The City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO), through its Extension and Social Development Services (ESDS), and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) brought together various sectors in the Northern Mindanao International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026 Forum on August 13, 2026, to promote volunteerism as a means of advancing sustainable development and community transformation.
Held through Zoom and Facebook Live, the forum gathered representatives from higher education institutions, government agencies, civil society, businesses, and other organizations to share their experiences and perspectives on volunteerism. The event reached 166 participants on Zoom, while its Facebook Live broadcast recorded 5,633 views and 2,581 engagements.
Opening the forum, a message from Misamis Occidental Governor and Regional Development Council X Chairperson Hon. Atty. Henry S. Oaminal, Sr., delivered through her representative, emphasized that volunteerism means serving beyond oneself. The message highlighted its role in building more resilient, inclusive, and compassionate communities.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kenneth C. Siruelo, PNVSCA Chief Volunteer Service Officer, who formally opened the program, featured the activity background and rationale, followed by the Welcome Message of PNVSCA Director Mr. Donald James D. Gawe, who emphasized that every contribution can help create a lasting change. The agency highlighted the importance of collective action in using volunteerism to support sustainable development.
At the institutional level, Mx. Herna Francis Mae B. Tano, Director of the Linkages and Partnership Office of CCCDO, shared how the college integrates volunteerism from the classroom to the community. She discussed initiatives such as Brigadanihan, Project Ligtas, and Baybayani, which involve students, faculty, and staff in community development.
Similarly, Ms. Aliah B. Adam, Founder and Executive Director of Singanen O Mindanao, emphasized that volunteerism is open to everyone. She noted that people can contribute through their โtime, skills, networks, and resources,โ while stressing the importance of listening to communities and allowing local voices to guide solutions.
The corporate sector also shared its experiences in sustaining volunteerism within organizations. Ms. Maria Zarah C. Hernandez of Metrobank Foundation โ Purple Hearts Club and Ms. Phoebelyn M. Carrea of the Philippine Coalition on Volunteerism, Inc. and Telus Philippines emphasized that volunteerism grows from values, trust, partnerships, meaningful stories, and consistency.
From the government sector, Alliza Joy C. Castillo-Enciso of the Department of JusticeโParole and Probation Administration explained how volunteerism supports rehabilitation, reintegration, restorative justice, and community development. She cited programs such as the Volunteer Probation Assistant initiative, Gender and Development training, and Alternative Learning System services.
Meanwhile, Ar. Jason Roi Bucton of the City Planning and Development Office of Gingoog City stressed that volunteerism should not be limited to one-time activities. He described it as โa way of life and a culture of active citizenshipโ and identified the roles of local governments as initiators, mobilizers, capacity builders, facilitators, and institutionalizers.
In his closing message, CCCDO President Dr. Jestoni P. Babia emphasized that volunteerism can transform individuals, institutions, and communities. He encouraged participants to make volunteerism part of their daily lives and continue working together across sectors.
Hosted by, Ms. Kyle Chan Robles, the event ultimately encapsulated insights from various speakers emphasizing that every act of service matters and that volunteerism, strengthened by partnerships and sustained collective action, can drive meaningful and lasting community development.
