Search for ARMM outstanding volunteers on

The Annual Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) is now ongoing in the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao.The search is an annual undertaking of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) through the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), an agency tasked to oversee volunteerism activities in the country.

In the ARMM, the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) is the lead agency and chairman of the Regional Search Committee (RSC) for the Regional Search for Outstanding Volunteers.

The SOV intends to encourage individuals and organizations that play a vital role in development thru volunteerism, offering their services without expecting any financial gain.

December of every year is the National Volunteer Month that aims to highlight and recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to service of volunteers in building strong communities across the country.

“Their personal commitment of time, effort and resources is a valuable contribution to the improvement of the quality of life of other people,” said Ms. Alia Raida Macaumbos of the RPDO- ARMM, who is also the head secretariat of the Regional Search Committee.

The search is open to all volunteers who have been engaging in volunteer activities or work without compensation or self-interest but contribute time, services and even resources to a non-profit cause that is beneficial to others.

The autonomous region has been participating in this undertaking for the last four years now since 2002. The regional winners will receive certificates of recognition and will be the official nominees for the national search in December.

The Regional Search Committee is composed of Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) as chairman, Commission on Higher Education (CHED-ARMM), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-ARMM) and Bureau of Public Information (BPI-ARMM) as members.

The search covers all residents of the region and individuals with sub-categories such as adult and youth. Another category is for organizations that provide voluntary service in the autonomous region.

The search for Outstanding Volunteers was conceptualized through Executive Order No. 635 creating the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency. Deadline for submission of nomination will be on or before August 18, 2006 for the regional level and September 2006 for national level. (BPI-ARMM)