Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House Bill No. 3134

Introduced by Representative Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The nationwide advocacy efforts and consultations conducted by the
Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), following
the enactment of the law in 2007, attest to the desire of different sectors to
collaborate and harmonize their volunteering efforts for local and national
development, as called for in RA 9418. It is in this context of partnership between
and among the key players in volunteerism that the proposal for strengthening
policies, programs, and systems is anchored, including areas which were not
considered in the existing provisions of the law.

The "National Volunteer Service Program" (NVSP) is invoked in the
mandates of the said Agency but not defined in the law. However, we believe that
the scope of the NVSP needs to be reviewed and defined in the context of
PNVSCA- coordinated volunteer programs, other government volunteer
programs, and private sector volunteer programs.

RA 9418 only encourages program implementers to provide volunteers
with recognition and incentive package. And to operationalize the goal "to provide
a conducive and enabling environment for volunteers and volunteer service
organizations by setting mechanisms to protect volunteers’ rights and privileges,
and give due recognition to highlight their roles and contributions to society,”
the law must mandate certain responsibilities and commitments by agencies
and organizations implementing volunteer programs.

It is also important to address concerns over the implementation of
volunteer programs which entail costs for projects and activities, volunteer
support and operational management. At present, there is an inadequate human


and financial resources to effectively implement the mandates of PNVSCA since
RA 9418 does not provide the source of funding for volunteer programs.

‘The essence of this amendatory bill is to institutionalize volunteerism as
an strategy, not only for rural development but also for national development,
and in support to international commitment to volunteerism.

This Bill was also approved on Third Reading in the previous 17%
Congress. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this Bill is earnestly sought.

First District, Bukidnon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill NO. 3134

Introduced by Rep. Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING VOLUNTEERISM AS A STRATEGY FOR
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND AS A DOMAIN OF PEOPLE'S
PARTICIPATION, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 12 OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9418 OR "THE VOLUNTEER
ACT OF 2019"

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled.

SECTION 1. Section 12 of Republic Act No. 9418 is hereby amended to include
the following which shall be read as follows:

“SEC. 12. Special Provisions.

xxx xx xxx

F). Institutionalization of the Philippine National Volunteer

Awards Program (PNVAP) Comprising of a National Volunteer
award and a Local Volunteer Award.

(i) The National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA) shall be
conferred by the President of the Philippines to recognize the
exemplary contributions, dedication to service and
achievements of individuals and organizations in uplifting the
lives of peoples and communities through volunteerism.


The Conferment shall be in accordance with such ceremonies
as may be prescribed by the rules and regulations to be
promulgated hereinafter. The Philippine National Volunteer
Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) shall implement the
PNVAP.

The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this
act shall be charged against those authorized in the
current and subsequent general appropriations acts.

(ii) The Local Outstanding Volunteer Award (LOVA) shall also
be established in recognition of the significant contributions
of volunteer individuals and groups in the development of their
respective communities.

The LOVA shall be implemented by the Local Government Unit
(LGU) and the award shall be conferred by the respective Local
Chief Executive.

The funds necessary for the implementation of the LOVA shall
be sourced from the budget of the concerned LGU.

(iii) The PNVSCA, in consultation with its Multi-Sectoral
Advisory Body (MSAB) and other concerned agencies and
organizations shall formulate the guidelines in the
implementation of the PNVAP.”

SEC. 2. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,