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Volunteerism took center stage as the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), in partnership with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), gathered representatives from government agencies, higher education institutions, local government units, civil society organizations, and the private sector during the Regional International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026 Celebration Forum held on June 22 via Zoom and Facebook Live.
The online gathering formed part of the country’s observance of the International Volunteer Year for Sustainable Development (IVY) 2026. More than providing updates on volunteer programs, it gave participants the chance to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and identify opportunities where different sectors can work together.
In his welcome message, USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel thanked the participants for taking part in the forum and spoke of the university’s continuing commitment to community engagement through its extension initiatives.
Meanwhile, PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe explained why volunteerism remains relevant in addressing today’s development concerns. He noted that IVY 2026 encourages organizations to move beyond individual initiatives and look for ways to work together in responding to the needs of communities.
Cotabato Governor and Regional Development Council XII Chairperson Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza also expressed her support for the initiative, recognizing the contribution of volunteers and partner organizations in helping communities respond to various social and development challenges.
As the discussion moved forward, participants heard how volunteerism is being practiced across different sectors. Representing higher education institutions, Dr. Glyn G. Magbanua, Director of the USM Extension and Services Office, shared the university’s extension and volunteer programs that connect faculty, staff, and students with partner communities. During her presentation, she noted that “volunteerism does not happen in isolation; rather, it depends on a balanced internal and external support framework.”
The discussion continued with insights from Mahintana Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Liza Duropan-Lopez on the work of civil society organizations, followed by Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Ryan S. Vidanes, who spoke about employee volunteerism in the corporate sector. Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries Executive Director Bernadette B. De Los Santos then discussed how government agencies support volunteer initiatives, while Engr. Michael Joseph S. Salera, MBA, of the City Government of Kidapawan shared the role of local government units in encouraging community participation.
Rather than ending with the presentations, the forum shifted to interactive activities where participants reflected on how their own organizations could contribute to the goals of IVY 2026. They also exchanged ideas on how volunteerism can help communities respond to the effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis through humanitarian assistance, community support, and stronger cooperation among institutions.
Text by: Jan Frances Corpuz, Mhelou Omar, Keirvin Agusen, Rehana Latip, Kim Artigas | USM DevCom interns
