QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 9418)
RA 9418 is entitled as an Act “Institutionalizing a Strategy for Rural Development, Strengthening Volunteerism and for other purposes,” and it is also known as the “Volunteer Act of 2007.”
To promote participation of various sectors of Filipino society, and as necessary international and foreign volunteer organizations, in public and civic affairs; to adopt and strengthen volunteerism as a strategy for national development and international understanding; and to inculcate volunteerism to rekindle bayanihan for social justice, solidarity, and sustainable development.
1) Provide a policy framework on volunteerism for an integrative partnership for local/national development and international cooperation; 2) create an enabling environment that protects volunteers’ rights/privileges and provides recognition; and 3) strengthen the institutional role/mandates of PNVSCA to oversee implementation.
An act involving a wide range of activities, including mutual aid and developmental interventions, undertaken for socio-developmental, business, or corporate orientation, commitment, or conviction for the attainment of the public good, where monetary and other incentives or reward are not the primary motivating factors.
An individual or group who, for socio-developmental, business, and corporate orientation, commitment, or conviction, contributes time, service, and resources (full-time or part-time) to a just and essential social development cause in belief that the activity is mutually meaningful and beneficial to public interest and to themselves.
A local or foreign group that recruits, trains, deploys, and supports volunteer workers to programs/projects implemented by them or other organizations, including services/resources like information, capability building, advocacy, and networking for the common good.
Corporate social responsibility activities where employees give time/skills/resources, including: material donations; employee-led fund-raising; one-time outreach; environmental campaigns; medical/health advocacies; knowledge/change management; scholarships; mentoring/tutoring/training; pro bono services case-by-case; and sharing business/developmental expertise.
They may undertake volunteerism such as provision of technical assistance not locally accessible in priority development areas, within the framework of technical cooperation and socio-cultural exchange.
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), created by Executive Order No. 134 (as amended).
Examples include: (1) review/formulate policies and guidelines for national volunteer service consistent with national priorities; (2) coordinate/monitor/evaluate the national volunteer service program; (3) act as clearinghouse for international volunteer services; (4) develop prototypes/models for adoption; (5) provide technical services for capability building; (6) advocate promotion/recognition of volunteerism; (7) establish/maintain a national network and liaison with local and foreign volunteer organizations including UNV; and (8) administer PNVSCA funds in accordance with accounting/auditing requirements.
It assists PNVSCA; it is reconstituted under RA 9418 with membership specified in Section 10. The Body was created under Executive Order No. 635.
Members include NEDA, DepEd, DFA, DOJ, DILG, DSWD, CHED, PMS (OP), representatives from the corporate sector, private academe, and not-for-profit sector. Government agencies must be represented at least by an assistant secretary; private sector by at least their highest executive officers. Private sector representatives serve a two-year term; government agencies are permanent members.
Provide advice for policy guidelines; provide consultative/technical advisory services on volunteer matters; and serve as a forum to enhance/strengthen linkages among volunteer groups and communities.
A system of national registration and networking developed by PNVSCA to improve coordination of volunteers and volunteer service organizations and to widen opportunities for sharing/complementing information, experiences, and resources.
DepEd and CHED must integrate volunteerism into the curriculum in basic education and higher education, respectively, to raise youth consciousness and develop a culture of volunteerism.
They shall establish volunteer programs in their respective offices to promote/encourage volunteering in government programs/projects and enjoin government employees to render volunteer service in community undertakings in social, economic, and humanitarian development.
Government agencies and NGOs implementing volunteer programs are encouraged to develop and provide recognition and incentive packages, which may include allowance, insurance, training, and privileges/status. For Filipino overseas volunteers, incentives/privileges should be at par with Filipino overseas workers.
They may be entitled to 47(a)(2) visa with multiple entry privileges and corresponding exemption from visa and immigration fees and related processing/application fees or charges. Legal dependents may be covered. Foreign nationals already in the Philippines may avail upon PNVSCA endorsement to the DOJ.
It establishes an institutional mechanism spearheaded and administered by PNVSCA for continuing research, documentation, recognition, and modeling of best volunteer practices to support development programs/projects and undertake humanitarian activities.
PNVSCA, with advice from the MSAB, shall promulgate implementing rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of the Act.