Surigao City, April 24, 2025. Surigao del Norte State University conducted a Consultative Meeting with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) on April 24, 2025 at the SNSU Board Room.
In line with the ongoing efforts to strengthen volunteerism in the Philippines, the Consultative Meeting with the PNVSCA aims to gather insights and strategies that will reinforce the active participation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in volunteer initiatives.
The discussion explored the essence of volunteerism across various sectors in HEIs, including student organizations, research, extension, production, and alumni engagement. Special attention will be given to the National Service Training Program (NSTP), assessing the potential differences in volunteer participation and impact between students with and without NSTP experience. It was also pointed out the mechanisms to institutionalize volunteerism, particularly in crafting culturally sensitive programs and policies for example Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
During the meeting, the Memorandum of Agreement between SNSU and PNVSCA was also presented with the duties and responsibilities of both parties. PNVSCA committed to ensure that they can be reached anytime for an orientation to the faculty, staff, and students of SNSU on this initiative. The ceremonial signing of MOA can be done virtually or face-to-face will be scheduled as soon as possible once finalized.
Finally, PNVSCA also pointed out that SNSU can be qualified to receive an award given that University already have practiced the essence of volunteerism in the different projects and activities.
Surigao del Norte State University officials headed by the City Campus Director, Ronita E. Talingting together with the Student Affairs Director, Ms. Maria Fe C. Guerra; NSTP Director, Mr. Ireneo Plando, Jr.; Extension Director, Ms. Alvie Elma C. Plaza; Volunteerism Director, Michael Yujoco; Volunteerism Asst. Director Edgardo Morales; and PNVSA SNSU Chapter President Al Lluna-Ann B, Manlimos actively participated in the consultative meeting. PNVSCA was represented by the Executive Director; Mr. Donald James D. Gawe; Chief of the Policy, Advocacy, and Technical Services Division, Mr. Kenneth S. Siruelo; and Volunteer Service Officer II Mr. Jeffrey N. Almazan. It was successfully coordinated by the SNSU Head Records Officer, Ellen A. Divinagracia – Detalo.
