Koronadal City, South Cotabato – The Regional Search Committee (RSC) XII launched the annual Search for Outstanding Volunteer (SOV) during its first meeting on August 9, 2022 with an announcement that NEDA XII as the secretariat of the RSC is now accepting nominations for the three categories namely, individual, organization and special award for LGU. During the same meeting, RSC also adopted the guidelines for the search, and the work plan for the SOV to culminate in awarding of the winners in December 2022 during the National Volunteers Month.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Teresita Socorro C. Ramos and Chairperson of the RSC-SOV XII convened the Committee that was duly attended by the members from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Private Sector Representative Jose Ronie V. Mondragon.

The Committee also announced the eligibility requirements for nomination. Under the youth category, he or she must be 18 to 30 years old while for adult category, he or she must be at least 31 years old at the time of submission of nomination. Organizations must have provided volunteer assistance consistently and continuously for the last five years and must be registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or other duly recognized accrediting government institution. Meanwhile, LGUs should have been implementing volunteer program in local governance for at least four years. Nomination can be done either by another individual or organization or through self-nomination.

It was also announced during the meeting that nomination forms may be downloaded at www.pnvsca.gov.ph or to contact NEDA XII at (083) 228 9203 or email them at nedaxii@nro12.neda.gov.ph or drd@nro12.neda.gov.ph for more information. The nomination forms may be submitted via the same email addresses or personally delivered to NEDA XII Regional Office on or before September 15.

Presidential Proclamation No. 55, s.1998 mandates the annual celebration of the National Volunteer Month. This is in recognition of outstanding volunteer work of Filipino volunteers and volunteer organization for their exemplary performance and achievement in empowering communities towards nation-building. (Evie A Cabulanan, NEDA XII-DRD)