.
.

Volunteerism in the Philippines

April 5, 2011
from NAMFREL Election Monitor Vol.2, No.6

.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers, the Volunteer Service Organization (VSO-Bahaginan) held its first Volunteering Expo on March 29, 2011, which showcased best practices and successful programs that shaped the volunteer sector in the country.

NAMFREL Founding Chairman Jose S. Concepcion, Jr. was among the invited speakers for the said event. JoeCon, as he is commonly known, discussed elements that provide an enabling environment for volunteerism to thrive not only in civil society, but also in the
private sector as part of a company's Corporate Social Responsibility. He also shared with the participants and guests his experiences in volunteering during his days with the Student Catholic Action and Pasay Citizens' League for Good Governance.

JoeCon also emphasized the important role that NAMFREL volunteers played and continue to play as Bantay ng Bayan ("sentinels of the people") in serving the country through safeguarding the electoral process, and how past volunteers continue to inspire succeeding generations of volunteers. JoeCon paid tribute to the NAMFREL heroes, who sacrificed their lives while upholding their commitment to guarding the sanctity of the ballot. It was a fitting tribute in this event where volunteers, community leaders, business executives and academicians gathered together to promote and celebrate volunteerism in the Philippines.

(report filed by Kristine Marie D. Tapiz, NAMFREL Bantay ng Bayan Coordinator)
.
     

 
 
.
.
.