Volunteerism contributes P44.5B in PH’s GDP

CEBU CITY – Volunteerism contributes about 44.5B in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Region VII citing a study in 2009 from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

NEDA-7 and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) mounted the 1^st Central Visayas Volunteerism Exhibit 2024 on September 27 at the Seaview Wing Atrium, SM Seaside, Cebu City with more than 200 participants from some of the local government units (LGUs) here, regional line agencies (RLAs), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), civil society organizations, private sector and higher educational institutions.

“The opportunity to be able to volunteer is actually one of the aspirations of the Filipinos as captured in our long-term collective vision for ourselves and for our country - the Ambisyon Natin 2040, of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay” NEDA-7 regional director Jennifer Bretana talked about the value of volunteerism in her opening message during the event.

Bretana mentioned another study from the UN Volunteers in 2019 that governments recognize volunteers for its contribution as critical partners, whose inputs are essential development priorities; as innovators who bring new perspectives and ideas to the table and of their voluntary actions that strengthen the ability to reach the farthest behind first.

PNVSCA executive director, Donald James Gawe, in his keynote address told his audience that Volunteerism brings out the best in humanity by allowing people to offer their time, skills, and resources in the service of others. “Through volunteerism, we nurture the values of compassion, empathy, and civic duty-values that are essential in building a more resilient and inclusive society,” he said.

Gawe commended NEDA-7 for putting up the very first volunteerism exhibit in Central Visayas and also the first in the country.  He said that volunteerism is not just about the act of giving. It is about the sense of ownership, responsibility, and solidarity that binds people together as citizens.

“The path to a better world cannot be built on passive hope alone. Real change requires collective action, and volunteers are at the forefront of this effort. Their work brings hope to life and transforms it into tangible, positive change within communities. Volunteers are the hands that lift, the hearts that care, and the voices that inspire action,” Gawe said.

About 15 partner government agencies, schools and universities, volunteers’ organizations and students were on hand to exhibit their respective products, services and programs for volunteerism where the students and other and walk-in participants inquired on the process of volunteerism.

At the Couch Conversation, foreign and local volunteers from Cebu, Bohol, NegOr and Siquijor shared their experiences and challenges they encounter while doing volunteer work.  They spoke of a common bond and the sense of bayanihan, hospitality and grateful attitude among Filipinos.  

“As we look towards the future, it is imperative that we continue to inspire more citizens and organizations to take an active role in their communities. Volunteerism, in essence, is the very embodiment of bayanihan--the collective effort of Filipinos to help one another in times of need. This spirit of unity and cooperation is what will drive us forward in our pursuit of sustainable development and progress,” Gawe concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)