USM, PNVSCA Eye Volunteerism Mainstreaming through Academic Integration

The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) together with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) convened to discuss the Paradigms and Perspectives on Volunteerism on August 26, 2025, at the USM Commercial Building.

The discussion served as a refresher to inform the office directors and students about the true essence of volunteerism before integrating the approach into academia.

For Bonifacio Solsoloy, director of the USM National Service Training Program (NSTP), volunteerism’s presence is already evident for Filipinos but lacks a venue to mainstream.

“Actually, volunteerism is already part of our DNA as Filipinos. Hindi lang natin na-i-intensify and na-i-institutionalize that’s why we are having this initiative, to put into mainstream the volunteerism most especially here at USM,” he said.

During the discussion, Donald James D. Gawe, CESO III, Executive Director of PNVSCA, emphasized the concept of volunteerism as a strategy. That through associating volunteerism in the context of development, a wide range of social problems can be addressed.

“May contribution ang volunteerism sa pag-unlad. That’s why we are pushing volunteerism as a strategy because the government alone cannot provide everything that the people need. We need volunteerism to solve even bigger problems in our country,” he said.

The discussion was sealed by a message from Dr. Glyn Magbanua, USM Director for Extension Services, saying, “We would like to assure you of our dedication and we want to believe that this truly is just the beginning of a productive and noble partnership.”

Prior to the meeting, USM and PNVSCA likewise conducted a sign-up event for Volunteerism Advocacy During Festivals Initiative (VADFI) during the opening of the Timpupo Festival in Kidapawan City and the Kalivungan Festival at Amas Provincial Compound. This aims to unify local government units (LGUs), educational institutions, and various organizations to champion the cause of volunteerism by formally integrating it into local festivals and cultural events.

The shared commitment of USM and PNVSCA to integrate volunteerism into academia highlights the importance of strengthening partnerships between institutions to advance community service.

Jimwell P. Pande