For the University of the Philippines (UP), volunteerism is crucial in nurturing civic engagement and strengthening community spirit among UP students and their partners. With COVID-19, students may now organize meaningful volunteering projects with safety and program concerns in place.
The UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Office of Student Financial Assistance, and Ugnayan ng Pahinungod organized the One for All: Summit on Student Volunteering and Social Responsibility on 25 October 2021. The summit determined policies, practices, and other actions that can support the meaningful and safe conduct of volunteering by UP students.
The different CU offices in charge of Student Affairs and Activities participated in the online event with the National Service Training Program (NSTP), National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC), and Ugnayan ng Pahinungod offices across eight CUs. The summit took stock of procedures, protocols, and practices that the CU offices implemented to encourage volunteering and assist student volunteers.
Discussions highlighted areas where Student Affairs, Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, NSTP, and NSRC units can work together to nurture volunteerism among UP students even during COVID-19. With many offices supporting student volunteers, the summit presented an opportunity for future joint activities and conversations on student volunteerism and the vocation to serve.
(This article was first published in the UP System Website on November 24, 2021)