MESSAGE OF CHAIRPERSON KARLO A. B. NOGRALES
2023 National Volunteer Month Kick-Off
6 December 2023 | Mindanao State University
United Nations Volunteers Programme Executive Coordinator Toily Kurbanov; Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte; Deputy Ambassador of the Australian Embassy Dr. Moya Collett; DFA Mindanao Asst. Secretary Renato Pedro Villa; University of Mindanao President Guillermo P. Torres, Jr.; PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe, guests and participants from the different international volunteer service organizations, the diplomatic community, local government units, national line agencies, state universities and colleges and other government instrumentalities, private higher education institutions, and civil society and business organizations, a pleasant day to all of you, maayong adlaw kaninyong tanan.
I am honored to be with you all to celebrate International Volunteers Day. This year's theme emphasizes the strength of unity and collective action, encapsulated in the phrase "if everyone did." International Volunteers Day “is a day to pay tribute to volunteers worldwide and to recognize the value of volunteerism in peace and development.” This theme calls to each and every person to contribute to a better future for all.
And for the Philippines, last Friday, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency or PNVSCA Kicked-off the 2023 National Volunteer Month in Dapitan City to invigorate and preserve the Filipino culture of volunteerism or bayanihan among Filipinos. And today, this 3-day event in the University of Mindanao, in Davao City is held to give life to Presidential Proclamation No. 55 s. 1998, declaring every December as National Volunteer month or NVM to build nationwide public awareness and appreciation of volunteerism, create the environment for voluntary action and recognize volunteers as partners in development.
Through this event, global and local volunteers will engage in the exchange of knowledge and the establishment of networks, emphasizing the significance of international volunteers in promoting global collaboration and contributing to the attainment of the nation's sustainable development goals. Additionally, this event will provide a platform for higher education institutions (HEIs) to recognize possibilities for integrating volunteerism as a development strategy through their three primary functions: instruction, research, and extension.
This aims to spark a surge in volunteerism and motivate individuals to actively engage and contribute towards achieving societal objectives. The goal is to instill a sense of collective responsibility and inspire a greater number of people to actively participate in efforts that contribute to the betterment of society.
For the part of the Civil Service Commission, be assured of our constant support on efforts to encourage volunteerism and acknowledge its potential to bring about positive social transformation not only within the bureaucracy but the entire nation.
As we continue the celebrations for the 2023 National Volunteer Month, let us contemplate on the impact of working together. To our collaborators, supporters, and volunteers, let us embrace the ethos of service not only during this month but also in the future, generating a chain reaction that positively influences our communities and our country.
On behalf of the Civil Service Commission, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, and all our partners in development, as your National Volunteer Month Honorary Chair, let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
Daghang salamat kaninyong tanan. Mabuhay ang mga Pilipinong nagkakawang gawa at may malasakit sa kapwa!