BAGUIO CITY- – In support to the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency’s (PNVSCA) nationwide Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV), the National Economic and Development Authority – Cordillera is now accepting nominations for exemplary volunteers based in the region until 30 July 2016.
The SOV puts faces and names to the unsung and ordinary Filipino citizens and organizations who have rendered priceless and noble acts of service towards nation-building and community development.
“Through the Search, PNVSCA acknowledges the significant role of volunteers as indispensable partners of both the government and the private sector in their development efforts to uplift the lives of the people, especially the marginalized. It also serves as a platform to promote and share best practices in volunteerism,” PNVSCA Executive Director De Vera said.
The Search is open to the following individuals and organizations currently providing volunteer assistance in the Philippines.
Individuals of Filipinos citizenship – Filipino or local chapters of foreign/international non-profit organizations; and Filipino or local chapters of foreign/international corporate organizations are qualified to join the SOV.
Nominations are accepted for the following categories: National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA) – Individual, Youth and Adult and Not-for Profit and Corporate, and Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award for individual and organization’.
A Special Citation award is also conferred to outstanding volunteers who do not qualify under the regular SOV categories but which are deemed equally meritorious in accomplishment.
Since 2001, 129 volunteers and volunteer organizations have been recognized by the national government, through the SOV. This yearly centerpiece event culminates with the awarding ceremony during the celebration of the National Volunteer Month in December.
In last year’s Search, Cordillera’s bet, Dr. Virgilio Bautista, was awarded NOVA in the adult category.
NEDA-CAR Regional Director Milagros A. Rimando encourages everyone to participate in the Search.
Nominations for volunteers and volunteer organizations in the region can be addressed and submitted to NEDA-CAR, Botanical Garden, Leonard Wood Road, Baguio City. Nominations can also be sent via email to car@neda.gov.ph.
The SOV is being conducted by the PNVSCA and the National Volunteer Month Steering Committee, in cooperation with the Regional Search Committees (RCS) chaired by the NEDA regional offices, the Department of the Interior and Local Government for the National Capital Region and the Regional Planning and Development office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The RSCs are in charge of the receipt, validation and documentation of the nominations in respective regions. A national selection committee selects the national and regional awardees.
For more information on how to participate to the SOV, you may log in at www.pnvsca.gov.ph, www.facebook.com/innovatecooperateinspire./JDP/MAWC – PIA CAR with reports from Joy Bulwayan of NEDA-CAR
