Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9418)
The official title is the "Volunteer Act of 2007."
The policy is to promote the participation of various sectors of Filipino society and, when necessary, foreign volunteer organizations in public and civic affairs, and to strengthen volunteerism as a strategy for national development and international understanding.
Volunteerism refers to acts involving a wide range of activities undertaken for socio-developmental, business, or corporate reasons, where monetary or other incentives are not the primary motivating factors, providing an enabling environment for both beneficiaries and volunteers.
A volunteer is an individual or group who, motivated by socio-developmental, business, or corporate commitment or conviction, contributes time, service, and resources to a just social development cause, believing the activity benefits both public interest and themselves.
PNVSCA is responsible for reviewing and formulating policies on volunteer service, coordinating and monitoring volunteer programs, acting as a clearinghouse for international volunteer matters, providing technical support, undertaking advocacy, maintaining networks, and managing PNVSCA funds.
The sectors include the academe, the corporate sector, and not-for-profit organizations, each engaging in volunteerism through various activities such as technical assistance, corporate social responsibility, advocacy, and community service.
The Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education are mandated to integrate volunteerism into basic and higher education curricula to raise youth awareness and cultivate a culture of volunteerism.
Foreign volunteers approved by the PNVSCA, along with their legal dependents, may be granted 47(a)(2) visas allowing multiple entries and exemptions from visa and immigration fees.
The MSAB comprises key government agencies and private sector representatives who advise on policies, provide technical consultations on volunteerism, and strengthen linkages between volunteer groups and communities.
It encourages government agencies and NGOs to develop recognition and incentive packages for volunteers, which may include allowance, insurance, training, privileges, and status similar to that of Filipino overseas workers.