), Teachers Development Program, Tutorial Services Program, Health Missions Program, Health Training Program, Emergency Room Volunteers Program, Summer Immersion Service Program and Program For Street Children
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Pahinungod is a Cebuano term that denotes offering of one self to a higher cause. Ugnayan ng Pahinungod as an idea, began in September 1983 when the UP System was under Dr. Emil Q. Javier. Its creation was partly a response to the findings of a university-sponsored Knowledge, Attitude and Value Study which created a disturbing perception that UP has lost its soul. But its deeper reason is the belief that UP is more than just a learning institution but has social and moral responsibility to get involved in the life of the nation through the willing service of its faculty, students, alumni, employees as well as its units and organizations they represent in areas of greatest need. UP-UP was formally established in February 28, 1994. It is existing in the autonomous campuses of Manila, Baguio, Los Banos Visayas and Mindanao.
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6 October 2009
22 YOUNG VOLUNTEERS POSTED UNDER DED NEW PROGRAM SCHEME
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) inducted a group of 22 young German volunteers from Weltwaerts Volunteer Service into the various volunteer programs of the Philippines and the key role of the PNVSCA in its implementation. Held last 16 September 2009 in Tanghay View Lodge Resort in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the institutional orientation is an integrated part of the preparations of the volunteers for their six (6) months stint in various projects clustered in Samar, Bohol and Leyte.
The volunteer service Weltwaerts which literally means “Go For The World” sends young people ages 18 to 28 to social projects in developing countries for voluntary work. Volunteers support the organisations onsite while increasing their own intercultural skills; this leads to the promotion of educational work in the field of development policy and a better understanding of the nations of the world back in Germany. Guided by the motto: Learning By Serving, the program aims to strengthen global learning and intercultural understanding. Welwaerts recruits are from young people with non-academic background and within lower income group. Their tour of duty runs from 6 months to 2 years
DED is the Technical Secretariat of the Weltwaerts and provides advises and supports to sending organizations from Germany coming from NGOs and GOs alike. As of 2008, the program has assisted 1,038 projects around the world in the field of education, health, agriculture, emergency, environment, water, human rights, democratization, youth and sports.
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6 October 2009
Nation Observes 20th National Statistics Month
The 20th observance of the National Statistics Month (NSM) starts today, October 1, 2009, with a simple ceremony to be held at 8:30a.m. at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The annual statistical event is spearheaded by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) with the Department of National Defense (DND) as host, focusing on the security sector with the theme “Enhancing Security Sector Statistics for Good Governance, Peace and Sustainable Development” or “Pagpapahusay ng Estadistika sa Sektor Panseguridad para sa Mabuting Pamamahala, Kapayapaan at Maipagpatuloy na Pagpapaunlad”.
DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro will be the keynote speaker during the event while NSCB Secretary General Romulo A. Virola will deliver the welcome remarks. Highlights of the program include presentations on security sector statistics by the DND; measuring peace in the community by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), and the launching of the NSCB Interagency Committee on Security Sectors Statistics (IAC-SSS). The IAC-SSS will be a forum on how to improve security sector statistics in the country, including a disaster management information system that can prepare us better to cope with the devastation caused by natural disasters like typhoon “Ondoy”.
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1 October 2009
SECRETARY RECTO BIDS FAREWELL TO NEDANS
In a simple despedida party, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Ralph Recto bids farewell to all NEDAns and its attached agencies. Held last 14 August 2009, the event marked the last day of Recto as Socio-Economic Planning Secretary.
Secretary Recto arrived with his wife, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto and their son Ryan much to the delight of the waiting NEDAns who welcomed the family with cheers and admiration.
In his speech, Secretary Recto clarified that his early resignation has nothing to do with his disagreement with some policy issues on oil prices. He voluntarily tendered his resignation because of his conviction that NEDA should be managed on a full time basis by someone who has no elective position in mind. He felt that his continued stay in NEDA will deprived the office of his full time commitment as he could no longer effectively dispense his duties given his intention to run again for 2010 elections. He emphasized that while others take advantage of their position to prepare themselves for election, he is depriving himself of the “soap box” and the “bullhorn” that his office will give him – an advantage he is not willing to take. He lauded the NEDA staff for their professionalism and excellence in the conduct of their work and expressed amazement on their skills in crunching numbers and incisive analysis.
Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, took the opportunity to acknowledge Recto’s support to her as an adviser in her being a governor and expressed pride in her husband’s readiness to be of assistance to all people. She said that her husband will always be supportive of NEDA.
As a token of appreciation and endearment to the charismatic DG, NEDANs filled the events with different presentations with songs, dances, poetry, singing and drinking.
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27 August 2009
PNVSCA HITS THE AM BAND
by Efren A. Antiporda
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) guested in one of the popular afternoon radio program of Christian Era Broadcasting Service aired over DZEM to announce the annual Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV). PNVSCA represented by Mr. Kenneth Siruelo and Efren Antiporda explained the mechanics of the search and detailed the requirements for participating in the annual event. Mr. Siruelo underscored that the award is a gesture of the government to recognize volunteers achievements and accomplishments in society and promote the value of volunteerism across all sectors to effect social and economic transformation.
The generous program hosts Ms. Julie Fernando and Mr. Marvin Perfecto shared the airtime with PNVSCA in cooperation and in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), one of the members of National Volunteer Month Steering Committee and member of the National Search Committee for the SOV. The SOV has been running for almost ten years now since 2001 and has conferred awards to 65 outstanding individual and organizations from the non-profit, academe, corporate and the government sector.
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6 August 2009
On July 2, 2009, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General (DG) Ralph G. Recto took time to visit the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), one of the NEDA attached agencies based in Quezon City
PNVSCA presented to DG Recto PNVSCA’s mandate, its various programs and the role of volunteerism in national development. During the presentation, DG Recto queried on the agency’s program partners and the degree of support extended by NEDA and its regional offices. The DG’s attention was particularly caught by the recognition we confer to Filipino volunteers through the Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV), an activity aimed to highlight and recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in building strong communities across the country through volunteerism.
The DG despite his busy schedule made it a point to be in-touch with NEDA attached agencies. The visit revealed the charismatic appeal and the very warm personality of the DG which wowed most PNVSCA staff. PNVSCA Executive Director Joselito C. de Vera initiated the getting to know you by introducing DG Recto to the agency’s staff. The staff also got the opportunity to introduce themselves which further liven up the event as some staff are self-confessed Ate Vi fan (Batangas Governor Vilma Santos).
To commemorate the visit, the DG signed a copy of the PNVSCA Vision, Mission and Value Statement for posterity. The occasion affirmed the support and commitment of NEDA to its attached agencies and is a great morale boost to us all.
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21 July 2009
KOICA Push ICT and SPED Development in DepEd
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) forged a tripartite agreement last June 10, 2009 on the project “Enhancing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Special Education (SPED)” in selected elementary schools and centers of DepEd.
The project involves the deployment of Korea Overseas Volunteers (KOVs) in elementary schools for a period of five (5) years from 2009-2014 to provide technical assistance in enhancing curriculum content, capacitate teachers and establish ICT infrastructure and application systems. The ICT Projects cover CAR, Regions IV-B, V and VI while the SPED Projects will be piloted in the DepEd Regional SPED Centers located in Regions V to VIII and the CAR.
Signatories to the MOA are Hon. Vilma L. Labrador, DepEd Undersecretary for Programs and Projects, Mr. Kim In, KOICA Resident Representative and PNVSCA Director Joselito C. De Vera.
KOICA has intensified its technical cooperation assistance to the country by adopting a more programmatic approach and team-volunteering strategy in its deployment scheme. It has generated greater local partner participation through its purposive advocacy meeting in strategic regions in the country based on the development priorities of the country since its inception in 1990.
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24 June 2009
Joint JICA-PNVSCA Advocacy Meeting held in Daet
The Japan International Cooperation Agency-Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JICA-JOCV) and the PNVSCA conducted a joint Advocacy Meeting last 20 May 2009. The event was hosted by the Diocese of Daet, Socio Pastoral Action Center Foundation, Inc. in Camambugan, Daet, Camarines Norte. It was attended by 60 participants from various organizations in the region.
The activity aimed to create public awareness on the various volunteer programs and activities implemented and coordinated by PNVSCA and the JICA/JOCV. Likewise, this was envisioned as a convergence of various stakeholders in the region to promote volunteerism in local and national development and an avenue for the sharing of information on programs and activities on volunteerism.
