Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) are collaborating to promote volunteerism as a crucial element in improving the delivery of social protection services across the Philippines. The partnership aims to utilize community involvement to make government services more efficient and responsive to the needs of citizens.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao stated that the agencies held a meeting to strengthen their partnership, focusing on mobilizing volunteer groups to support government operations, especially during emergencies. Dumlao emphasized the importance of the PNVSCA’s role in swiftly connecting the DSWD with relevant agencies when volunteers are needed.

The PNVSCA operates as the government’s coordinating and monitoring body for volunteer service programs under Republic Act 9418, known as the Volunteer Act of 2007. It collaborates with various national and local government agencies, organizations, and individuals to institutionalize volunteerism, which is seen as a strategic component of national development.

In 2023, the DSWD and PNVSCA formalized their partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), aiming to create mechanisms that encourage active participation from volunteers and organizations in social protection programs and services. Dumlao noted the timeliness of this collaboration in light of recent calamities affecting the nation.

The DSWD has a long history of working with volunteer groups and individuals during relief operations, particularly in distributing essential goods, as stated by Dumlao. She highlighted that the DSWD was among the first national agencies to adopt the PNVSCA’s Bayanihang Bayan Program, which encourages volunteerism and public service in social, economic, and humanitarian development activities.

Dumlao expressed that volunteerism is a civic duty that unites the nation and, with PNVSCA’s help, aims to engage more Filipinos and international partners in meaningful action. The partnership also seeks to recognize outstanding volunteer contributions and strengthen engagement in government programs.

Under the MOU, the DSWD’s Regulatory Services and Institutional Development Group (RSIDG) is committed to developing training modules and manuals on volunteering for policymakers, organizations, and volunteers nationwide. Dumlao expressed optimism about maximizing the partnership’s potential to benefit the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable sectors.