13/03/2026
PNVSCA Visits Gingoog to Mainstream Volunteerism
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) conducted an official visit to Gingoog City to promote the mainstreaming of volunteerism initiatives at the local level.
As part of the activity, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Gingoog City convened an assembly at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall, attended by members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Moral Recovery, department heads and their representatives, representatives from national government agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Education (DepEd), the Local Youth Development Office, the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), school heads, School Volunteerism Program focal persons, and selected student volunteers from Gingoog City United Colleges, Christ the King College Gingoog, Gingoog City Colleges, and Gingoog Christian College. A total of 100 participants attended the assembly.
During the program titled “Orientation and Conversation on Volunteerism Mainstreaming,” PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe underscored the importance of volunteerism as a vital component of nation-building. His visit to Gingoog City formed part of PNVSCA’s continuing engagements with various local government units to encourage the institutionalization and promotion of volunteerism programs within local governance systems.
In support of these efforts, Executive Director Gawe provided the LGU with legislative templates and policy references that may guide the city in developing local measures aimed at mainstreaming volunteerism in government programs and community initiatives. He then also visited the Office of the City Administrator to emphasize the same.
As part of the visit, ED Gawe also proceeded to the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), the designated office overseeing volunteerism initiatives of the LGU, to further discuss coordination and implementation strategies for strengthening the city’s volunteerism framework.
Following the orientation program, ED Gawe joined the pre-scheduled Excel Gingoog City (EGC) Cares, a weekly community caravan of the LGU. The activity was held in Barangay Agay-ayan, Gingoog City, where various government services were delivered directly to residents. During the event, he met with department heads and their representatives participating in the caravan, which aims to bring basic government and social services closer to the community.
ED Gawe also paid a courtesy visit to Erick G. Cañosa, City Mayor of Gingoog, where it was highlighted that the weekly caravan has evolved into a platform for volunteers—both individuals and organizations—to advocate and collaborate with the LGU in advancing community-based initiatives.
During the activity, ED Gawe personally interacted with volunteers from various sectors, including members of the River of Life religious organization, student volunteers assisting in venue preparation and post-activity support, and individuals offering community services such as free hair-cutting and blade sharpening.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of PNVSCA and the LGU of Gingoog City to strengthen volunteer engagement and cultivate a culture of service, empowering citizens and organizations to actively participate in local development and nation-building.