Ms. Irene Volante representing PNVSCA Director Joselito C de Vera welcomed the participants. Mr. Masafumi Nagaishi, JICA Representative gave the closing remarks acknowledging the participation of various organizations and thanking the Diocese for co-hosting the activity.
Mr. Masaki Kinemuchi of JICA presented the JOCV Program including the recruitment cycle of the JOCV and the process of requesting for volunteers. PNVSCA presented the National Volunteer Service Program including the RA 9418 and the Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV). A one-on-one presentation with LGU Daet on the Bayanihang Program was also conducted by Ms. Volante after the meeting.
The Advocacy Meeting was able to generate more requests beyond the expectations of JICA. Some of the skills areas proposed by the participants include removal of Mercury tailing in gold mines in the region, prevention and control of sea weed pests and weather forecasting for effective crop management. A project visit was conducted by JICA to some potential local partner organizations after the session.
Mr. Nagaishi is eyeing to conduct another advocacy meeting in the region due to the generous response shown by the various organizations on the volunteer program.
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15 June 2009
KOICA, NRO, and the PNVSCA Agreement Inked
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and NEDA Regional Offices VIII and XIII forged a Tripartite Agreement last May 4, 2009 on the Setting – Up of Volunteer Database and Information System (VDIS) and Volunteer Placements for Small – Scale Rural Development Project in selected NEDA Regional Offices (NROs).
The project aims to learn, understand, and assess volunteer placement opportunities in the provincial and municipal levels; develop and improve Volunteer Database and Information System (VDIS) of the concerned NROs which will include database on volunteer assistance and identify potential KOV and other foreign volunteer placements in rural development projects such as agriculture, information communication technology, education, public health in target provinces and municipalities.
Signatories to the MOA are Mr. Kim In, KOICA Resident Representative, Director Buenaventura C. Go-Soco of NEDA Regional Office VIII, Director Carmencita Cochingco of NRO XIII and Director Joselito C. De Vera of the PNVSCA.
KOICA started deploying volunteers in the Philippines in 1990 and focuses its development cooperation activities in supporting the human resources development and providing material and physical support necessary to reduce poverty and achive sustainable development of partner countries.
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15 June 2009
Auditors from the KOICA Headquarters were in the Philippines last April 18-22, 2009 to audit and oversee the existing KOICA projects in the country. They are Mr. Young Bang Yoo, Auditor and Ms. Yeung Mi Choi, Assistant Auditor. The visit is an annual activity being conducted by KOICA.
Mr. Yoo and Ms. Bomin Kim, KOICA Deputy Resident Representative, together with Administrative Officer of KOICA Philippines Mr. Young-il Jang and KOV Program Officer Mr. Francis Afable met with Executive Director Joselito C. de Vera and some of PNVSCA staff last 21 April. Mr. Yoo pointed out that the visit aimed to monitor KOICA ODA projects in the Philippines and to monitor KOV volunteers, see how the volunteers are working and get idea on how to develop more projects in the future. He expressed appreciation about the close cooperation between South Korea and the Philippines and hope that this cooperation will continue in the future.
The group visited the PNVSCA Volunteer Knowledge and Resource Center (VKRC) which was initially set-up through the financial grant given by KOICA.
The meeting was also attended by KOV volunteers Hye Min Kang (KC) and Young Ju Kim (Aira) who are presently assisting PNVSCA’s database and website development.
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30 April 2009
BAYANIHANG BAYAN PROGRAM PLANNING AND SHARING SESSION
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), in cooperation with the Bayanihang
Bayan (BB) Program partner agencies organized the 2009 BB Planning and Sharing Session held on 19-20 February at Ciudad Cristia Resort, San Mateo, Rizal. The activity aimed to strengthen the camaraderie and partnerships among program partners and to exchange information on the best practices in their respective agencies. A common plan of action to strengthen the BB Program implementation and coordination was drawn by the participants.
