Tarlac State University (TSU), through its Office of University Extension Services (OUES), marked this year’s International Volunteer Day with a forum titled "Building a Strong Volunteer Community," held on December 5, 2024, at the TSU Alumni Center, Villa Lucinda Campus.
The event gathered a group of participants, including students, faculty, staff, and international volunteers, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at advancing the spirit of volunteerism.
The forum was a joint effort, featuring the participation of volunteers from prominent organizations such as the US Peace Corps and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). These groups played a key role in the discussions and activities that unfolded throughout the day.
In the morning session, students from various TSU student organizations were warmly welcomed by Mr. Ronnie A. Dungo, Executive Secretary of TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco.
Ms. Fely Baday, a representative of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), shared an inspiring message emphasizing the importance of volunteerism in national development. While Mr. Roberto Yangco, Program Manager for the US Peace Corps, also addressed the participants with a motivational speech, underscoring the value of volunteer-driven initiatives.
The morning's session featured engaging group activities, fostering interaction and teamwork among the students. Participants enjoyed interactive games and discussions centered on the significance of volunteerism. They also engaged in collaborative efforts, creating vision and mission statements for integrating volunteerism into their respective student organizations. This exercise allowed students to align their group goals with community service, identifying concrete volunteer activities that would support their organizational mission.
The afternoon session, which catered to teaching and non-teaching personnel of the university, was opened by Engr. Joshua Jay E. Jetomo, representing Vice President Dr. Erwin P. Lacanlale.
A diverse group of TSU employees participated in a variety of activities designed to deepen their understanding of volunteerism. The session began with a relaxing "no-sweat yoga" session, which emphasized balance—a theme that resonated with the forum’s focus on the equilibrium needed for both effective volunteering and personal well-being.
Following the yoga session, discussions centered on inclusivity in volunteerism, focusing on raising awareness of disability and the need for accessible opportunities for all.
The session also featured an art activity titled "Common Vision in Volunteering," where participants creatively illustrated how their unique skills and professions could contribute to a unified vision of volunteerism.
This collaborative art project highlighted the power of diverse perspectives in shaping a shared future for volunteerism at TSU.
Engr. Emir Lenard S.F. Sicangco, the TSU Volunteer Focal Person and OUES Director, provided the closing remarks, thanking all participants for their contributions and reiterating the event’s focus on unity, creativity, and the collective strength of volunteers.
The event was a significant milestone in TSU’s ongoing commitment to fostering volunteerism and community engagement. It underscored the vital role of collaboration between local and international volunteers, as well as across various sectors of the university, in advancing initiatives that support TSU’s mission of community empowerment and societal progress.
