The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in partnership with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) successfully hosted the International Volunteer Day Celebration for Region V on December 5, 2024, at Pili campus, Camarines Sur. With the theme “Igniting Volunteer-led Innovation for Deep Economic and Social Transformation: Bolunterismo Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas”, the event brought together volunteers and leaders to celebrate and reflect on the importance of service in building stronger communities.
This activity supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by fostering collaboration and strengthening volunteer-driven efforts toward regional development.
The event was participated in by student leaders and volunteers from CBSUA campuses in Pili, Pasacao, Calabanga, and Sipocot, as well as representatives from Two Silver Coins, the CBSUA Disaster Response and Recovery Operation Unit (DRROU), Red Cross Pili, and the Gryphon Volunteers. These groups showcased their dedication to making a positive impact in the region through volunteerism.
The celebration began with a Volunteers Fair at the CBSUA Open Field, where participating groups displayed their accomplishments and engaged attendees with interactive games, challenges, and simulation activities. It was a fun and inspiring start to the day, highlighting the creativity and commitment of the region’s volunteers.
In the morning session, representatives from the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) from Naga City, Masbate, and Partido participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and an action planning session. Facilitated by PNVSCA’s Kenneth Siruelo, the session focused on strengthening collaboration and planning future volunteer initiatives of SUCs.
The afternoon Forum on Volunteerism at the Alvaro Rabina Hall featured inspirational talks from seasoned volunteers and leaders. Speakers included Ms. Claudine Gutierrez and Ms. Ashlin Klocke from the United States Peace Corps (USPC), Ms. Janice Perez of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), and Ms. Evita Jimenez-Tuazon, founder of the Tabang Bikol Movement. Their stories highlighted the impact of volunteerism on personal growth and community development.
Adding depth to the discussion, Ms. Alyssa Marie A. Villa, Volunteer Service Officer of PNVSCA’s PCMED, gave a presentation on the International Volunteer Service Program (IVSP) and the various initiatives PNVSCA supports. Her talk inspired many participants to explore new opportunities for service both locally and globally.
The forum concluded with an open discussion, where students and visitors engaged with the speakers, asking questions and sharing their thoughts. Topics ranged from practical advice on how to start volunteer programs to strategies for ensuring the sustainability of ongoing efforts.
The event was a success with the collaborative effort led by CBSUA’s Office of the Vice President for Business and External Affairs – International Relations Office (OVPBEA-IRO) and the Resilience Center. Dr. Cherry Love B. Montales, Director of the International Relations Office, and Dr. Philip Talay, Director of the Resilience Center, expressed their gratitude to all participants and organizers.
This year’s International Volunteer Day Celebration highlighted the strength of the community and the power of collective action. CBSUA reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities and inspiring future leaders through volunteerism, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who took part. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘋𝘳. 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘉. 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴, 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦
