(Photo caption: Volunteers distribute relief packs to the indigent people of Balintaugan, Mt. Province, May 29, courtesy by Joseph Manzano, RPN DZBS Baguio OIC)
The Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) of the Regional Development Council (RDC-CAR) and the Philippine National Volunteer Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) led by Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe held initial briefing and discussion for the establishment of a Regional Network of Volunteers in the Cordillera region.
Gawe commended the initiative of the PSRs, saying that only CAR responded to their call since this was presented in 2020 during the PSR’s First Virtual National Convention hosted by RDC-PSR Eastern Visayas.
During the briefing on May 28, Gawe mentioned that volunteerism is recognized as a development strategy as provided in the Philippine Volunteer Act of 2007. He added that volunteerism is heightened with the current situation but should not only be associated with disaster response but should be taken as a development strategy.
At the local level, he mentioned that around 400 LGUs, cities and municipalities combined, have already designated their volunteer focal persons, mostly from the local planning offices.
A Regional Network of Volunteers shall improve coordination of volunteers and volunteer service organizations, and thus ensure coordinated actions especially during disasters and pandemics. Linking the RNV with the RDC shall ensure that volunteer initiatives are aligned with development thrusts of the region, and thus maximize the benefits of volunteerism.
The establishment of RNV-CAR is the banner program of the PSRs for 2021 and is supported by the RDC with a mobilization fund. NEDA-CAR, as the RDC secretariat, provides technical assistance to the PSRs in establishing the RNV. (Marissa M. Cabato)