The University of Northern Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) on January 29, 2023.

The endeavor aims to bolster the University’s spirit of volunteerism in nurturing responsible and compassionate citizens and to integrate volunteerism principles, values, and practices into the academic programs and community activities.

Dr. Erwin Cadorna, University President, and PNVSA Executive Director Donald James Gawe signed the MOA that will create opportunities for collaboration in mainstreaming volunteerism in the curriculum.

Witnessing them were Dr. Fatima Rocamora, Vice President for Research and Extension; Dr. Rolando Navarro, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Mr. Albert Tejero, Vice President for Finance and Administration. Mr. Keneth Siruelo, officer-in-charge for Policy, Advocacy, and Technical Division witnessed for PNVSCA.

The MOA is in response to the Provision of RA 9418, the Volunteer Act of 2007, which provides that “The Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education shall integrate volunteerism as part of the curriculum in basic and higher education to raise the consciousness of the youth and develop the culture of volunteerism among the citizenry.”

Following the agreement signing was a volunteer orientation which was attended by University Extension Office staff and Unit Extension Coordinators.