Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 635)
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Office (PNVSCO) is renamed as the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).
The PNVSCA remains under the Office of the President and is under the close administrative supervision of the Presidential Executive Assistant.
The PNVSCA aims to: (a) formulate policies and guidelines for volunteer service programs; (b) coordinate programs of domestic and foreign volunteer organizations for national development; (c) act as a clearing house for volunteer service matters; (d) organize and implement national volunteer programs; (e) serve as liaison between domestic and foreign volunteer organizations; (f) promote volunteer service through training and seminars; (g) administer funds including foreign aid; and (h) perform other duties as provided by law.
The Agency is headed by a Director who is assisted by a professional staff and employees appointed by the Director in accordance with the Civil Service law and rules.
The Director's duties include: implementing volunteer service programs; advising the Presidential Executive Assistant on volunteer matters; providing consultative services to government and private agencies; developing plans and standards for volunteer services; and performing functions assigned by the Presidential Executive Assistant related to volunteer services.
The multi-sectoral advisory body is composed of representatives from selected government agencies, interfaith groups, private/civic organizations, and foreign/international organizations. It is organized and chaired by the Director of PNVSCA and aims to encourage wide participation in volunteer service, assist in policy formulation, provide technical advice, and enhance linkages among volunteer groups.
A 'Volunteer Service Organization' refers to any domestic or foreign group of volunteer workers organized and trained to plan and implement volunteer service programs. A 'Volunteer Service Program' is a volunteer service planned for implementation by such an organization.
No foreign volunteer service worker may be admitted unless the sending foreign country or organization has an agreement with the Philippine government for the foreign volunteer service program.
All volunteer organizations and workers must register with the PNVSCA before starting activities in the Philippines. Existing organizations and workers must register within thirty days of the order's effectivity. The registration form requires detailed personal or organizational information, contracts, activity statements, and other documents as required by the PNVSCA Director.
Prohibited acts for foreign volunteer service workers include: accepting other remunerative employment during the assignment; making or promising contributions related to political candidacies; participating in political activities; soliciting contributions; and violating PNVSCA rules and regulations.
Foreign volunteer service workers face cancellation of their visa and confiscation of their passport. Domestic volunteer service workers may face charges before domestic courts.
No, foreign visitors entering or already in the Philippines are not allowed to apply for a change of visa status under this order.
The Director of the PNVSCA shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Order.