Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No,_§712

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT
GRANTING DAILY ALLOWANCE TO SERVICE VOLUNTEERS DURING
PERIOD OF DISASTERS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Disasters strike in every comer of the world. These events are often unexpected by their
very nature, leaving a person, more often than not, devoid of any preparation. When a disaster
strikes, the situation has the potential to create chaos and confusion.

Be that as it may, as Filipinos, we take pride in our values of helping each other and
working together towards a common goal. The virtue of bayanihan or damayan (volunteerism) is
deeply rooted in us, and it continues to manifest in present times.

Volunteerism is defined as the principle of donating time and energy for the benefit of
other people in the community as a social responsibility rather than for any financial reward.
Volunteering clearly doesn’t involve any remuneration. Its nature and essence, in fact, relates to
the human need of helping others and advocate social causes. The purpose, therefore, is for a
Person to give his own contribution for the greater good.

While public service, not financial aggrandizement, is the lone and primordial
consideration of volunteerism, it is a fitting tribute to the service/community volunteers to
recognize their valuable support in the community by providing them with an allowance while
rendering valuable assistance to the people in times of disasters.

Thus, the passage of this bill is eamnestly requested.

Coax Sone Ata


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representutives

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.__6712

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT
GRANTING DAILY ALLOWANCE TO SERVICE VOLUNTEERS DURIN'
PERIOD OF DISASTERS

Be it enacted by the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines in
Congress Assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. — This act shall be known as the “Volunteer Allowance Act of
2020.”

Section 2. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:

a. Disaster ~ refers to any hazardous event, crisis or condition which may or may not be
foreseen, and which creates chaos, confusion and destruction of lives and property.

b. Government Agency ~ refers to any office or subdivision of the government that is
tasked to address the impacts of likely, imminent or current hazard events or
conditions.

c. Volunteer ~ refers to a person who is of legal age and who possesses the requisite
knowledge and skills required to help alleviate the chaos and adverse effects wrought
by the unexpected disaster, condition or calamity.

Section 3. Amount of Allowance. — There is hereby established a daily allowance for
community/service volunteers in the amount of FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (Php 500.00).


Section 4. Who are entitled to a Daily Allowance. — Any service volunteer shall be
entitled to the said allowance provided that he/she has been duly accredited by the appropriate
government agency/ies that is/are primarily tasked to address the subject disaster, calamity or
condition.

Section 5. Source of Funds. — The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
appropriated from the national budget as may be necessary for each fiscal year.

Section 6. Rules and Regulations. — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM),
in coordination with the concerned government agencies, shall issue the necessary rules and
regulations to implement this Act.

Section 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive issuances, rules and
regulations contrary or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.

Section 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.