Search for Outstanding Volunteers now open for nominations

The 2013 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) is now open for nominations. All individuals of Filipino citizenship, Filipino volunteer organizations and local chapters of foreign volunteer organizations that currently provide volunteer assistance in the Philippines are eligible to participate.

The SOV recognizes the exemplary performance and dedication of Filipino volunteers as they build strong communities across the country.

Since 2001, the Search had given honor and recognition to 101 volunteers and volunteer organizations who initiated and/or assisted development projects in different sectors nationwide. They serve as models whose contributions to society are considered best practices in volunteerism.

The Award categories are (1) the National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA) for outstanding volunteer individuals and organizations, including corporate volunteering initiatives; and (2) the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA) for those who have engaged in consistent volunteering activities for at least 25 years and attained national status and recognition in the field of volunteerism.

Individuals and organizations with special contribution to volunteerism and have made a difference in the history of Philippine volunteering are also recognized through Special Citations.

Nominations from the National Capital Region (NCR) must be submitted to the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), those from the regions to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Offices and those from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO).

The deadline for submission of nominations is on August 23. Nomination forms are available at PNVSCA, NEDA Regional Offices and the ARMM-RPDO and can be downloaded from their websites.

For more information, contact Kenneth C. Siruelo, PNVSCA at (632) 381-0559 / (632) 435-7999; email: info@pnvsca.gov.ph or visit www.pnvsca.gov.ph.