BB Desk Officers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Departmenr of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Parole and Probation Administration (PPA), participated in the workshop. Other participants came from Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), City Governments of Marikina, Quezon City and Manila, and NGO representatives from the Philippine Association For Volunteer Effort (PAVE), Hands On Manila (HOM), and CSC Retirees Association (CSCRA). The sessions focused on topics on Volunteerism as a Strategy for Development and Challenges and Opportunities in Bayanihang Bayan Program. The second day culminated in the formulation of an Action Plan. The session outputs highlighted the need to strengthen the BB Program through advocacy, common guidelines and training of BB Desk Officers. The participants also saw the BB Program as a strategy to address global crisis by engaging volunteers in income generating programs and projects and generation of livelihood opportunities and provisions of psycho-social interventions to enable the people to cope with challenges.
Bayanihang Bayan is a volunteer program for government service which was created by Memorandum Order No. 45 in December 7, 2001 to give private individuals and organizations to render volunteer service to the programs and projects of the government.
Youth Empowerment Series rated a success
Last week the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme reached out to young Filipino leaders in Vigan City.
The second Youth Empowerment Series for the Millennium Development Goals (YES4MDGs) was conducted on 12-13 February in collaboration with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), the United Nations Associations of the Philippines, and the University of Northern Philippines.
"This activity highlights the dynamic partnership among the UN agencies, government, academe, and non-government organizations toward stronger multi-sectoral collaboration in development efforts," says Joselito de Vera, Executive Director of PNVSCA.
Over 40 leaders from five universities participated in the two-day programme covering a range of topics including:
An introduction to the Millennium Development Goals
A report on HIV infection and prevention among young Filipinos
Workshops on integrating grassroots volunteer activities to help those in need
For many of the students, it provided a wealth of new information. “This training makes me realize the reality of our society,” says Emed Ferrer, the president of the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College student council. “This is truly the most unforgettable training I’ve attended in my entire college life.”
The Youth Empowerment Series are designed to strengthening leadership skills and networks, promote awareness of effective HIV/AIDS prevention and provide essential information on volunteering and active involvement in development.
“Motivating others to act, utilizing existing resources, and making change towards betterment can be achieved by quality leadership and volunteerism,” says Precious Angelique (17) from St. Paul University Philippines. “The vision of the youth, accompanied by their passion to serve, for the mission of leaving a legacy of better life, hope, and love will burn in our hearts forever.”
The Philippine Normal University in Cadiz City will host the next YES 4 MDGs on February 27-28, 2009.
KOICA President Paid Visit to KOV-Assisted Dairy Project
Three Korean Overseas Volunteers (KOVs) - Ms. Songi Gwon (or Olivia for those having difficulty with her Korean name), Ms. Ho Ah Lee (Serena), and Mr. Chan Ho Park (Peter) were eagerly awaiting the visit of no less than the KOICA President, Mr. Daewon Park to the Gen. Trias Dairy Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative. These KOVs have been assisting the cooperative in planning its activities, in coaching the members in milk quality testing, in the conduct of yoghurt sensory test and in the packaging of milk products.
Dr. Arnel Del Barrio, the Center Director of Philippine Carabao Center – UP Los Banos brie
fed the visiting delegation on the objectives and coverage of the KOICA-assisted project on “Improving Village Level Milk Production, Collection and Processing.” The project is also being supported by the Municipal Government of Gen. Trias, DTI and PCARRD/DOST. Dr. Del Barrio also informed the group that currently, the member-farmers being the main providers of carabao milk are still using hand milking and double boiler pasteurizer and through the assistance of the project cooperators, they hope to acquire milking machines, batch pasteurizer and soft ice cream maker to improve the milking system and for possible project expansion. The cooperative’s office also serves as the processing center and distributor of carabao dairy products in the area such as choco-milk, white cheese, pastilles, yoghurt, among others. One of the KOVs, Olivia even demonstrated to the group how to make yoghurt.
The next stop for the delegation was the farm at Barangay Navarro where most of the cooperative members reside. The Municipality of Gen. Trias and Barangay Navarro prepared a short program as the visit coincided with the celebration of the 1st Dairy Buffalo Festival. Approximately 100 crossbred buffalos were brought by the cooperative members to the site for the activity. In his message, the KOICA President said that he recognized the good cooperation between KOICA, the PCC, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the Local Government Units. President Park affirmed KOICA’s support for the proposed expansion of the program to the other regions. The Municipal Mayor Luis Ferrer acknowledged the important role of and expressed his gratitude to the project in assisting the dairy farmers as well as the overall economic development of the local dairy industry.
