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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House OKs measure promoting volunteerism

House OKs measure promoting volunteerism

Published Aug 25, 2020 07:06 pm

The House of Representatives has approved on final reading another bill aimed at encouraging volunteerism among Filipinos as a strategy for national development.

With 243 affirmative votes and no one dissenting, the Lower Chamber passed House Bill No. 6555  which seeks to institutionalize the Philippine National Volunteer Awards Program.

The PNVAP will recognize volunteer individuals and organizations at the national level for their exemplary dedication to serving and helping people and communities and outstanding contribution to the nation’s overall progress.

Authored by Reps. Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba (Bukidnon Paglaum Party) and Jorge Bustos (PATROL Partylist), HB 6555 was endorsed for plenary approval by the House Committee on People’s Participation chaired by San Jose del Monte Rep. Rida Robes.

Robes was also the author of House Bill 6091 or the Emergency Volunteer Protection Act that frees volunteers in natural and man-made calamities from any liability for unintended harm committed  on persons and property.

Robes said Filipinos have the “fire of volunteerism deep inside them” but they should be protected against charges and legal harm for acts of  omissions committed while performing their duties.

HB 6555 will amend Republic Act 9418, otherwise known as the Volunteer Act of 2007.

The bill proposes the conferment of the National Outstanding Volunteer Award by the Office of the President for outstanding achievements of groups and individuals in volunteer services.

It also declares December as the National Volunteer Month.

Robes said HB 6555 emphasizes the need to institutionalize volunteerism under the National Volunteer Service Program as a collaborative undertaking of various private and government groups to support national development. 

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