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Executive Director Donald James Gawe of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and Michael Gatela, Director of Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Mindanao, expressed intent to formalize a partnership through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) during an exploratory meeting held on May 28, 2024, at UP Mindanao.
Directors Gawe and Gatela discussed strategies for mobilizing volunteers from various UP constituent universities for community-based public service and academic program development. A key proposal was the implementation of joint public service projects in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, in collaboration with local government units.
Director Gawe also proposed the development of a degree program in public administration that integrates volunteerism-focused courses, reflecting the agency’s commitment to embedding a culture of service within higher education.
Both parties agreed that a formal MOA between PNVSCA and the UP System would streamline coordination and enhance the impact of current and future inter-agency volunteer mobilizations.
To strengthen local efforts, Director Gawe highlighted Regional Development Council (RDC) XI’s Resolution No. 208, s. 2023, which adopts volunteerism as a key development strategy. Both directors agreed to align their joint initiatives with RDC-XI’s resolution to maximize their community engagement outcomes.
During the visit, Director Gawe also addressed senior high school students participating in the ongoing Pahinungod Academic Enhancement Camp at UP Mindanao. In his message, he emphasized the critical role of educational institutions in fostering a culture of service:
“Higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to shape the values, attitudes, and behaviors of students and faculty towards volunteerism for community engagement and social responsibility,” he said.
Director Gatela affirmed the UP System’s commitment to the initiative:
“We in the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Mindanao will work to realize a memorandum of understanding or agreement with PNVSCA for our joint volunteer projects,” he stated. “Furthermore, our established networks in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu can serve as strategic entry points for collaborative efforts in those areas.”