A simple awarding
ceremony capped the visit. The LGU, PCC and KOICA awarded four (4) Dairy Buffalo to deserving farmers, in addition to the conferment of recognition for Best Purebred Buffalo, Best Crossbred Buffalo and the Best Philippine Carabao. In gratitude, Mayor Ferrer presented certificates of appreciation to KOICA and the Hangkyong National University (HNU) for their support in the development of the dairy industry in General Trias.
The KOICA President’s visit was organized by KOICA-Philippines in partnership with PCC, the UPLB, the Municipality of Gen. Trias and Barangay Navarro and the PNVSCA to provide opportunity for the KOICA President as well as the HNU officials to be exposed in community based KOV assisted projects.
The signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9418 on February 5, 2009 paved the way towards a stronger collaboration between the government and the private volunteer sector, particularly with the academe, corporate sector, the not-for –profit organizations and as the foreign volunteer community. The IRR provides the blueprint for an effective coordination and collaboration scheme in the implementation of their volunteer programs and projects to complement government priority development concerns. The IRR is a reason to rejoice for all volunteers and volunteer organizations who have been clamoring for the passage of a law that gives protection and due recognition to the contributions of volunteers in society.
The RA 9418 an “Act Institutionalizing Strategy for Rural Development, Strengthening Volunteerism And For Other Purposes”, otherwise known as the “Volunteer Act of 2007” provides the policy and institutional framework for integrating and harmonizing the various volunteering efforts in the country.
The signatories to the historic document are the members of the Multi-Sectoral Advisory Body MSAB led by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA). The MSAB is the policy advisory body of the PNVSCA. At present, the MSAB is composed of government and private sector representatives, as follows: the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Immigration (BI)/DOJ, Department of Education (DepEd), Presidential Management Staff (PMS), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).
NEDA Director Cleofe S. Pastrana delivered the message of Socio economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Ralph G. Recto who acknowledges the support of the various volunteer organizations in the passage of RA 9418. His message outlines the opportunities the law provides to strengthen the civil society participation in governance.
The House Committee on Rural Development was represented by its Acting Committee Secretary Ms. Dianne Manaligod. She conveyed the message of the Honorable Representative Arrel R. Olaño, who sponsored and authored RA No. 9418, stressing the importance given by both Houses of Congress in passing the law. His message concludes that through volunteerism much can be achieved in advancing rural development. A copy of the signed IRR was handed over by PNVSCA Executive Director Joselito C. de Vera to Ms. Manaligod.
KOV Batch 38 posted 8 volunteers in the field of mathematics, geographical information system, food processing, pathology, Korean language and agriculture in the following local partners organizations: Tuguegarao West Central School, Tuguegarao City, Southern Luzon State University, Lucban Quezon, Santa Monica Elementary School, Sta. Monica, Palawan, Mindoro State Colege of Agriculture and Technology, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, National Tubeculosis Reference Laboratory, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Korea-Philippines Vocational Training Center, Davao City, TESDA Taguig City, Provincial Government of Bukidnon, Malaybalay, Bukidnon. 
The Committee on Rural Development, House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) will hold the 1st National Forum on Volunteerism as a Strategy for Development on 27 January 2010 at the Conference Rooms 14 & 15, Mitra Building, House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines. 
Volunteerism works! It transforms society and make heroes of ordinary individual who believes that change should come from within. “Each person has a hidden hero within. You just have to look inside you and search in your heart and be the hero to the next one in need.” – words of Mr. Efren Peñaflorida, the CNN 2009 Hero of the Year Awardee. The CNN accolade came right after Efren was honored and conferred by the Philippine Government through the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency as a National Outstanding Volunteer Awardee – Youth in its 2008 Search For Outstanding Volunteer.
A group of 38 delegates from the 36th batch of the Ship For Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) coming from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Lao PDR, and the Philippines visited the PNVSCA office last 13 November 2009.
hilippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the National Volunteer Month Steering Committee (NVMSC) by honoring her with the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA) in December 2005. The VLAA is the highest recognition given to an individual or an organization with significant contributions to and serving as role model in the promotion of volunteerism for development.