Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7921

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Service volunteers are the lifeblood of any relief and/or rescue operations following disasters and
emergencies. Local government units rely on the contributions of service volunteers on times of
‘emergencies to augment their limited workforce.

Filipinos take both joy and pride in extending help to their kababayans. The concept of
volunteerism is deeply ingrained in the consciousness of Filipinos. Volunteerism is rooted from
the practice of Bayanihan during the early Filipino society. Bayanihan is a system of mutual help
and concern which was the backbone of family and village life throughout the Philippine
archipelago. The virtue of Bayanihan is what compels Filipinos to extend aid to their neighbors in
times of calamities, disasters and such.

Whilst volunteers extend their help to communities without any expectation of any reward or
remuneration, I believe it is appropriate that we show gratitude to volunteers for devoting their
time to the service of their communities.

Moreover, this is also founded in the belief that disaster response is primarily the responsibility of
the State and as much as volunteers are appreciated, the fulfillment of these activities must not
be banked on them.

In this end, this proposed measure aims to provide allowances to service volunteers, as a token
of appreciation for the service they provide. In the same way, the provision of allowances could
also allow agencies to employ people to aid in disaster response, should they need more people
for such activities.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.

1YRA 4 filha
id District, Parafiaque City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7921

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

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

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This act shall be known as the "Volunteer Allowance Act”.
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,