VOLUNTEER CHAMPION 2022: ASPIRE TO INSPIRE WITH LAICA BAGNES, YOUTH FOR YOUTH CO-FOUNDER

Every year, iVolunteer recognizes outstanding volunteers as iVolunteer Champions. These Champions were selected because they exemplify the organization’s core values of Integrity, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Nationalism, and Change Leadership. The Volunteer Champion blog series is a way to showcase the volunteer journey of these inspiring individuals. Our 2022 iVolunteer Champion for Integrity is Laica Bagnes, a […]

Volunteer Champion 2020: Building Communities and Reshaping Lives with Tatay Anton

Starting 2020, iVolunteer annually celebrates the International Volunteer Day by recognizing exceptional volunteers called the iVolunteer Champions. These are individuals who’ve made extraordinary contributions in their advocacies and they embody iVolunteer’s core values: Integrity, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Nationalism and Change Leadership. Each of them is a living proof that everyday heroes do exist. The 2020 iVolunteer […]

Volunteer Champion: Empowering The Youth with Mirus Ponon, Youth Advocates for the Philippines’ Founder

Since 2020, iVolunteer has been recognizing Volunteer Champions who exemplify the organization’s core values: Integrity, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Nationalism, and Change Leadership. These volunteer champions are reminders that even in the worst of circumstances, there is always a reason to be positive. The 2020 iVolunteer Volunteer Champion for Change Leadership is Emmanuel Mirus Ponon, a 21-year-old […]

The Volunteer Mindset

Part of my hesitation to volunteer has been self-doubt. Why do I want to volunteer? What do I really think about getting from the experience? I mean, why am I even writing this piece? What got me to cave in was the thought that as long as I am contributing something, it wouldn’t matter what […]

Volunteer Champion 2020: Keeping Hope Alive with Ruel Visca

Volunteer Champions are ordinary individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary contributions to their advocacies. Since 2020, iVolunteer has been recognizing Volunteer Champions who embody the organization’s core values: Integrity, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Nationalism and Change Leadership. The 2020 Volunteer Champions, the pioneer batch, represent hope amidst the chaos of the pandemic. They are proof that even in […]

Volunteer Champion 2020: Promoting Peace With Cristian Romeo, Mindanaon Youth Leader

Through the search for Volunteer Champions, iVolunteer aims to recognize the efforts of volunteers who have made a positive impact in the community while adhering to the organization’s core values: Integrity, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Nationalism, and Change Leadership. Despite the COVID-19 crisis, our 2020 Volunteer Champions stepped up to make a positive difference in their communities. […]

Volunteer Champion: Changing Mindsets with Niniay, Muslim Youth Leader

Now on its second year, iVolunteer’s Volunteer Champion Awards aim to recognize young individuals who make extraordinary contributions to the communities that they serve. These champions embody iVolunteer’s 5 core values: Integrity, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Nationalism and Change Leadership. Their stories are a source of inspiration for everyone. They represent hope where there seems to be […]

Volunteer Champion: Pursuing Passion with Sobina Yu, Hiraya Manawari Founder

iVolunteer—in its quest to strengthen volunteerism in the Philippines—annually recognizes youth volunteers who make extraordinary contributions. They are called Volunteer Champions because they exemplify iVolunteer’s core values: Integrity, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Nationalism and Change Leadership. These individuals are young in years but rich in meaningful experience. The third instalment in the Volunteer Champion series will show […]

Volunteer Champion: Getting to Know John Mauro Manuel, Founder of I-SAVED

Volunteer champions are ordinary individuals who make extraordinary contributions in their advocacies. The search for Volunteer Champions—now on its second year—is an annual event organized by iVolunteer Philippines. It’s an avenue to recognize and appreciate volunteers who exemplify the organization’s core values: Integrity, Professionalism, Inclusivity, Nationalism and Change Leadership. John Mauro Manuel, a 30-year-old teacher […]

DestiNASYON: Finding One’s Advocacy and Volunteering In Time of Crisis

Every volunteer has a story to tell and iVolunteer Philippines have shared some of these wonderful narratives in many different ways over the years. This time, we are highlighting the journey of our volunteer staff through the lens of our #MagkaJuanGawa campaign; which invites everyone to catch a glimpse of how our own staff were able to find the means and the time to channel their professional or personal background into their respective roles in iVolunteer, and of course, talk about what volunteering meant for them over the course of their journey.

What Makes an Everyday Hero?

Bilang pakikiisa sa ika-121 na Araw ng Kalayaan, nais ihandog ng iVolunteer Philipines ang ilan sa mga natatanging indibidwal na nakasama namin at nagsilbing inspirasyon para sa kanilang mga kasamahan. Sila yung kung tawagin namin ay “Everyday Heroes.” Mga ordinaryong tao na gumagawa ng mga simpleng bagay nang boluntaryo at walang hinihinging kapalit.

Joyce Armillo: “Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things”

It didn’t happen in an instance. I just let myself enjoy every volunteer opportunity that I joined. I never closed myself to learning new things and discovering a new culture.

Jasmine Salem: “Go Back to Your Why and Cling to It”

Start with your why. Why are you volunteering? Find the purpose within and cling to it. Whenever you have doubts, or tired of doing what you do, always go back to that why.

Animal Rescue PH: “We Are an Independent Solo Rescuer”

Upon mention, you might be inclined to imagine that they are a huge and well-funded org. However, as Luzviminda would passionately describe, they’re far from an ideal NGO that we see on digital media and print.

The Perfect Sopas: Ang Karinderia ni Mang Urot

Rainy days are starting to set in. Panahon nanaman ng mga payong, bota, kapote, ulan, bagyo at baha. At panahon na din ng mga bangkang papel at syempre – ng mainit na sopas ni nanay.