Volunteers urged to support development initiatives
MANILA -- The countryʼs chief economist on Thursday called for the participation of volunteers on the response to disasters and other immediate needs, as well as on development programs and agenda.
“In times of disasters, volunteerism is always at the front line, ensuring that help is available to meet the urgent needs on the ground,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia
said during the 55th anniversary of Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).
He said the volunteer sector provides support to other target groups, including basic social services and technical assistance to marginalized communities.
Pernia, Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority, also underscored the potential and opportunities for volunteerism brought about by global convergence, innovative technologies, and new social structures.
“In fact, PNVSCA’s partnership with international and foreign volunteer service organizations, as I have mentioned 30 of them, facilitated the convergence of people in a borderless world, and promoted technical cooperation and global understanding,” he said.
Pernia further said it is also imperative for the volunteer sector to actively collaborate with the government in the country’s development programs and agenda as stipulated under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.
These programs are those related to poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, food security, gender equality, responsive governance, peacebuilding, and other development agenda, he added.