Reinforcing their shared commitment to advance volunteerism as a catalyst for sustainable development and nation-building, the University of Northern Philippines and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) formally sealed their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 20, 2026, at the Romualdo B. Tadena Hall.
The partnership establishes a strategic framework that will strengthen volunteerism initiatives within the University while expanding collaboration with government, local communities, and volunteer organizations in promoting civic engagement and social responsibility.
Dr. Lloyd Mata, Director of the University Extension Office, opened the program by delivering the statement of purpose, emphasizing the significance of institutionalizing volunteerism as an integral component of the University’s extension, research, and community engagement programs.
Highlighting the transformative power of volunteer service, Ms. Arianne Rose Maghanoy of the Policy and Advocacy Services Division of PNVSCA delivered an inspirational message, encouraging the University community to embrace volunteerism as a meaningful avenue for creating lasting social impact and empowering communities.
The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding followed, with UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna and PNVSCA Executive Director Mr. Donald James Gawe affixing their signatures to formalize the collaboration. Witnessing the historic signing were Ms. Maghanoy, Dr. Eleonor Belizar, Special Assistant to the President; Dr. Lloyd Mata; and Dr. Arlan Reburon, UNP Volunteerism Focal Person.
In his message of commitment, Dr. Cadorna reaffirmed the University’s dedication to embedding volunteerism into its institutional culture, emphasizing that volunteer service complements the University’s mission of developing socially responsible, compassionate, and globally engaged graduates. He stressed UNP’s resolve to strengthen its extension initiatives through collaborative partnerships that directly benefit communities and contribute to national development.
Executive Director Gawe likewise expressed PNVSCA’s commitment to work closely with the University in cultivating a vibrant culture of volunteerism. He highlighted the important role of higher education institutions in producing volunteers who possess not only technical competence but also a deep sense of civic responsibility and public service.
Under the agreement, UNP commits to establishing and operationalizing a University Volunteerism Office that will lead and coordinate the mainstreaming of volunteerism in all academic and administrative units. The University will also ensure the systematic documentation, monitoring, and evaluation of volunteerism programs and initiatives while actively engaging faculty members, non-teaching personnel, students, and alumni in volunteer activities.
The Memorandum further outlines UNP’s commitment to assist PNVSCA in promoting volunteerism for nation-building, undertake volunteerism-related research, and collaborate in developing volunteerism statistics through the creation and regular updating of a comprehensive database of organizations involved in the social development sector. The University will likewise submit quarterly reports on volunteer mobilization, provide technical assistance in integrating volunteerism into local governance, co-organize capacity-building and technical assistance activities with PNVSCA for various sectors, and comply with PNVSCA guidelines governing the deployment of international volunteers in the country.
For its part, PNVSCA commits to provide technical assistance to strengthen UNP’s volunteer service corps, supply information and advocacy materials on volunteerism, collaborate in the implementation of the University’s volunteer-related initiatives, and facilitate linkages between UNP and International Volunteer Service Organizations as well as Volunteer Involving Organizations.
The partnership is expected to create broader opportunities for volunteer engagement, research collaboration, leadership development, and community empowerment while reinforcing volunteerism as a vital instrument for inclusive and sustainable development.
The memorandum signing ceremony was attended by the University’s deans, unit extension coordinators, and members of the technical services team, reflecting the institution’s collective commitment to advance volunteerism as a cornerstone of its extension and public service mission.
