To strengthen the spirit of volunteerism and enhance the capacity of the volunteers, the UPOU Ugnayan ng Pahinungód organized a full-day training event entitled “Volunteerism 101: Pahinungód Volunteer Capacity-Building and Training” on 16 August 2025, Saturday at the Centennial Center for Digital Learning (CCDL) Auditorium, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna.
The training brought together both new and continuing Pahinungód volunteers, equipping them with a deeper understanding of volunteerism, its principles, and ethical foundations. Designed to promote reflective and engaged volunteer service, the event also provided practical insights on the fundamentals of volunteerism, digital facilitation, project management, and community development.
The program began with the opening remarks delivered by Prof. Joane V. Serrano, PhD, Chancellor of UPOU. Chancellor Serrano emphasized the role of volunteers in advancing the university’s public service mission and building sustainable communities. She reminded the participants of the true meaning and purpose of volunteerism, “Ang bolunterismo ay higit pa sa pagtulong, ito ay pakikiisa at pagiging kaagapay ng komunidad, nakikinig, nakikibahagi, at kumikilos para sa makabuluhang pagbabago … Sa Pahinungod naniniwala tayo na ang bawat hakbang kahit gaano kaliit ay may malaking epekto sa ating komunidad at sa buhay ng iba.”
To set the tone and align the expectations, the Pahinungód staff facilitated an expectation-setting session with both online and onsite participants. The first activity, titled “Find your VFF (Volunteer Friend Forever)!” was designed to help volunteers get to know each other better in a fun and engaging way. Meanwhile, the second part allowed the volunteers to reflect on their expectations of themselves, their co-volunteers, the resource speakers and facilitators, and the training itself. Through these interactive sessions, the volunteers were encouraged to connect and build camaraderie.
Understanding Volunteerism: History, Principles, and Practice
The first topic, “Fundamentals of Volunteerism” was presented by Asst. Prof. Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe, Director of the UPOU Office of Gender Concerns. She provided a comprehensive discussion on the foundational concepts, historical background, and ethical principles that guide volunteerism. Her session aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of the value and impact of volunteer work across various contexts, including disaster response, community development, education, and environmental conservation.
To make the session more engaging and reflective, Asst. Prof. Jarabe facilitated an interactive activity that encouraged participants to reflect on the meaning of volunteerism in their own lives. They were given time to think about their personal motivations and responsibilities, identify their strengths and areas for growth, and consider how volunteering can serve as a pathway for personal and professional improvement.
Building Confidence in Online Volunteering: Key Skills in Digital Facilitation
The afternoon sessions focused on practical skill-building. Asst. Prof. Lloyd Lyndel P. Simporios, Secretary to the Faculty of the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), facilitated the discussion on Digital Facilitation. He opened his session with a self-assessment activity to gauge the volunteers’ confidence and readiness in digital facilitation.
To equip the volunteers with the necessary skills needed for managing online activities, he introduced the essential competencies for effective digital facilitation. This includes strategies for engaging online learners, utilizing digital tools to enhance communication and coordination, and maintaining ethical standards in virtual settings. His session was both informative and practical, providing the participants with approaches they can immediately apply in their tasks as Pahinungod volunteers.
Designing with Purpose: Project Management in Community Development
The last session talked about Project Management and Community Development. Assoc. Prof. Finaflor Taylan, Dean of UPOU FMDS, walked the volunteers through the key phases of project management – planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation within the context of community development. Her presentation emphasized the importance of thoughtful project design that is grounded in the needs and goals of the community. She highlighted the critical roles of volunteers not only as providers of solutions but as facilitators of empowerment: “Volunteers do not empower community; they facilitate their empowerment.” She also reminded the Pahinungod volunteers to always work with the belief that genuine “social change is not imposed but is directed by the people.”
The training concluded with the closing remarks from Director Larry Cruz of Ugnayan ng Pahinungód. He expressed the team’s appreciation for the volunteers’ unwavering commitment to answering the call of Oblation. He emphasized that “Volunteerism is not only about giving your time and effort; it is about giving hope, showing up, and standing alongside communities – whether online or onsite.”
This event, “Volunteerism 101: Pahinungód Volunteer Capacity-Building and Training,” was filled with meaningful learning, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to the values that define the Pahinungód spirit. As we move forward, the Pahinungód staff and volunteers carry with them the powerful reminder that, “Hindi lamang tayo tumutulong, tayo ay nakikipagtulungan sa mga komunidad.” This encapsulates the true essence of volunteerism, that it is not just about helping, but working hand in hand with communities to create lasting, positive change. With strengthened skills, deeper understanding, and inspired hearts, the volunteers are now equipped to serve and facilitate the empowerment of the communities they support, embodying the genuine spirit of Pahinungód in every step they take.
The event is in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Written by Iarra Mae D. de Silva ♦ Edited by: Larry N. Cruz
