By
Claro A. Lanipa
PAGADIAN
CITY – To engage the Filipino youth in sharing the contributions
of volunteers in different communities across the country, the Philippine
National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED) will conduct a Volunteerism Story Writing Contest aimed
to promote volunteerism both as a way of life and cross-cutting tool for
socio-economic development.
With
the theme “Volunteerism for Sustainable Development,” the contest serves as a
timely platform to highlight and promote volunteerism as a strategy in the
achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This
is also in support to the Philippines’ commitment to the global development
priorities.
The
contest is open to Filipino college/university students nationwide who are
currently enrolled in or who have completed the National Service Training
Program (NSTP) at the time of submission of entry.
Each
participant shall choose one SDG and shall write a feature article on an
individual or group/organization whose volunteer work is aligned with the
achievement of the chosen SDG. One winner will be selected from each region to
help showcase the volunteering stories in different areas of the country.
“With
the students’ participation in the NSTP and in other extension activities, they
have been exposed to volunteerism at the local level. They can help showcase
the diverse experiences and accomplishments of volunteers whose services are
geared towards community development and empowerment,” PNVSCA Executive Director
Joselito C. De Vera in a statement said.
Entries
can be submitted to PNVSCA and will be accepted until 31 August 2016. Regional
winners will be announced through the Agency’s website in November and will
receive PhP 3,000 each.