Reposted from http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2301438832004/rsc-12-endorses-four-nominees-for-sov-2015–national-level

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug. 6 (PIA)— The Regional Search Committee 12 headed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 12 announced yesterday the endorsement of four volunteer- entries to the national Search for Outstanding Volunteers 2015.

Arturo G. Valero, regional director of NEDA 12 and chairman of the RSC 12 noted that documents of the nominees will be sent to the SOV- National Selection Committee for review and assessment to determine national awardees.

The nominees in SOCCSKSARGEN Region include three groups for the organization category and one youth for the individual- youth category.

Under the organization category, nominees include KABALIKAT Radio Communicators Blinker Base of Banga, South Cotabato which is a group of radio enthusiasts providing communication assistance to local celebrations, activities and monitoring of untoward incidents not only in Banga but also to neighboring towns.

Lake Sebu Indigenous Women Weavers Association, Inc. (LASIWWAI) of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, a group of T’Boli women who champions women empowerment and promotes T’Boli culture through T’nalak weaving was also nominated along with the Midsayap Habitat for Humanity in Midsayap, North Cotabato, an organization bringing people together to build homes and a peace-loving community as a whole.

Meanwhile, John Oliver Tablazon, a youth volunteer based in the areas of General Santos City and Sarangani Province is the nominee under the individual- youth category. Tablazon, a nurse, pushes for Lumad children’s access to basic education as well as puts forward nutrition and sanitation to the tribesmen of the hinterlands.

In his message during the presentation and final review of the of the SOV 2015 Region 12 nominees on Wednesday, Valero emphasized the importance of the search as means of highlighting the works and efforts of simple people doing exemplary jobs for the welfare of the people especially for those undeserved and unprivileged individuals.

“Volunteer individuals need to be recognized as their efforts are selfless doing their jobs without asking anything in return,” Valero noted adding that the search will not only highlight the volunteers but is also an avenue in promoting volunteerism to other individuals and groups.

On the other hand, Valero thanked the members of the SOV 2015- Technical Working Group, who according to him also became volunteers in the duration of the search. He also expressed appreciation for the volunteers who uncovered their stories in the plight of showing that Region 12 has humanitarian individuals who are of service to the people. (SJDuerme-PIA12)