Students of schools based in Intramuros, Manila participate in a volunteer clean-up drive to beautify the famed historical walled city. (Photo by Janna Pineda/PIA-NCR)

Amidst the bustling halls of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Press Conference in Quezon City on Friday, Aug, 4, Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairperson Karlo Alexi Nograles ignited the flame of volunteerism as he passionately delivered his opening remarks during the promotion of National Volunteer Month and the launch of the inaugural Bayanihan Media Awards.

In his opening statement, Chairperson Nograles celebrated the spirit of volunteerism as a powerful force that embodies the very essence of humanity. "Volunteers are our unsung heroes who work tirelessly to make the world a better place," he declared, emphasizing their selflessness and dedication in uplifting communities and creating positive impacts worldwide.

Civil Service Commission Chairperson Karlo Alexi Nograles attends the weekly PIA Presscon in Quezon City. Nograles is also the 15th honorary chairperson of the National Volunteer Month. (Photo by Gelaine Gutierrez/PIA-NCR)

Referencing the age-old tradition of Bayanihan, Nograles highlighted the deep-rooted culture of volunteerism in Filipino society, passed down through generations. "Our Bayanihan spirit is a beautiful tradition we instill in our youth, a legacy inherited from our ancestors," he remarked, expressing admiration for the enduring Filipino values.

Acknowledging the importance of synchronized efforts, Nograles emphasized that greater societal changes are achievable when different entities work collaboratively. He commended the Philippine National Volunteers Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) for its crucial role in coordinating and fostering volunteerism across sectors and industries.

During the event, Nograles and the PNVSCA, represented by PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James Gawe, unveiled the theme for this year's National Volunteer Month: "Igniting Volunteer-Led Innovation for Future Growth and Social Transformation." The theme underscores the vital role of volunteerism in preparing the country for the future, through volunteer-led innovation.

From left: PIA Deputy Director-General Katherine Chloe De Castro moderates the weekly PIA Presscon; with PIA Director-General Joe Torres Jr., Chairperson Nograles, and PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James Gawe. (Photo by Gelaine Gutierrez/PIA-NCR)

"In line with the celebration of the NVM, the PNVSCA, in collaboration with various government institutions and partners, launches the 2023 Search for Outstanding Volunteers," Nograles revealed, emphasizing the objective of recognizing exemplary Filipino volunteers who contribute to nation-building.

Additionally, the event marked the historic launch of the first-ever Bayanihan Media Awards, a partnership between PNVSCA, PIA, the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), and the Mariano Marcos State University. The awards aim to recognize media practitioners and organizations for their significant role in promoting volunteerism and inspiring the public to embrace it as a way of life.

Development partners from the academe (Photo by: Gelaine Gutierrez/PIA-NCR)

As part of the Bayanihan Media Awards, individual and organization categories were unveiled, spanning print, television, radio, and online media. Nograles urged media partners to participate in the awards and feature volunteer stories across various platforms to raise awareness of the importance of volunteerism in daily life.

The event showcased the Philippine government's unwavering commitment to encouraging citizens to actively engage in volunteer initiatives as drivers of progress. 

Nograles reiterated the objective of establishing a self-reliant and self-sustaining nation, where active citizens collaborate with duty bearers through volunteering.

In conclusion, Nograles urged everyone to serve as advocates and champions of volunteerism, stating, "Each act of volunteerism, no matter how small, has the potential to transform lives, uplift communities, and create a ripple effect of kindness that spreads far and wide."

With Nograles' inspiring call to action, the Filipino community is set to embrace the spirit of Bayanihan, united in the belief that every act of volunteerism holds the power to shape a brighter future for the nation and beyond. (PIA-NCR)