The Volunteerism Story Writing Contest open to undergraduate college students who have completed or are currently taking the National Service Training Program (NSTP).

To engage the Filipino youth in sharing the contributions of volunteers in different communities across the country, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will conduct a Volunteerism Story Writing Contest open to undergraduate college students who have completed or are currently taking the National Service Training Program (NSTP).

With the theme “Volunteerism for Sustainable Development”, the contest serves as a timely platform to highlight and promote volunteerism as a strategy in the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is also in support of the Philippines’ commitment to the global development priorities.

Each participant shall choose one SDG and write a feature article on an individual or group/organization whose volunteer work is aligned with the achievement of the chosen SDG. One winner will be selected in each region to help showcase the volunteering stories in different areas of the country.

“With the students’ participation in the NSTP and in other extension activities, they have been exposed to volunteerism at the local level. They can help showcase the diverse experiences and accomplishments of volunteers whose services are geared towards community development and empowerment,” said PNVSCA Executive Director Joselito C. De Vera.

As a member of PNVSCA’s Multi-Sectoral Advisory Body (MSAB) and the National Volunteer Month Steering Committee (NVM-SC), CHED plays an important role in promoting volunteerism in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Engr. Ronaldo Liveta, Director of CHED’s Office of Student Development Services, assured CHED’s continued commitment to advocating volunteerism for development through collaborative projects and activities such as the story writing contest involving the HEIs.

Entries can be submitted to PNVSCA and will be accepted until 31 August 2016. Regional winners will be announced through the Agency’s website in November and will receive PhP 3,000 each.

Information on the contest mechanics and entry forms can be found and downloaded at www.pnvsca.gov.ph and the PNVSCA Facebook page. Interested participants may also contact PNVSCA at info@pnvsca.gov.ph and (02) 277 7389.